Toby Ford, Head of Operation – Comms, JSM discusses how dark fibre is transforming the UK’s digital infrastructure, offering organisations the flexibility to build secure, high-capacity networks tailored to their needs. Toby also explains how with rapid full-fibre rollout and Code Powers, JSM is helping drive this evolution – enabling faster deployment and future-proof connectivity for businesses across the country. Why is dark fibre becoming critical to the UK’s digital infrastructure? The rapid expansion of cloud computing, AI workloads, edge processing, and high‑density data centre interconnects (DCIs) has intensified global demand for high‑capacity optical infrastructure and resilient data centre infrastructure. Dark fibre, unlit optical fibre reserved for future use or leased to third parties, has become a critical component of modern network architecture. It enables organisations to deploy bespoke optical transmission systems, optimise latency, and scale bandwidth independently of traditional carrier services. In the UK, the acceleration of full‑fibre rollout has created a favourable environment for dark fibre expansion. Ofcom reports that 62% of UK premises now have access to full‑fibre networks, representing 18.7 million premises and marking one of the fastest deployment trajectories in Europe. This expanding footprint provides the physical substrate required for dark fibre leasing, metropolitan fibre rings, and private optical networks. What are the technical characteristics of dark fibre? Dark fibre consists of unused strands within a fibre‑optic cable, typically deployed in multi‑core bundles to future‑proof network builds. Key technical attributes include:

Physical layer control

Users can deploy their own Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) or Coherent Optical systems, enabling:
  • Custom modulation formats
  • Variable baud rates
  • Multi‑terabit channel stacking
  • Ultra‑low‑latency routing
This level of control is essential for data centres, financial trading platforms, and hyperscale cloud operators.

Scalability and future proofing

Bandwidth upgrades occur at the equipment layer rather than through civil works. As optical transceiver technology evolves, from 100G to 400G, 800G, and beyond, dark fibre capacity scales accordingly.

Security and isolation

Dark fibre provides a physically isolated transmission path, eliminating risks associated with shared carrier networks. This is particularly relevant for government, defence, and regulated industries.

Latency optimisation

Route control allows organisations to minimise fibre distance, splice count, and dispersion compensation overheads, which are critical for latency sensitive applications. What market drivers are accelerating dark fibre adoption? Internationally, fibre deployment continues to accelerate. The FTTH (Fibre To The Home) Council Europe reports that over 219 million homes across Europe are now passed by fibre, with annual growth exceeding 10%. Globally, IP traffic is projected to grow at double‑digit rates driven by AI model training, 5G densification, and cloud‑native workloads. These trends increase demand for dark fibre as organisations seek deterministic performance and long‑term cost efficiency. What is JSM’s role in dark fibre deployment? With the granting of Code Powers, JSM is authorised to install electronic communications infrastructure with significantly reduced administrative constraints. Code Powers enable:
  • Street works and duct installation without individual wayleave negotiations
  • Easier access to public highways and shared utilities
  • Faster deployment timelines and reduced project overhead
JSM’s technical capabilities span the full deployment lifecycle:
  • Route engineering and GIS‑based network planning
  • Civil works including trenching, ducting, and chamber construction
  • Fibre installation, splicing, OTDR testing, and commissioning
  • Integration with existing utility corridors and multi‑operator environments
JSM’s experience in high‑complexity civil engineering environments positions us as a strategic delivery partner for operators, local authorities, and private network owners seeking to expand dark fibre capacity. How will dark fibre support the UK’s long-term digital resilience? As the UK continues its transition toward a fibre‑first digital infrastructure, dark fibre will play an increasingly central role in enabling scalable, secure, and high‑performance networks. As a specialist in civil engineering infrastructure delivery, JSM is strengthening the nation’s dark fibre network capability. With Code Powers in place and extensive engineering expertise, JSM is well positioned to support national dark fibre deployment and contribute to the UK’s long‑term digital resilience.
As part of a fibre installation project running alongside the canal, the team has had to find innovative ways to progress the work while keeping the public walkways fully open. One of the solutions generating the most interest is our modular pontoon walkway, an engineered access route that allows the towpath to remain operational while construction continues alongside it. How can fibre installation progress without closing public walkways? With several kilometres of new ducting being installed to support an expanding dark fibre network, the project team has been navigating tight access constraints, sensitive ecological areas, and varying ground conditions. The modular pontoon has become a key element in overcoming these challenges. Its stable, floating structure enables pedestrians to move safely along the canal while plant and crews work on the landward side, ensuring steady project progress without compromising public access.  What engineering methods were used in this constrained environment? To maintain towpath stability throughout the works, the team implemented a staged excavation and duct‑laying methodology. This approach limits ground disturbance at any one time, helping to preserve the integrity of the route and minimise impact on canal users. Our Safety & Environment team have made a number of inspection visits to the work area and our SHEQ Manager, Ian Halloway, had this to say: 
Wherever we need to work, JSM prides itself on setting up safe working areas with minimal disruption for the communities we work in. The canal work has shown how we can apply innovative solutions to protect people and the environment, whilst allowing us to get on with work. 
In areas where tree‑root protection was required, the construction sequence was further refined. Mechanical excavation was replaced with hand‑digging, carried out under the supervision of an arboricultural specialist to safeguard structural roots. These controls ensured that essential ducting works could progress without damaging mature trees or compromising long‑term habitat quality, reflecting best practice in civil engineering delivery. 

