The feasibility of the universal placement of telecommunications and power supply lines below ground, as an alternative to their typically low-cost installation on utility poles, depends upon the availability of a cost-effective convenient method for placing and replacing cables belowground. A network of underground conduits constructed of field-assembled rigid sections, including straight segments, sweeps and bends, terminated in large manholes for access, has such characteristics but is too expensive for local distribution applications. Thus, for belowground distribution applications, cables have typically been directly buried, using either low-cost trenching of plowing methods. Unfortunately, such procedures do not offer the flexibility of future addition or replacement of cables without major disruption and/or additional significant expense. the present proposed solution comprises a coordinated, integrated system of low-cost, flexible polyethylene innerduct, readily fed off a reel, with ability to negotiate route bends as required. In contrast to other strategies being investigated in the industry, the buried innerduct network is considered to offer the best likelihood of acceptance and success. This approach is sufficiently reminiscent of present architectures to be acceptable to the utilities, yet represents an innovative solution to a difficult problem.
