In today’s world, broadband internet is a fundamental utility for both businesses and families, providing access to essential services and opportunities. As the demand for high-speed internet continues to surge, the need for reliable and efficient infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
One of the key components in the network is the middle-mile infrastructure, which plays a vital role in expanding access to broadband internet service across the nation. It’s crucial to understand the middle mile and its significance in developing and maintaining lasting infrastructure to ensure equitable access to broadband internet for all.
Middle-Mile Infrastructure
Middle-mile infrastructure is a vital part of every major broadband network and connects local internet networks to global internet service providers. Although some locations may rely on satellite connections due to difficult geography, most households and businesses in the United States use middle-mile infrastructure to access the global internet network. This section of the network plays a significant role in enabling internet access for millions of users and requires funding and large-scale projects to build and maintain.
The term “middle mile” encompasses a wide range of structures and networks, including underground cables, power lines, and underwater cables. It serves as the highway system for high-speed internet and is the most expensive portion of the global internet connection to construct and maintain. Without this critical infrastructure, millions of homes and businesses would be unable to access the global internet.
What it Takes to Build the Middle Mile
The first major step in the development of an internet network is the construction of the connection from internet providers to homes and businesses. With more homes becoming places of business, education, and commerce, high-speed internet access can no longer be a luxury only available in urban areas. To achieve universal broadband access, state and local governments must prioritize expanding the local portion of the middle mile in rural and suburban areas.
Expanding access to broadband services requires building an inclusive middle mile that extends last-mile connections to homes and businesses. While most internet service providers can handle more users on their networks, many users still lack the means to access them. The primary obstacle to accessing global networks is the lack of an inclusive middle mile.
Building an inclusive middle mile involves laying miles of conduit between major population centers, branching off to smaller rural areas through a combination of in-ground conduit networks and above-wire cable running between towers and poles. This network must be installed in a weather-proof and environmentally sustainable manner, like using modern HDPE conduit and efficient installation techniques.
Why Middle-Mile Expansion Matters
The importance of the middle mile can’t be overstated. It’s crucial for the stability of the U.S. economy. The middle mile has also become as important to many regions of the country as highway systems and access to potable water. This portion of U.S. infrastructure has been put through an unprecedented stress test during the COVID-19 pandemic,and the need to both bolster and expand existing infrastructure is now a national concern that has seen the passing of several bipartisan funding efforts. In addition to the 90% of Americans who named internet as an essential service, the number of individuals working primarily from home tripled between 2019 and 2021. Now, more than ever before, the expansion of the middle mile is necessary for the average American.
Efforts to expand the middle mile are happening at a local level as well. As expansion efforts increase across the country, many state and local governments are initiating projects in their areas. One of the most recent projects of this scale is an initiative by the state government of California, where 10,000 miles of fiber optic cable are being installed across the state. This project was part of a “Broadband for All” portion of the California Comeback Plan that is aimed at connecting rural homes to high-speed internet providers to help support job creation and education efforts in remote areas of the state.
Maintaining Middle-Mile Infrastructure
The best way to ensure that a section of infrastructure doesn’t have to be rebuilt is a combined effort of proper planning and maintenance. This often comes in the form of upgrades. As broadband internet services have grown in demand, the need for updated infrastructure has also grown. The sudden increase in focus on expanding access has seen several new techniques and funding sources develop.
Techniques Used
As middle-mile infrastructure grows, the processes and materials used to build this network are growing with it. Many installation techniques, like microduct installations, are becoming the standard for running conduit between last-mile sites. Both these improved installation practices and improved materials like HDPE conduit are part of a sustainable, low-maintenance infrastructure system that is friendly to both the environment and to installation budgets.
Funds Required
Building and maintaining an effective middle-mile infrastructure is cost-intensive, potentially straining the budgets of states and territories. Despite advancements in materials and installation techniques, the significant cost of this crucial segment of national infrastructure has contributed to its disrepair. Understanding these financial challenges, the federal government has facilitated access to grant resources for local governments and companies. A notable example is the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which “provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs” across all 50 states and territories.
HDPE Answering the Call
Over the next few years, the conduit market will support middle-mile expansion projects driven by the infrastructure bill. Conduit materials such as HDPE, steel, and PVC each have their unique benefits that can be considered for the infrastructure upgrades our country needs. It’s important to evaluate the specific requirements of each project to determine the most suitable conduit material.
The need for HDPE pipe continues to expand as initiatives to improve, repair, and expand the country’s infrastructure are implemented. With our large U.S. footprint and expanding production capacity, Atkore is your partner for nationwide broadband projects. Atkore United Poly Systems produces quality HDPE pipe in diameters from ¾-in. to 26-in. IPS, 4-in. to 24-in. DIPS and ¾-in. to 2-in. CTS. We also offer PVC, fiberglass, and cable management products for one-stop shopping.
Learn more about Atkore United Poly Systems solutions for broadband and telecom or quote your project to get started.