FTTP Builder Digital Infrastructure Pilots New Trenches Law Survey Service

Network operator Digital Infrastructure, which is working with ISP BeFibre to cover over 1 million UK premises with their full fibre broadband infrastructure by the end of 2027 (here), has worked with law firm Trenches Law to pilot a new surveying service that could help speed up the time to deployment.

At present, Trenches Law already works with fibre (FTTP) operators to help simplify and manage the complex wayleave process (legal land/property access agreements), which frees such companies up to focus more on the build side of things.

However, the legal specialist has long held a desire to offer an end-to-end solution that would cover everything from the network design phase, through to wayleave management, surveying, and even completion. As part of that, they’ve now moved to tackle the lack of qualified surveyors within the market by introducing their own small team of surveyors.

“By enlisting a five-strong team of surveyors, Trenches Law’s goal is to empower freeholders and managing agents of MDUs with the information they need to then sign the wayleaves associated with a network build. This should accelerate the wayleave process, and better protect network providers from delayed programmes of work,” said the announcement.

Network operator Digital Infrastructure were the first to conduct a beta pilot of the new service, which is now being given a full launch. Charlie Ruddy, CEO of Digital Infrastructure, believes that “managing all aspects of wayleaves is key to unlocking the pace and scale to bringing full fibre solutions to the MDU [large residential buildings] environment.”

Terry Daniell, Operations Director and co-Founder of Trenches Law, said:

“The media’s headlines are dominated with stories detailing the need for greater connectivity in the UK, but we also know there are an overwhelming number of challenges holding even the most ambitious telcos back. Our mission has always been to innovate to overcome these challenges – whether using technology or talent. So, when we saw project after project being delayed because of the UK’s lack of surveyors, we once again decided to do something about it.

Some clients are looking for simple summary information, while others seek detailed planning packs containing over 30 spreadsheets, drawings, details of fixings, fire safety assessments and more. We acknowledge that there’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’, and that’s OK with us.”

We should point out that Trenches Law are by no means the first company to offer a third-party surveying service to the market (e.g. Indigo, T&B Networks etc.), although combining this with their semi-automated wayleave management could certainly bring some benefits.