Residents express dissatisfaction over fiber optic installation regulations in Finland

Residents in the area are expressing their dissatisfaction through local newspaper opinion columns and social media as fiber optic cabling is being installed. The installation procedures require trenches to be 70 centimeters deep, with a width of at least 40 centimeters to prevent collapse. However, Vesa Kemppainen, CEO of Valoon, a company that sells fiber optic connections, argues that such extensive digging is unnecessary since fiber cables are not sensitive to frost and do not carry electricity. Typically, a depth of just 40 centimeters would suffice, allowing the cable to be installed using smaller machinery, which would significantly reduce environmental damage and be more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Approximately half of the towns serviced by Valoon permit shallower installation depths. For instance, Lappeenranta, Hamina, and Kotka allow shallow installation, while Pori and Kouvola require a depth of 70 centimeters. The varied local regulations present challenges, as municipalities interpret construction standards differently, complicating the approval process and increasing costs for consumers. Kemppainen emphasizes that having consistent rules across regions would be more efficient.

In Pori, fiber optic cable installations are subject to permits, which the city issues to oversee construction work. According to city planning engineer Harri-Juhani Heinola, all installations are mandated to reach 70 centimeters to align with existing water and electrical networks, making future repairs easier.

Netel Oy, a primary contractor in the Pori area, often faces inquiries about the inconvenience caused by excavation and asphalt disruption, but field manager Toni Ranne reports minimal negative feedback. He notes that while the process requires patience, shallow installations could make the work faster—effectively halving the construction time. Furthermore, asphalting and restoration of green areas must be scheduled with the city, emphasizing the need for proper settling before any repair work is finalized.