Fibre optic cable damaged by excavation: who should have prevented it and what does repair cost?
Court-appointed expert report on the repair of a buried fibre optic cable broken during roadside works.
Background
During roadside works, a telecom operator's buried fibre optic cable was severed. The operator claimed the repair costs, while the excavating company disputed liability and the amount.
What I was asked
To determine whether the installation was marked, what the correct procedure before digging was, and whether the repairs and invoiced amounts were technically necessary and in line with the market.
How it was analysed
- Inspection of the site and the route of the underground duct.
- Analysis of the warning markers above the cable.
- Review of the work, materials and prices on the repair invoices.
- Comparison with market prices at the date of the incident.
Report findings
The cable was marked with warning tape, and before digging the operator should have been notified and trial holes dug. The repairs (a temporary and a permanent one) were necessary and the amounts were within market prices.
Key takeaway
Before digging near telecom infrastructure, ask the operator for its location: warning tape is a signal that cannot be ignored.
Related service: Telecommunications expert reports: carriers, networks and services
Anonymised case. Personal data, the parties and procedural references have been omitted or altered to preserve confidentiality.