At Trace Fiber Services, we specialize in building robust fiber infrastructure across Colorado’s unique and often rugged landscapes. One of the most efficient and scalable methods in our construction toolbox is fiber plowing—a streamlined installation approach ideal for long-haul and last-mile fiber deployment.
What Is Fiber Plowing?
Fiber plowing is a method of underground utility installation that involves simultaneously slicing the ground and laying conduit or fiber directly into the soil using specialized plowing equipment. Unlike traditional trenching, which requires full excavation and backfill, plowing minimizes surface disruption—making it ideal for rural rights-of-way, open fields, and even some suburban corridors.
Why Fiber Plowing Works for Colorado
Colorado presents unique challenges for telecom infrastructure:
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Rocky and variable soil conditions
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Rapid weather changes
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Elevation and terrain variance
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Sensitive environmental and municipal constraints
Our plowing crews are trained to operate across Colorado Front Range farmlands, high-altitude meadows, and right-of-way corridors with precision and compliance. We use the Vermeer RTX 1250 tracked vibratory plow and GPS-guided depth control to ensure installations meet both customer specifications and local requirements.
Benefits of Plowing vs. Trenching
| Feature | Fiber Plowing | Traditional Trenching |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Disruption | Minimal | High (from pot holing and pits) |
| Speed | Faster for long runs | Slower, more labor-intensive |
| Restoration Needs | Light restoration | Backfill requirements, compaction, reseeding |
| Cost Efficiency | More efficient for rural builds | Higher labor/material cost per foot |
Plowing Applications in Colorado and the Mountain West
We’ve deployed fiber plowing on a range of Mountain West projects:
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Middle mile fiber connections in Wyoming
- Dedicated trunk lines for isolated data centers
Built for Compliance and Durability
Although fiber plowing and traditional HDD jobs have their differences, they follow very similar project phases for fiber network construction
Every plow job starts with:
- OSP Network Engineering
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Utility locates (811 coordination)
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Permit compliance (CDOT, municipal, county)
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Traffic control and safety measures
And ends with:
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Conduit depth validation
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GPS as-built documentation (aka red lines)
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Post-construction inspection and restoration
We work in alignment with excavation safety regulations and local right-of-way ordinances to ensure long-term infrastructure integrity.
When to Choose Fiber Plowing
Plowing is an optimal choice when:
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Project involves long stretches of rural build (or long interconnections between nodes)
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Soil conditions allow for vibratory insertion
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Minimal surface restoration is needed
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Time and cost efficiency are priorities
- NTIA middle mile projects (which often support BEAD)
Ready to Build in Colorado?
If your fiber deployment requires speed, minimal surface disruption, and geographic adaptability, fiber plowing is a strong fit. Contact us to review your project scope and determine if this method suits your build area.
📍 Based in Denver, serving all of Colorado and the Mountain West.
Need help with a plowing project? Get in contact with Trace Fiber Services