Where deliverable power drives the location, connectivity should be assessed as a parallel site-selection workstream. Identify credible carrier networks and handover points, define the destinations and capacity, test diverse route options, estimate the missing construction and confirm that the programme and commercial model remain acceptable.
Define the communications requirement
Start with the traffic destinations, bandwidth, latency tolerance, availability requirement, operational systems and future growth. A remote site may need high-capacity transport to a carrier hotel, data centre, cloud region or control centre rather than only an internet connection.
Map the credible network landscape
Assess nearby carrier POPs, fibre corridors, exchanges, data centres, substations, rail or highway routes and any existing private infrastructure. Public maps and provider claims are a starting point, not proof of deliverability.
Develop at least two route concepts
For resilient projects, identify physically separated corridors and entrances. Review shared bridges, culverts, chambers, crossings, power dependencies and underlying wholesale networks. A second carrier name does not itself prove diversity.
Estimate the cost of bringing connectivity to the site
- Carrier installation and recurring charges
- New duct, fibre, chambers, splicing and testing
- Private-land access and wayleaves
- Road, rail, river or utility crossings
- Meet-me room, containment, power and active equipment
- Programme contingency and future capacity
The estimate should compare a carrier extension, customer-funded construction, open-access infrastructure and alternative technologies where relevant.
Use a balanced site decision
| Factor | Question |
|---|---|
| Power | Is capacity deliverable on the required date and commercial basis? |
| Connectivity | Can the required services and diverse routes be delivered? |
| Programme | Do wayleaves, civils and carrier lead times fit the project? |
| Operations | Can the connection be monitored, maintained and restored? |
| Growth | Is there a credible path to future capacity? |
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Should a project always build near power and bring fibre to it?
Not always. Power, connectivity, planning, land, latency, construction and operational factors should be assessed together. The approach is strongest where power is genuinely the dominant site constraint.
How early should carriers be engaged?
At site-shortlist or land-option stage where possible. Early engagement helps distinguish a nearby network from a route that can actually be delivered.
Can microwave or satellite replace fibre?
They may support temporary service, backup or specific operational needs. The decision depends on capacity, latency, assurance, line of sight, spectrum and lifecycle requirements.
Can CROSS compare more than one candidate site?
Yes. The same evidence framework can be applied to several locations so connectivity is compared consistently alongside power and other development constraints.
Apply this to a live site
Send us the location, existing position and required outcome.
CROSS will identify the most useful next step without requiring you to choose the technology first.