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Recently customers in one of our key locations experienced an internet blackout because the internet line connecting their premises were cut off due to construction in the area where our optic fiber cables ran underground.

Our Telekom has a vast underground fiber optic network stretching along the main highway from Henderson to White River, linking inland residential areas to the Telekom Exchange via a network of underground and overhead copper and fiber cables (see map).

In light of these past and recent incidents, Our Telekom introduced a free referral service called 'dial before you dig' or DBYD for short, which anyone can access by calling the toll-free number ‘333’.

What Services does DBYD provide?

The DBYD referral service is available to anyone residing in Honiara and the Provinces and by recommendation, it is one of the first points of contact when starting any project that involves digging at any depth.

It is free and it allows Telekom to share detailed plans and safety information with users, including individuals or companies, planning to dig underground. DBYD’s service is vital to protect Telekom’s essential underground infrastructure assets, and to prevent harm or injury to those working in and around those assets.

It is strongly advised that contractors and construction workers, particularly those involved in roadworks and maintenance, utility companies, or just people living near the main roads, highways, and Telekom’s underground infrastructure call 333 before carrying out any digging.

Why is calling 333 before you dig important?

  • To avoid damage to expensive equipment

Without plans or maps showing the location of underground telecommunications infrastructure assets, you may inadvertently cut off trunk cables, Fiber cables or dig up and damage other underground conduits or cables, which could cut off essential services to homes and businesses. Services will remain disrupted until the cost of damage has been paid for and repairs done.

  • To avoid paying for the damage

If you are liable for the damage, you could be responsible for its repair, and the costs can be quiet substantial. Gaining access to accurate information on the location of underground assets can help you avoid a potentially dangerous and expensive mistake.

  • To avoid disruption of communication services to our customers

If you are planning to subdivide land, there may be underground pipes and cables that need to be moved before work can be carried out. You may be required to pay an underground infrastructure owner, such as a telecommunications carrier, to move their equipment. Given that it could be an expensive undertaking for this type of work, it is best to know what infrastructure you are dealing with and the possible costs before you start. 

Before undertaking any work that involves digging please call 333 and provide the following details:

  • Location of proposed work 
  • Date for digging
  • Type of work to be carried out 
  • Your contact details.

Once an inquiry is submitted, details including the location, date, and type of work being carried out are sent to Our FAN (Fixed access Network) team with registered underground assets within the vicinity of the proposed project.

The FAN team responds directly to the enquirer with information on the location of underground infrastructure assets that have the potential of being affected by the proposed work.

Information is typically provided in the form of plans to ensure the right information is available before excavation commences.

Therefore, to avoid the risk of paying costly damage expenses, disrupting vital communication services, and putting important equipment and assets at risk, you must call 333 before you start any work.

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