Bhutan Optical Cable Construction

Bhutan's optical cable construction relies on co-deployment with power infrastructure, use of OPGW and ADSS cables, and strategic planning to overcome mountainous terrain and ensure nationwide connectivity.

Co-

Deployment with Power InfrastructureA key principle in Bhutan is the integration of optical fiber deployment with existing electricity transmission lines. Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cables are installed on high-voltage transmission lines, serving both as grounding and communication channels. This approach reduces the need for separate civil works, minimizes environmental impact, and leverages existing rights-of-way for efficient network expansion.

Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) and Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) have coordinated to maintain and lease these fibers, ensuring operational efficiency and equitable access for multiple service providers.

Use of Cable Types

Bhutan employs two main types of optical cables: OPGW (Optical Ground Wire): Installed on high-voltage transmission lines, providing both grounding and high-speed communication capabilities.

ADS

S (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cables: Used for distribution networks and access networks, particularly in rural areas and on distribution poles below 33 kV.

ADS

S cables are lightweight, self-supporting, and do not require metallic support, making them suitable for Bhutan's rugged terrain.

Network Planning and Mapping

Optical cable construction in Bhutan follows precise route planning and mapping using GPS devices such as Garmin and Trimble. This ensures accurate placement of cables across valleys, steep slopes, and forested areas, while maintaining network reliability and operational management. The planning also considers connectivity to all Dzongkhags (districts), Gewogs (village clusters), and community e-centres to achieve nationwide broadband coverage.

Phased ImplementationBhutan's optical network deployment is executed in phases: Phase I: Connecting all district headquarters and 131 Gewogs using ADSS cables.

Phase I

I: Extending connectivity to the remaining 74 Gewogs to achieve 100% national coverage under the National Broadband Master Plan.

Environmental and Technical Considerations

Given Bhutan's mountainous terrain and forested areas, cable construction emphasizes minimal environmental disruption. Live-line installation techniques are used to replace existing ground wires with OPGW on high-voltage lines, reducing downtime and maintaining safety. The network design also accounts for high-speed broadband demand, ensuring that legacy copper networks are gradually replaced with fiber to support multimedia and internet services.

Governance and Operational Principles

The Royal Government of Bhutan oversees the consolidation and management of optical fiber assets to ensure a level playing field for service providers.

BP

C is mandated with operation and maintenance, while BTL and other ISPs lease fiber capacity under regulated tariffs. This governance ensures sustainable network expansion and equitable access across the country. In summary, Bhutan's optical cable construction is guided by co-deployment with power infrastructure, strategic use of OPGW and ADSS cables, precise route planning, phased implementation, environmental sensitivity, and centralized governance, enabling reliable nationwide broadband connectivity despite challenging terrain.