In We Are Circet we introduce both the new recruits and seasoned professionals in our team.
Function: Fibre optic blowing technician
Years of service: since 2012
Firstly: do you really need to blow fibre optic cabling?
“Definitely! You need to blow glass fibre optic cables rather than pull them because they are so fragile. We blow the fibre optic cable through a pipe or ‘micro duct’. Of course, we don’t do that with our mouth, we have a machine for that.
Our team arrives at the site after the civil engineering crews have laid the ducts at a depth of 60 to 70 centimetres. We then blow the fibre optic cable through these routes of micro ducts. Our machine can easily handle distances of up to 2 kilometres.”
What do you like most about your job?
“We work in set pairs. One operates the machine, while the other waits for the cable at the end of the route and gives a signal. Over time, you become totally in sync, which is a great feeling. And it’s also quite varied. We work on many different sites. The downside: sometimes, we spend a lot of time on the road.”
“One controls the machine, while the other waits for the cable.”
Besides distances, what are the biggest challenges of a fibre optic cable blowing technician?
“If the cable route has sharp bends or an exit, the civil engineering crews will install a coupling. But sometimes it’s not fitted properly, and our cable gets stuck during the blowing process. We then open up the route ourselves to detect the problem.
A while ago, we blew cable through a 1500-metre section, but at 700 metres, the cable suddenly got stuck to such a coupling. It then took us several days to find the problem. That’s a bit frustrating: even though you’re driving home at the end of the day, you still haven’t made any headway at work.”
What are you particularly proud of?
“That we are developing our own team of fibre optic cable blowing technicians within Circet. Because fibre is the future of our connectivity. From high-speed internet to security cameras and 5G, fibre optic is needed for everything.
By the way, our country is only at the start of the roll-out, with only 17% of Belgian households connected. So, I am always proud when the media report on the progress of the fibre roll-out in our country. I think to myself: we blew some of those cables.”
“I am proud when the media report on the fibre roll-out. I think to myself: we blew some of those cables.”
Which tip would you give a Circet newcomer?
“Everyone is super motivated and passionate about their job. If you have any questions, you can always contact a colleague and we will find a solution to every problem together. So, if you know people who are interested in the job, urge them to apply to join us. No experience is necessary, you will receive training and we will train you on the job.”
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