Fibre Installation: Trenching vs roofs and walls

[SuperBru]

At our complex (8 units) we must decide how we want to install our fibre. We have two options:

Option 1. Fibre cable goes via eves in the roof and between the units it will go down in a conduit with some trenching between the units and back up to the next unit's roof and possibly following some boundary walls.

Option 2. Trenching the whole line under the drive way with a connection at each unit.

The first option is Free and for the second Fibrehoods wants to charge us R35 000.

I am asking this question because in my mind the first option leaves the cable exposed and could be damaged more easily by contractor or gardener, but I assume it would be easier to fix. I also think the second option the cable is protected but what happens if something goes wrong?

What would be the best option (long term) for the complex?

 

[Twix]

I think that you already know the answer

Trenching and putting fibre cables under the pavement in suitable conduits is far better and long term option. You can also have it drawn on some sort of a plan for future use.

I have a house on a 1500m2 stand and have trenched the fibre cable from the boundary wall across the yard - under the paving next to the walls...100% protected from any external factors.

Do it once and do it properly

 

[Drone 42]

Hmm then don't go with Fibrehoods.

Most complexes I know of the installation was free. Vuma did trenching and in the other Metrofibre did trenching.

 

[REOnaut]

In my complex Vuma came and dug everything up but were good at putting it all back.
Waiting to go live but they did a great job here, managers always around in case you have a problem.

I asked for my box to be placed one the side of my house, got back from work and saw they placed it on the wrong wall and they had dug up/put back the grass to do so.
The next day I sent an e-mail, 30 minutes later someone called me and asked me where I want it, got home and they had dug up and put back both paths to my desired spot on the wall.
Great service thus far! In a complex with over 100 houses (sort of an estate) they had no special fees just the R1700 which I happily will pay. We also had extra security whilst they were busy and they covered that cost as well.