Project Gecko

First Rate Surveys provided both fibre surveying and network planning across Project Gecko, taking areas from the initial field survey through to completed planning within Orion & Arc.

Our surveying included existing poles, underground chambers and proposed network routes, capturing the infrastructure information required to develop an accurate network plan. This included assessing existing infrastructure, recording route conditions, identifying suitable locations for fibre equipment and determining the most practical route through each area.

A collage of four images: The first shows a man in an orange safety vest standing on a sidewalk, inspecting a utility pole with a clipboard. The second is a close-up of an open utility box with wires and components inside. The third and fourth images display close-ups of utility poles with various identification plates and markers attached to them.

Following the field survey, the information collected on site was used to plan the network within Orion & Arc, creating clear and buildable routes for the delivery teams.

A key part of both the surveying and planning process was civils avoidance. Wherever possible, we identified clear existing duct routes or suitable alternative overhead routes to reduce unnecessary excavation and additional civils works. TRR packs and A55 documentation were also completed where required, including identifying locations where traffic management would be necessary.

Throughout the programme, we maintained communication with the relevant teams, providing progress updates and resolving survey or planning issues as they arose to help keep each area moving towards build.

Project Challenges

One of the key challenges on Project Gecko was working to a different DIG solution specification from previous programmes. Unlike Project Falcon, DIG estates did not require individual Toby boxes to be planned for each property. Instead, careful consideration had to be given to the location of planned fibre equipment, ensuring it was positioned within the required distance specifications and in practical, accessible locations. This helped make the connection process as straightforward and efficient as possible for Lead to Cash engineers when providing service to customers.

A utility pole with electrical wires and equipment, surrounded by green tree leaves against a cloudy sky.
A worker in an orange safety vest and boots kneeling beside an open underground utility access point on a sidewalk, taking measurements or inspecting with a device, while concrete barriers are placed around the opening.

Another challenge was the use of Joint User Poles (JUPs) throughout the network. Where these poles formed part of a proposed route, planning had to meet the correct specifications to ensure fibre equipment could be safely and appropriately attached to the existing infrastructure.

Where existing poles were unsuitable or could not be used, an alternative safe and efficient route had to be identified and planned. The aim was to maintain a practical, buildable network while maximising the number of homes that could be served and avoiding unnecessary disruption or additional works wherever possible.

Project Summary

A technician in an orange vest kneeling on the sidewalk near an open underground utility access point, taking measurements with a tablet, with red safety barriers around the site, parked cars in the background.

CLIENT
Openreach / Circet / M Group

LOCATIONS
London: Edgware, Lodge Hill
Surrey: Farnham, Camberley, Aldershot
Dorset: Northbourne, Bournemouth, Parkstone
Bristol: Nailsea
Hampshire: New Milton, Twyford, Southampton

PERIOD
2024 - 2026

PROJECT SCALE
76,625 Homes Surveyed
12 Build Areas

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