Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recommended the use of higher-capacity optical ground wire (OPGW) for upcoming transmission lines, with a view to facilitating telecom service providers.
This development is the result of a dialogue between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Union Ministry of Communications and the Union Power Ministry.
CEA has advised that technical specifications of all future power transmission schemes should specify the use of at least 48F OPGW (48 fibre) instead of the currently prevailing 24F OPGW.
In this communication, CEA requested CTU (Central Transmission Utility), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, state transmission utilities and all transmission service providers to incorporate the necessary provisions in the technical specifications of their future transmission schemes supporting the laying of at least 48F OPGW instead of 24F OPGW for their upcoming TBCB/RTM schemes.
CEA has also advised that schemes that are presently under bidding stage may also be modified accordingly by the bid process coordinators, wherever applicable.
Telecom service providers can now lease fibres on OPGW of transmission service providers, instead of leasing bandwidth.
Objective
The objective of the move is to facilitate broadband expansion by allowing leasing of fibre on OPGW. On November 11, 2024, the Department of Telecommunications wrote to the Union power ministry requesting the laying of at least 48F OPGW in future transmission projects, thus making a provision for leasing of additional fibres for the use of telecom licensees like telecom service providers, internet service providers, etc.
During an earlier review meeting of North Eastern Region (NER) telecom projects, the Union minister for Communications had directed to facilitate broadband expansion by allowing leasing of fibres on OPGW of PGCIL in place of leasing of bandwidth, so that rural areas and hinterlands can get reliable telecom connectivity.
Also read: CEA approves Uniform Protection Protocol for pan-India grid
Featured photograph (source: Sterlite Power) is for representation only
