Q: I am thinking of starting my own splicing technician/contractor business. Are there other people doing fiber-splicing contracts only, or should I also consider installation of the cable? How much are companies paying per splice?
Mike Hoffman
Fiber-Optic Field Services
Benicia, CA
A: Yes, there are numerous "have splicer, will travel" services. They range in size from large corporations, like 3M and Siecor, to small single-proprietor businesses. The rates vary greatly, but the larger corporations tend to be very pricey compared to the local talent in my area. I suggest that you make a few telephone calls to your competition and set your rates accordingly. Also contact electrical contractors. Many are installing both the electrical and the telecommunications cabling on new construction projects. Many smaller electrical contractors want to place the cable, but they may not have the necessary capital and time to invest in the splice and termination equipment and training.
If you are a bicsi member, list your company on the bicsi Web site under "positions wanted" at www.bicsi.org/ jobswant.html. These postings are also printed and distributed as part of the bicsi Member Letter.
Donna Ballast is a communications analyst at the University of Texas at Austin and a bicsi registered communications distribution designer (rcdd). Questions can be sent to her at Cabling Installation & Maintenance or at PO Drawer 7580, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713; tel: (512) 471-0112, fax: (512) 471-8883
e-mail: [email protected].