How was environmental protection integrated into the project?

Environmental responsibility has been another key driver of the project. All works were scheduled outside nesting‑bird season to ensure compliance with ecological requirements. The combined measures, controlled excavation, root‑protection procedures, and seasonal safeguarding, form an integrated methodology that respects the complexity of the canal’s natural surroundings.  Why is this a model of adaptive, responsible engineering? This phase of delivery demonstrates the strength of combining technical innovation with environmental stewardship. From the modular pontoon system that keeps people moving, to the carefully planned excavation strategy that protects the landscape, the project showcases what can be achieved when engineering precision meets ecological care.
Grant Murphy brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his role as Commercial Manager at JSM Group, where he has been a key figure for over 14 years. His career spans nearly three decades, marked by progressive roles in quantity surveying, project management, and commercial strategy across major infrastructure sectors. In the dynamic world of telecommunications infrastructure, Quantity Surveyors (QSs) play a pivotal role in ensuring commercial viability, cost control, and contractual compliance. However, the nature of their responsibilities can vary significantly depending on whether they are operating within a framework agreement or managing stand-alone projects. Understanding these differences is essential for both aspiring QSs and industry stakeholders seeking to optimise delivery models.

Framework agreements: structure, scale, and standardisation

Framework agreements in telecommunications, often established with major network operators or government bodies, are designed to streamline procurement and delivery across multiple projects over a fixed term. For QSs working within these frameworks, the requirements tend to be:
  • Standardised processes and pricing models QSs must navigate pre-agreed rates, scopes, and commercial mechanisms. This demands a deep understanding of schedule of rates (SORs), KPIs, and performance-linked incentives.
  • Volume-based cost management With frameworks covering hundreds or thousands of sites, QSs focus on trend analysis, cost benchmarking, and economies of scale. Accuracy in forecasting and reporting is critical.
  • Collaborative stakeholder engagement Frameworks involve long-term relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams. QSs must be adept at managing expectations, resolving disputes, and maintaining consistency across regions.
  • Compliance and governance QSs are expected to uphold rigorous audit trails, adhere to framework-specific governance protocols, and ensure alignment with overarching commercial strategies.
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Stand-alone projects: flexibility, focus, and forensics

In contrast, stand-alone telecommunications projects (such as bespoke fibre rollouts, network overlays, or large diversionary works) require a different QS skillset:
  • Tailored commercial strategy QSs must build project-specific budgets, negotiate bespoke contracts, and manage unique risk profiles. Flexibility and commercial creativity are key.
  • Detailed cost planning and control With no standardised pricing, QSs must conduct granular cost analysis, validate supplier quotes, and manage change control with precision.
  • Hands-on project involvement QSs often work closely with site teams, engineers, and clients, providing real-time commercial support and adapting to evolving project scopes.
  • End-to-end lifecycle management From tendering to final account, QSs on stand-alone projects oversee the full commercial journey, requiring strong documentation and negotiation skills.

Bridging the gap

While both roles demand core QS competencies – cost management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement – the context in which these skills are applied differs markedly. Framework QSs thrive on consistency, scale, and process optimisation. Stand-alone QSs excel in adaptability, detail, and strategic thinking. At JSM, we recognise the value of both approaches and invest in developing QSs who can pivot between frameworks and bespoke projects. This versatility not only enhances career progression but also strengthens our commercial resilience in a fast-evolving telecoms landscape. Check out the latest Quantity Surveyor vacancies at JSM

We are proud to announce that JSM Group Services Ltd. has officially been granted Ofcom Code Powers as of 10th October 2024. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our journey towards expanding and enhancing the services we provide to our clients.

The Electronic Communications Code, as set out in Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003, grants JSM Group the ability to streamline processes involved in the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks. This will simplify our approach to delivering essential services, particularly during the installation of power cables and infrastructure.

David Fennessy, Comms Managing Director says:

Obtaining The Ofcom Code of Powers is testament to the evolution of JSM Group Services Ltd. This will be a key area for our future growth plans by diversifying our client base to meet their expansion plans. It will further complement our ambition to continuously improve our service offering(s) for both the client and public.

As part of our sustainability and environmental commitments, this new status allows us to install duct and fibre during power cable trenching works. This not only reduces street works disruption but also delivers cost savings to our clients, while offering greater flexibility for network access and use.

This advancement will particularly benefit larger projects such as Data Centres, where extensive cable routes are essential. The combination of power and fibre installation in a single project will enable savings for Data Centre Operators and those offering fibre services.

With the flexibility to install and maintain electronic communications networks more efficiently, we aim to provide an even higher standard of service to all our clients, while minimising the impact of construction activities on the public.

JSM Group’s newly granted Code Powers strengthen our commitment to being a trusted partner in the construction and utilities sectors. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation across all our projects.