Ogi

Client: Ogi

Ogi is a leader in alternative full fibre telecommunications, and is on a mission to build large-scale digital infrastructure across south Wales, for the benefit of the whole of the UK.

Their ambitious project – in partnership with the Welsh Government – aimed to extend their full fibre network capabilities from England, across the Prince of Wales Bridge, into Newport, and further into Cardiff, creating a new high-capacity route in the Western Gateway.

Project: Digital Superhighway Expansion into South Wales

The project was a monumental task of engineering and logistics, with a goal to bridge geographical and connectivity divides with a new seamless digital network.

Challenge: Navigating Engineering and Geographical Hurdles

Ogi faced large obstacles, mainly due to the complex engineering challenges of varying road types and the geography of the land these roads were on.

Our team was brought in to help Ogi deliver the network across a 7.5 km stretch from the Prince of Wales Bridge to junction 23A at Magor. In this section, a traditional duct network installation was not a viable option.

Solution:2Rent’s Innovative Narrow Trenching Methodologies

Using narrow trenching techniques, we quickly and cost-effectively deployed Ogi’s network within the hard shoulder of the M4 motorway. Working at night to minimise disruption, we laid roughly 3.5km of ducting, covering 300 to 400 metres per night. This ensured the motorway was ready for use by 7 AM each morning.

The process involved using the Cleanfast narrow trencher that excavated while simultaneously vacuuming material from the trench. This was followed by the Innomixer, which batched and pumped concrete onsite, curing within an hour.

The trench was then prepared for mastic application, also produced on-site, negating the need for compaction and significantly reducing Ogi’s carbon footprint and costs.

Results: A Groundbreaking Success

This innovative approach not only allowed Ogi to meet its strict project timelines but also set a new benchmark for network expansion projects. The use of microtrenching on the M4 motorway marked a first for Wales, considered by both Ogi and the Welsh Government as a monumental engineering success.

The project covered 3.5km in roughly two weeks – a distance and timeline unachievable through traditional methodologies – and the Welsh Government is now considering its use for future network deployments.

2Rent’s involvement has not only propelled Ogi’s project to success but also paved the way for a more connected, digitally integrated Western Gateway.