When power lines become data highways: How OPGW is reshaping utility infrastructure

By Ashish D. Jain, Executive President & Chief Operating Officer (Telecom) at Polycab India Limited

Two functions, one cable. Have you ever noticed long and metallic cables stretching across the horizon atop tall towers? You might assume they just carry electricity. But thanks to Optical Ground Wire — or OPGW — they’re doing more than that now. They’re quietly ferrying data too, while still grounding the high-voltage power lines they’ve always served. Dual purpose. Clever. Useful. And in many ways, transformative.

Why utilities are paying attention to OPGW
At its core, OPGW is a clever tweak on an existing piece of infrastructure. Instead of a simple ground wire, utilities install a cable that integrates optical fibers along with the traditional metallic conductor. Call it a two-fer. The fiber lives inside a strong protective jacket, handles electrical grounding duties, and simultaneously gives utilities access to high-speed communication ...