DH Roadworks Ltd currently lays fibre optic in four different cities in Scotland. The team leaves cable drops in a specific plastic box that we install, called a Toby. We leave the cables in the Toby ready for the fibre team to pull the fibre carefully straight into their customers’ homes.

We currently drop between 150-200 Toby a day.

What is Fibre Optic Laying?

Fibre optic laying is installing fibre optic cables in the ground, through underground conduits, or through aerial routes. Fibre optic cables transmit information using light pulses, which makes them faster and more reliable than traditional copper wires.

The laying process is critical to ensure the fibre optic cable’s optimal performance, durability, and protection from external elements.

What is Fibre Optic Toby Box?

The Toby Box is an underground storage box for housing Micro-ducts and Splice enclosures. It is composed of a hinged lid providing easy access at any time.

The Box is a demarcation point for FTTX’ Homes Passed’ where the customer does not require an immediate FTTX connection or as a future’ Maintenance point’ similar to an access chamber.

Engineers can use the Toby Box to accommodate the end of a micro-duct (sealed) ready for future extension to the home. From the Box, the fibre is blown along the total micro-duct length between the cabinet/splice enclosure and the home.

Engineers can use the Toby Box for housing an IP65 or IP68 splice enclosure where the engineer can splice drop cable to the home.

Engineers should install the Toby box as close to the customer boundary / Pin Kerb as possible. The reason for this is so that no further digging is required to access the customer’s property. Furthermore, engineers should install the Toby box with adequate backfill materials and comply with local installation rules and guidance with the lid opening towards the customer’s home.

Advantages of a Toby Box

• Small and easy to install
• Space for fibre splicing and tube management
• Low cost compared to small maintenance holes
• Lower installation cost
• Easy access after installation and in the future
• A maintenance point close to the customer’s premises
• UV protected for European conditions
• A visible point in the network