Expand your fibre reach
Install fibre in our underground infrastructure through the distribution fibre in duct installation program. This offer is typical to downtown cores where existing utilities are underground and overhead installation is unavailable.
How it works
Here’s the complete process for installing your fibre in our underground ducts:
1. Initial consultation
Before submitting your application, we recommend contacting us to discuss the overall project and your proposed attachment plans. Please email us at attachments@bchydro.com with the location of interest and a high-level scope summary showing proposed route.
2. Master Services Agreement and Program Schedule
If you don’t have a Master Services Agreement, follow our instructions for new customers.
3. Installation request step 1
To start your fibre in duct installation request, submit the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
- A completed conceptual viability review application [PDF, 86 KB].
- All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
Upon receiving your application, we’ll evaluate it to determine the proposal’s feasibility. In most cases, this takes us approximately four to six weeks, depending on how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
4. Installation request step 2
After receiving approval from us, start step 2 of your request by submitting the following to attachments@bchydro.com:
- A completed technical identification review application [PDF, 86 KB].
- All required documents as outlined in the application, including the application fee.
Upon receiving your application, we’ll complete a technical review and provide a quote for the design deposit. In most cases, this takes us approximately two months, depending on how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
5. Design phase
Once we receive the design deposit and all required documentation, we’ll analyze the proposed attachments. This analysis determines if any BC Hydro make-ready work is needed to safely install fibre in our ducts.
Once our analysis is complete, we’ll proceed with the make-ready design and issue a construction cost letter. This letter details the costs associated with any required work along with applicable BC Hydro standards and processes.
In most cases, the analysis and design phase take approximately one year prior to issuing the construction cost letter, depending on the number of requested attachments, permitting requirements, and how many other applications we’re processing at the same time.
6. Construction phase
Upon receiving construction funding, we’ll complete the make‑ready work identified in the design phase.
In most cases, it takes us approximately three to six months to complete our construction work, depending on the extent of the make-ready work required, construction resource availability, seasonal restrictions, and outage requirements.
Once the make-ready work is complete, we’ll issue a Specific Permit of Occupation (SPO) that authorizes installing your fibre in our ducts. You’re responsible for securing all necessary permits (such as municipal and environmental) and following all safety requirements before installing your equipment.
7. Close-out phase
Upon project completion, we’ll reconcile the actual costs and issue reconciliation cost letters accordingly. You’ll be required to submit As-Built drawings for our records that meet the fibre in duct As-Built requirements [PDF, 434 KB].
Contact us
If you have questions or need support with the application process for the distribution fibre in duct installation program, email us at attachments@bchydro.com.
Applicable BC Hydro Standards
Design drawings for submission must align with applicable BC Hydro standards. These standards form the basis of our structural and electrical review during the definition phase and must be adhered to for all third-party installation in BCH ducts. Applicable standards will be provided to fibre in duct applicants at the design phase of their projects .