The biggest expense in building a fiber network is labor. In its 2023 Fiber Deployment Cost Survey, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) found that, on average, labor made up around 67% of aerial deployment costs and 73% of underground build costs. Previous studies by Corning and others have also identified labor as comprising the vast majority of cost in a fiber deployment.
For small to mid-sized providers, labor is the biggest risk in network construction, especially when it comes to finding skilled fiber technicians. The 2024 FBA/RVA Small & Mid-sized Provider Study identified the availability of outside and inside labor as a significant constraint to growth, with small providers estimating they could have built 7% more in 2024 if they had the people they needed. For a smaller provider, 7% more homes connected is 7% more average revenue per month to pay the bills and invest in expansion, not to mention satisfying customer demand for faster fiber connectivity.
At Clearfield, we recognized from day one that installing fiber faster requires constant investment and innovation. The process starts with the design and manufacturing of our products in Minnesota and across the United States, enabling us to build our products locally, and develop new ones in a steady and forward-looking fashion.
We use two principles for creating our products. Labor lite is a field-engineered product design methodology that simplifies fiber installation and maintenance, while a craft friendly approach means creating intuitive product designs that lead to easier, faster installation and less need for skilled labor.
We also recognize that technicians need to be grounded in the fundamentals of fiber to best use our products. To prepare the next generation of fiber professionals, Clearfield built the Clearfield College series of training programs and its upward track of certification programs. This service to our customers, community, and industry is imperative to the core of Clearfield’s commitment to connecting everyone with high-speed broadband.
For use both in the classroom and in the field, we provide the BILT app, the industry’s first 3D interactive installation instruction tool. BILT, which runs on any Apple or Android device, provides technicians with a step-by-step guide to learning about and installing Clearfield products with audio, text, and animated images that can be rotated 360 degrees and zoomed. Installation steps can be replayed instantly, and the app loads all the information directly onto the device, making it available in the field without needing broadband connectivity.
We’re also here to help in person, because we know sometimes the human touch is the best solution. Clearfield can provide its applications engineering team for consultative support. We can be there at the first installation to provide on-site support or whenever you need additional assistance with our products and getting your customers connected.
Last, but not least, Clearfield is on a long-term journey with you to provide continued innovation and insight for building and maintaining your fiber network. We’re always exploring new ways to improve our products and processes to simplify fiber installation and maintenance as you continue to grow your business in the months and years ahead. Let’s innovate together!
Ready to enhance your fiber broadband technology? Clearfield is here to help.
Clearfield’s Chief Marketing Officer, Anis Khemakhem, is deeply passionate about technology, particularly in advancing fiber optics and telecommunications solutions. Throughout his career, he has consistently focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve connectivity and enhance digital access across various sectors. His executive experience - including leadership positions at Clearfield, Amphenol and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies - demonstrates his executive engagement capabilities and capacity to handle complex, multi-stakeholder projects.