Telecoms chamber installation for a full-fibre network upgrade
STAKKAbox™ Fortress | Concrete infill covers | Chamber accessories
Project overview
As part of an ongoing programme to expand full-fibre telecommunications networks, a new below-ground access point was required in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
The installation combined:
- A STAKKAbox™ Fortress access chamber
- Concrete infill access covers
- Integrated cable management
Together, this system provided a textbook example for the installation, connection, and future maintenance of telecoms access infrastructure.
And, as a coincidental point of interest, the project was delivered only 10 minutes away from one of our Midlands manufacturing facilities!
📸Pictured: Steel frame detail (rolled steel section, in compliance with BS1449 and galvanised in compliance with BS EN ISO 1461)
The challenge
Full-fibre roll-out programmes require reliable access to underground cable networks. This becomes particularly important in built-up urban locations where:
a) installation space is restricted
b) disruption to pedestrians, road users, and surrounding properties must be kept to a minimum
For this Stoke-on-Trent installation, the project team needed an access chamber solution that could:
- Support the continued deployment of high-capacity fibre infrastructure
- Be constructed efficiently on site
- Accommodate duct entries and provide suitable internal space for cable installation and maintenance activity
- Deliver long-term, secure access at pavement level
- Support organised cable routing and straightforward access for future installation, maintenance and network expansion
- Integrate a durable cover system to provide secure surface access and enable straightforward future network maintenance
📸Pictured: Cover and badging detail. Covers can be badged with information to allow for identification by operatives.
📸 Pictured: A look behind the production scenes. All Cubis Systems concrete infill covers are hand-crafted at our Lurgan, IRE HQ.
The solution
The project used a complete Cubis Systems access solution, resulting in:
- A quick, practical chamber build: The modular STAKKAbox™ Fortress system is assembled section by section, giving installers a straightforward, plug-and-play way to build the required chamber depth on-site with minimal tools.
- Cables kept under control: High-strength galvanised cable management fittings were installed inside the chamber to support, route, and dress the incoming cabling. This keeps the chamber organised for engineers working on initial connections, as well as future upgrades and maintenance.
- Easy duct accommodation: Our drillable composite chambers mean that duct entries can be made easily on site, customised to the needs of the project.
- Easier, safer cover handling: The concrete infill cover leaves are tapered and include centrally positioned lifting points. This allows a single operative to lift and slide each cover leaf out of the frame, rather than having to lift it from a corner or remove the full cover arrangement in one go.
- Reliable access for the network’s lifetime: Together, the system gives engineers a practical access point for installing, connecting, and maintaining the full-fibre network.
📸Pictured: Ducting detail inside the access chamber
The outcome
The completed installation delivered a secure access point within this busy pedestrian footway. Key outcomes included:
- Rapid chamber construction through the use of a modular STAKKAbox™ Fortress system
- Efficient installation of a complete chamber-and-cover solution for the telecoms network
- Organised cable routing using internal cable-management components
- Easy future access for network engineers undertaking cable installation, inspection, connection and maintenance works
- Secure, robust surface access using concrete infill covers suited to established telecoms infrastructure applications
- An integrated system designed to support the continued expansion of the local full-fibre network
📸 Pictured: Cable management detail inside the chamber system
"This is a great example of our full system approach. The STAKKAbox™ Fortress chamber provided the core of the access solution, with concrete infill covers at surface level, and internal cable management to keep the chamber organised. This joined-up approach helps contractors construct quality telecoms infrastructure efficiently, while providing engineers with practical access to the network throughout its life.”
Planning a full-fibre or telecoms infrastructure project?
Cubis Systems can help specify a complete underground access solution. To discuss your project, get in touch with the team today.
FAQ
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What should be considered when specifying a telecoms access chamber?
Key considerations include:
- Required chamber dimensions and depth
- Duct layout, number and entry positions
- Cable routing and working space
- Surface location, such as footway or carriageway
- Cover and frame loading requirements
- Future access, maintenance and network expansion needs
- Applicable client and local authority specifications
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Can STAKKAbox™ Fortress chambers be used in pavements and footways?
Access chambers are commonly installed in footways and other urban environments to provide access to underground utility networks. The appropriate chamber and cover specification must be determined based on the precise site conditions, expected traffic loading and project requirements.
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Are concrete infill covers suitable for telecoms projects?
Concrete infill covers have been used across UK telecoms networks for decades and remain a trusted solution for chamber access. Their suitability depends on the project-specific installation environment, intended loading and relevant specification requirements. Cubis Systems can support project teams in selecting the appropriate chamber and cover arrangement for their application.
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What is cable management within a telecoms chamber?
Cable management refers to the internal fittings used to support, route and organise cables within an access chamber. In underground telecoms networks, cable-management components help keep cabling dressed, separated and accessible for engineers undertaking installation, connection or maintenance work.
This system uses our high-strength galvanised cable-management fittings to provide support for the fibre cabling within the chamber.
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Can chamber accessories be supplied as part of a complete telecoms access solution?
Yes. Cubis Systems can provide a complete access chamber solution incorporating the chamber body, frame and cover arrangement, duct entry fittings, and internal cable management components. Specifying compatible components together helps project teams create a practical, coordinated solution for underground telecoms infrastructure.
