Telia raises the bar – why they are choosing Grade B for their fiber network

Telia raises the bar (and lowers the attenuation)

Let the light in – spring is here!

The copper network is on its way out. Literally. Fiber is here to stay. And right in the middle of that transition, a small detail is doing a surprisingly big job: the connector. We had a chat with the right connection: Robert Johansson, Technology Manager at Telia. One of four people responsible for the passive technology in Sweden’s largest fiber network.

Hi Robert! Grade B then – tell us more.

Grade B is a quality classification for optical connectors. In a fiber network, connectors are somewhat of a weak link. Every connection introduces a risk of attenuation, and if you have many along a route, it starts to add up. So the goal is simple: minimize risks, maximize stability, and actually be able to predict network performance. That requires the right equipment—equipment that lets as much light as possible pass through to the fiber.

And that equipment includes Grade B?
Yes, exactly. Since 2004, we’ve used a Telia-specific specification. But we felt like—surely something must have happened in the market since then. And it had. So we transitioned to an international standard via IEC.

What did it look like before?
You could say we were somewhere between Grade C and Grade B. This upgrade is definitely a step up in quality. We’re building a lot of new infrastructure using PON technology, where you can have ten connectors in a chain. Without going too deep into fiber core alignment and similar details, I can say that Grade B reduces connector attenuation by 50% in these networks. We can now have stretches that are 6–7 km longer than before—and get a far more predictable network.

Okay, but why not go all in on Grade A?

Grade A is equivalent to measurement connectors—it’s overkill. It would also be significantly more expensive, so we’ve landed on what we consider a reasonable balance between quality and cost. Grade B is still a major upgrade, and we’re the first in Sweden to specify it.

As expected from a market leader—but why now?

Timing. The entire copper network will be gone this year, which allows us to remove a lot of old, space-consuming technology. It frees up space, clears out legacy systems, and opens up new ways of thinking. We can lease out space, sell and relocate, or replace with container solutions. In some places, large technical sites can be replaced by a single street cabinet.

Wow. That sounds like a serious transformation—and a lot more efficient use of space.

It is. And with that work underway, it was the perfect opportunity to modernize all our technical sites—replace ODFs and introduce Grade B at the same time as we’re already rebuilding.

Smart. You’ve been at it for a while—applause or chaos?
A bit of both, but mostly applause. The challenge has been getting all suppliers to follow the same rulebook. For the technicians, it’s mostly been about habit—new standards take time to settle in. But the work has progressed smoothly, and deep down everyone knows: this is the future. The rest of the industry will follow.

How can you tell you’ve got the right connector—Grade B?
You can barely see it. The most noticeable difference is the white strain relief. Otherwise? Not much. That said, Telia is also taking the opportunity to clean up the color scheme to simplify things going forward. From now on, it’s yellow patch cables—regardless of where they’re made.

Speaking of where they’re made—how has the collaboration with Nexans in Grimsås been?
It works well, as always. Really. No fuss, no problems. A partnership that delivers when needed—and keeps up as the old is phased out and the new is rolled in.

What’s the most underrated thing in a fiber network, in your opinion?
Cleanliness. Nothing fancy—but absolutely critical. Cleaning connectors during installation and checking them under a microscope to make sure no dirt is sitting between the fiber and the connector—it’s incredibly important.

Finally… was upgrading the right decision?
Yes. A clear upgrade, perfectly timed, and built for the future.

We couldn’t agree more. Big thanks to Robert and Telia for leading the way—and choosing Nexans products to raise the bar.