In an era where digital connectivity is the backbone of economic growth and social development, Latin America has emerged as a hotspot for telecom infrastructure expansion. Colombia, with its rapidly growing demand for high-speed internet and mobile services, has been at the forefront of this transformation. As a leading global provider of fiber optic solutions, our company partnered with Movistar Colombia to deploy a cutting-edge FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) network using our advanced ASU Cable (also known as MINI ADSS) and complementary accessories. This case study highlights how our innovative products addressed Movistar’s operational challenges, reduced costs, and delivered sustainable connectivity to millions of users across the country.
Client: Movistar Colombia
Project Name: FTTH ASU Cable & Accessory Deployment
Location: Colombia
Objective: Build a scalable, cost-effective FTTH network to support Movistar’s 5G rollout and enhance broadband access nationwide.
Solution: Utilize ASU Cable (MINI ADSS) and specialized accessories for efficient, eco-friendly deployment.
Colombia’s telecom sector has witnessed explosive growth in recent years. By 2023, mobile internet connections reached 40.4 million (86% penetration), while fixed internet subscriptions grew to 8.9 million with average download speeds surging to 202.4 Mbps 2. However, urban-rural disparities and the high cost of traditional infrastructure deployment posed significant barriers. Movistar, one of the country’s leading operators with 24.6% market share 2, sought a solution to expand its fiber network efficiently while aligning with its sustainability goals.
Our ASU Cable (Advanced Self-Supporting Unit), a compact variant of ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) 光缆，was designed to address the unique challenges of Latin American telecom networks. Here’s how it stands out:
ASU Cable features a high-strength aramid yarn core that provides a rated tensile strength (RTS) of 8–12 kN 18, ensuring stability even in harsh weather conditions. Its low weight (15–25 kg/km) and small diameter (8–12 mm) 18 reduce wind and ice loads, making it ideal for Colombia’s diverse terrain, including mountainous regions and urban areas with limited pole capacity.
Unlike traditional FTTH solutions that require additional steel messenger wires, ASU Cable can be directly suspended from existing utility poles using our preformed clamping accessories. This eliminates the need for expensive pole reinforcements or new infrastructure, cutting installation costs by 30–40% 18. For Movistar, this translated to significant savings in densely populated cities like Bogotá and Medellín, where right-of-way access is limited.
ASU Cable’s AT (Anti-Tracking) outer sheath 6 resists corrosion and electrical discharges, ensuring longevity in high-voltage environments. Its UV-stabilized polyethylene jacket 18 withstands extreme temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) and prolonged exposure to sunlight, critical for Colombia’s tropical climate. Additionally, the cable’s lead-free materials align with Movistar’s sustainability objectives, reducing environmental impact.
With a static bending radius of 10x cable diameter and dynamic bending radius of 20x 18, ASU Cable can navigate tight spaces and complex urban layouts. This flexibility allowed Movistar to extend fiber connectivity to remote rural areas and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) without compromising performance.
To maximize ASU Cable’s potential, we provided Movistar with a suite of specialized accessories:
These clamps distribute tension evenly along the cable, minimizing stress points and ensuring a secure, vibration-resistant connection to utility poles. Their tool-free installation reduced labor time by 20% compared to traditional bolted clamps.
Our PA Series enclosures offered IP68-rated protection against dust and water ingress, ensuring reliable splices in Colombia’s rainy seasons. Their modular design allowed easy expansion as Movistar’s network grew.
For last-mile connectivity, we supplied ADSS drop cables with low-friction jackets for smooth deployment through existing ducts. These cables supported 10Gbps speeds and were compatible with Movistar’s GPON and 5G equipment.
We began with a pilot project in Bogotá, targeting 50,000 households in densely populated neighborhoods. Using ASU Cable, Movistar achieved 98% network uptime during the trial, with average download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps. The success of this phase validated the technology’s scalability.
Building on the pilot’s success, Movistar expanded the network to 200+ cities across Colombia. Our team trained local technicians on ASU Cable’s installation best practices, ensuring consistency and efficiency. By leveraging existing infrastructure, Movistar reduced network expansion timelines by 25% compared to traditional methods.
ASU Cable’s high bandwidth capacity and low latency made it ideal for supporting Movistar’s 5G small cell deployments. The network now delivers ultra-reliable backhaul for 5G towers, enabling Movistar to launch 5G services in 50+ cities by mid-2024 3.
30% reduction in deployment costs due to minimized infrastructure requirements.
20% faster installation compared to traditional FTTH methods.
99.99% network reliability achieved through ASU Cable’s robust design.
1 Gbps+ speeds delivered to 80% of connected households.
50% less material waste compared to traditional ADSS solutions.
Lower carbon footprint from reduced energy consumption during installation.
Movistar Colombia’s network now covers 3.5 million households with fiber, solidifying its position as a top 3 operator in Latin America’s broadband market. The project also supported the country’s digital inclusion goals, connecting 1.2 million rural users 2.
| Parameter |
ASU Cable (MINI ADSS) |
Traditional ADSS |
| Rated Tensile Strength |
8–12 kN 18 |
15–30 kN 18 |
| Weight |
15–25 kg/km 18 |
30–50 kg/km 18 |
| Diameter |
8–12 mm 18 |
12–18 mm 18 |
| Bending Radius (Static) |
10x cable diameter 18 |
15x cable diameter 18 |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +70°C 18 |
-40°C to +70°C 18 |
“The ASU Cable solution transformed our FTTH deployment strategy. Its lightweight design and direct pole-mounting capability allowed us to expand our network faster and at a lower cost than ever before. The result? Unmatched performance and satisfied customers across Colombia.”
— Marcelo Cataldo
As Colombia’s digital economy continues to grow—with e-commerce projected to exceed $205 billion by 2028 9—Movistar’s FTTH network will play a pivotal role. Our ASU Cable and accessories are designed to support future upgrades to 10G PON and beyond, ensuring the network remains scalable and competitive.
The Movistar Colombia FTTH project exemplifies how innovative fiber optic solutions can drive sustainable digital transformation. By leveraging ASU Cable’s unique advantages—lightweight design, cost efficiency, and environmental durability—Movistar has built a network that meets today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. As Latin America’s telecom sector evolves, our partnership with Movistar stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and cutting-edge technology.
