Sarens is closely collaborating in the installation of fiber with the elevation and deployment of POPs (Point of Presence) throughout Belgium.
The new installation will enable homes and businesses to enjoy improved speed, bandwidth and security, especially relevant in a context of constant digital transformation.
For the transport and subsequent installation of the POP units, weighing between 25 and 28 tons, Sarens has made use of a special flatbed trailer and an extensive portfolio of cranes with a load capacity up to 500 tons.
The installation of fiber in Belgium is expected to increase to 1.7 million new households as part of the expansion plan by communications company Proximus in conjunction with the Belgian Infrastructure Fund, which will extend fiber coverage to 95% of Belgian households and businesses. This expansion is part of a broader trend of fiber optic growth in Europe and the United Kingdom. By 2028, fiber optic coverage is expected to reach 93% of homes, up from 55% in 2022.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, is actively participating in the installation of fiber optic cable on behalf of its client Fiberklaar by providing the lifting and transportation of POPs throughout the country. A Fiber Optic POP, also known as a Point of Presence, is the physical location where the telecommunications equipment that enables the connection to the Internet via fiber optics is located. The purpose of a POP is to connect the service provider's network to the end user's location. It serves as the interconnection point where the fiber optic cables from the service provider's network meet the distribution network that serves individual homes or businesses.
This installation work in which Sarens is currently participating is being carried out throughout Belgium and is scheduled to last until 2030. It requires a special flatbed trailer to transport and handle the POPs, as well as the rental of a large space to store all the POPs until installation.
Before installing each POP, weighing between 25 and 28 tons, Sarens' team of experts conducts a site survey to determine the appropriate machinery for transportation, lifting and placement of the POP units. According to the needs of each job, Sarens uses a specific crane from its extensive portfolio of cranes with a load capacity ranging from 100 to 500 tons. The site survey also serves to determine the available working space, soil type, and heavy traffic in the area. With this information Sarens checks if mats are necessary to distribute the weight of the machinery and reduce pressure on the road surface. They also consider setting up traffic barriers and temporary parking bans during the work to facilitate the lifting operations.
Fiber optic is a technology that transmits information by means of light signals through very thin and flexible cables. In order to increase the percentage of high-speed Internet access in Belgium, an extensive installation of fiber optics was essential. This will provide a better user experience for its citizens and businesses, especially in the context of the growing demand for digital services such as teleworking, streaming, e-commerce or online education. In addition, data transmission quality and security will be improved with the new fiber optic installation. Fiber optic cables are more resistant to electromagnetic interference, signal loss, environmental factors and deterioration than copper cables.
The increase in speed resulting from the installation of fiber optics is an opportunity to boost Belgium's innovation and competitiveness in the digital field. Fiber enables the development of new applications and services that require high speed and low latency, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, virtual reality or telemedicine. These technologies can generate economic and social benefits for the country by improving productivity, efficiency, quality of life and inclusion of its inhabitants.
Sarens has extensive experience in carrying out major projects in Belgium such as assisting with the transport of the new tanks for the upgrade of the Citrosuco plant in Ghent. Sarens has also assisted Cargill in the maintenance of its facilities, providing the necessary machinery to maximize biodiesel production.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 4,543 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors.