A fast, safe and highly efficient technique for installing fibre optic cables in all types of terrain
The demand for connectivity continues to grow and requires networks that are faster, more reliable and more sustainable. Fibre optic blowing has become the most efficient installation method for introducing cables into underground conduits, reducing installation time, friction and operational risks.
This technique uses compressed air together with controlled mechanical push to propel the cable through the duct, protecting the integrity of the fibre and enabling long distances to be achieved in significantly less time.
At Catalana Drilling, we integrate fibre optic blowing into our specialist telecommunications solutions and combine it with trenchless technologies – such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) – to deliver installations in complex urban settings, industrial areas and crossings under existing infrastructure, with maximum precision and minimum surface impact.
What is fibre optic blowing and how does it work?
Fibre optic blowing involves propelling the cable through a pre-installed duct, usually made of HDPE, using compressed air and a controlled pushing system. To ensure a smooth and stable installation, several factors must be properly aligned:
- an optimal ratio between the cable diameter and the duct diameter,
- a low friction coefficient between the cable and the inner wall of the duct,
- accurate pressure control during the blowing process to prevent damage to the fibre.
In scalable network architectures, it is common to work with microducts and subducts, following three key steps:
- Installation of the main duct
- Blowing in the subducts and microducts
- Blowing in the microcables, enabling the network to expand on demand without reopening trenches or interrupting services
Key advantages of fibre optic blowing
This solution offers several major benefits for the deployment of modern telecommunications networks:
📏 Greater distances in less time
The technique allows hundreds or even thousands of metres to be installed continuously without intermediate access chambers, achieving long, stable runs in ideal conditions.
🛡️ Maximum protection for the fibre
By reducing friction and eliminating excessive pulling forces, the risk of micro‑bending or cable damage is significantly reduced.
💰 Efficiency and lower overall cost
Reduced civil works, shorter installation times and the ability to expand the network later using subducts all contribute to optimised OPEX and CAPEX.
🏙️ Ideal for urban and semi‑urban environments
When combined with trenchless techniques such as HDD, disruptions to traffic, businesses and residents are minimised, while also protecting the natural and built environment.
How we apply the fibre optic blowing system
At Catalana Drilling, we use fibre optic blowing as a specialised solution for underground telecommunications networks. We are also experts in HDD and traditional trenching, selecting the most suitable method based on each project’s technical requirements.
Our service includes planning, execution and permit management, delivering a turnkey solution that adapts to each route and municipality.
Key strengths of our methodology:
📐 Technical route engineering
Diameter selection, bend‑radius design, drilling or trench layout, and section planning.
🧵 Optimal duct selection
Material choice, friction coefficient and cable‑to‑duct ratio.
🎛️ Full process control
Air pressure, push force, installation speed and temperature conditions.
🔗 Integration with HDD or trenching
Depending on the project, we apply the method that ensures the best performance and final result.
Success stories
At Catalana Drilling, we have completed multiple fibre optic blowing projects, including a flagship installation in Krefeld (Germany).
Between October and November 2023, we carried out a fibre optic deployment in Krefeld consisting of a 1,100-metre HDD bore, reamed to 180 mm, which was then fitted with fibre optic cabling using the blowing method.
The result:
A modern, efficient infrastructure fully prepared to meet the current and future connectivity needs of the area.
Fibre optic blowing is an essential part of our portfolio of underground drilling and installation solutions, positioning us as a comprehensive provider for telecommunications networks.
Today, the fibre optic blowing method is the most efficient, safe and sustainable option for deploying next-generation networks. Its ability to reduce friction and risk, span long distances and support scalable subduct networks makes it the ideal solution for fast-growing cities and technically demanding projects.