A Telecom Company’s Experience Using FRP Manhole Covers for Underground Networks

A leading telecom company was facing significant challenges with its underground cable network due to traditional cast iron and concrete manhole covers. Frequent theft, corrosion, and maintenance difficulties were causing network downtime, safety risks, and operational inefficiencies. To address these issues, the company decided to switch to FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) manhole covers—a decision that brought game-changing results.

Challenges Faced by the Telecom Company

1. Frequent Metal Theft – Cast iron covers were regularly stolen, exposing underground fiber-optic cables and disrupting connectivity.

2. Corrosion & Weather Damage – Exposure to rain, chemicals, and extreme temperatures caused metal covers to rust and concrete covers to crack, leading to frequent repairs.

3. Heavyweight & Difficult Maintenance – Traditional covers were heavy, requiring more labor for access, slowing down repairs and increasing costs.

4. Interference & Electrical Conductivity Issues – Metal covers sometimes caused signal interference, affecting network performance.

5. Safety Concerns for Technicians – Slippery and unstable covers created hazards for workers maintaining underground lines.

The Solution: Implementing FRP Manhole Covers

After evaluating various alternatives, the telecom company replaced its traditional covers with FRP manhole covers, leading to:

✔ Zero Theft Cases – Since FRP has no scrap value, thefts were completely eliminated.

 ✔ Better Protection for Underground Networks – FRP covers are non-conductive, preventing signal interference and ensuring safe handling for workers.

 ✔ Lightweight & Easy Access – Unlike heavy cast iron covers, FRP covers are lightweight, making maintenance work quicker and more efficient.

 ✔ Corrosion & Weather Resistance – FRP is highly durable, resisting harsh weather, chemicals, and environmental wear, extending the lifespan of underground infrastructure.

 ✔ Slip-Resistant & Safer for Workers – The anti-slip surface provided better grip, reducing the risk of workplace injuries.

The Outcome

By switching to FRP manhole covers, the telecom company enhanced the security and efficiency of its underground network, reducing downtime, cutting maintenance costs, and ensuring safer operations for its workforce. The success of this transition has led to widespread adoption of FRP covers across multiple cities, reinforcing their position as a must-have solution for modern telecom infrastructure.