1. Low-profile Pathway Keeps Fiber Looking
Cool in North American MDU
The Challenge
Beginning in 2009, a major telco began deploying a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
network to support its fiber-based internet and TV services, with plans to connect
several hundred thousand homes by the end of 2012. One of North America’s largest
regional telecommunications providers, the company serves a population of more than
5 million people. Its customers reside in a mix of urban, suburban and rural areas.
In 2010, the telco launched its next generation of services. This next-gen platform
takes the company’s network to the next level with the fastest combined upload-
download package of any major service provider in the area and a new digital
TV product.
Initial FTTH deployment focused on single family homes. However, in 2010, the
telco began deploying FTTH into the lucrative multiple family dwellings market.
Like many service providers, the company didn’t have much experience deploying
inside brownfield Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs). Many of these buildings were
built without present-day telecommunications technology in mind. They lack
hidden conduits or false ceilings through which to pull cable, making it difficult to
lay fiber securely.
On the customer side, the operator needed to address building owner and subscriber
concerns – chiefly, aesthetics of its network footprint inside buildings, and the
timeline and extent of construction required for installation.
Moreover, the telco faced a wide variety of structural situations among the MDUs
in its diverse service area. Finding a common solution seemed nearly impossible,
complicating the processes of purchasing hardware in bulk and estimating
installation costs.
To take fiber through the MDU hallway, the company tried latch moldings and
various conventional raceway solutions, which typically require a two-step
installation process: construction of the raceway and pulling fiber through it. Those
solutions proved less than ideal. The installation time and labor cost associated with
these solutions proved high. Plus, many building owners and tenants – the provider’s
potential subscribers – disapproved of them because of their visual impact. The
bulky moldings stood out, marring the hallway’s décor.
Overview
Organization
Major North American service provider
Situation
The company needed a fast, easy
and aesthetically pleasing method for
installing fiber cable in multi-dwelling
units.
3M Solution
3M™
One Pass Fiber Pathway
Benefits
• Installed with simple tools in just one
pass around the hallway, saving time
and labor.
• Low-profile and paintable, it blends
in with almost any décor.
• No carpentry required, minimal
disruption to tenants.
Results
Provider realized significant savings in
labor costs over traditional methods.
Building owners and tenants (potential
subscribers) were pleased with the One
Pass Fiber Pathway’s minimal visual
impact.

2. www.3M.com/Telecom2 3M Communication Markets Division
The Solution
An executive with the telco first learned about the 3M™
One Pass Fiber Pathway at a
conference in Houston, Texas. He was immediately impressed.
The 3M™
One Pass Fiber Pathway is an adhesive-backed, surface-mount, horizontal cable
pathway and drop cable solution installed simultaneously in just one pass around a hallway
perimeter. Designed for use in brownfield Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs)
serviced by FTTH networks, the pathway adheres to a variety of wall
surfaces.
The 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway saves time, labor and
minimizes inconvenience to tenants because it does
not require the two-step process of constructing
a raceway and then pulling fiber through it.
Moreover, its low-profile design and paintable
material allow it to blend into almost any décor.
The telco first installed the 3M pathway in a 48-unit apartment building. Since the initial
installation, the company has installed three more buildings with the 3M solution, with
plans to continue using One Pass in future deployments to MDUs.
3M™
One Pass Fiber Pathway installed
3M™
One Pass Fiber Pathway Duct

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3
Communication Markets Division
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800/426 8688
Fax 800/626 0329
www.3M.com/Telecom
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The Results
Ease and speed of installation: The 3M pathway’s ease of use allowed the telco to install
MDUs quickly and easily. The speed of installation reduced labor costs and minimized
disruption to tenants. 3M provided training so that the telco was able to quickly ramp up
deployment. However, minimal training was required because contractors quickly learned
how to use the simple, intuitive tools.
Aesthetics: The provider was highly concerned with aesthetics because tenants – who
would view the hallway installations on a daily basis – were also potential subscribers.
The look of the fiber installation method would reflect on the company. The 3M product
blended in well with the buildings’ hallway décor, surpassing the provider’s expectations
for aesthetics.
Cost Savings: Using the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway, the telco realized significant savings
in labor costs over traditional methods. Moreover, the quick installation allowed the
company to open up buildings faster for revenue-generating services.
To learn more about the 3M One Pass Fiber Pathway, visit www.3M.com/OnePass.