ABSTRACT

This report concerns my industrial practical training 2 that was done at the Tanzania
Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) Morogoro Regional brunch which is the main branch
for the whole Morogoro region. All activities done during the industrial practical training (PT)
were divided into four parts which are Radio and Transmission, Data and Switching, Access
Network and Power supply management. The main task performed was providing network
access which involved Optical Fiber Splicing cables. In this report, The following are covered;
The meaning of Fibre splicing, Types and the common splicing used, When and how splicing is
done, Precaution to be taken and main challenges, Recommendation and Conclusion and not
forgetting the company profile in the first chapter. So far, the main achievement was having an
understanding on how network (mainly Internet) services are provided by the TTCL. Despite of
the major achievement obtained, the major challenge was coming across heavy duties such as
digging pole holes and carrying transmission poles which were to be undertaken due to lack of
enough unskilled laborers to perform the tasks. Also, insufficient funds for transport, to and from
the office including lack meals during the daytime. The company, TTCL should employ more
unskilled laborers to perform heavy duties especially energetic men and also, some funds should
be provided to support students during the industrial training.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is a great pleasure to expressing my profound gratitude to God, the source of all goodness. I
sincerely give thanks to the TTCL practical training management section and The University of
Dar es Salaam, College of ICT for letting me in and placing me at the TTCL, Morogoro
Regional Brunch for my PT2.

I would like to thank all the training supervisors and Techinicians for their unlimited support and
readiness during the industrial training without getting exhausted of my questions. With them,
this training achieved its main purpose which was putting theory into practical and moreover
made it fun.

Finally, I would like to thank my university supervisor, Dr. Hashimu I. Uledi for his kind
cooperation and technical advice that was of a great role to the accomplishment of the industrial
training session and its achievement.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................... i

Acknowledgement. ....................................................................................................................... ii

Table Of Contents. ...................................................................................................................... iii

List Of Abbreviations. ................................................................................................................ iv

Table Of Figures And Tables. ..................................................................................................... v

CHAPTER 1: THE COMPANY PROFILE. ................................................................................. 1

1.1 Historical Background. ............................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Mission, Vision and Values of the Company. ......................................................................... 1

1.3 Main Activities Of The Company In Summary. ...................................................................... 2

1.4 Organization Structure. ............................................................................................................ 3

1.5 Job Description Of Skilled Labor. ........................................................................................... 4

1.6 Safety Regulation. ................................................................................................................... 4

1.7 Recruitment ............................................................................................................................. 4

1.8 Training Policies. .................................................................................................................... 5

1.9 General Welfare. ..................................................................................................................... 5

CHAPTER 2: THE OPTICAL FIBRE SPLICING. ..................................................................... 6

2.1. Introduction. ......................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.1. Fiber optic cables ................................................................................................................ 6

2.1.2. Fibre optics splices. ............................................................................................................. 6

2.2. Fusion splicing. ..................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.1. When Fusion splicing is done? ........................................................................................... 7

2.2.2. The tools and equipments used. .......................................................................................... 8

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2.2.3. How Fusion splicing is done?. ........................................................................................... 11

2.2.4. Things to consider during Fusion splicing. ........................................................................ 13

2.3. Precautions to be taken during fibre optic splicing. ........................................................ 14

2.4. Major Challenges . .............................................................................................................. 14

2.5. Reccommendation and suggestions. .................................................................................. 15

2.6. Conclusion. . ........................................................................................................................ 15

2.6. REFERENCES. . ................................................................................................................. 16

2.6. APPENDIX. ......................................................................................................................... 17

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
TTCL - Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited

ICT - Information and Communication Technology

OTDR - Optical Time Domain Reflector

CoICT - College of Information and Communication Technology

FTTH - Fiber Transmission to Home.

NICTBB - National ICT Back Bone

ODF - Optical Distribution flame.

ISP - Internet Service provider.

TABLE OF FIGURES AND TABLES

Figure 1.1 The organization Chart

Figure 2.1 The general structure of fiber optic cable

Table 2.1 Tools used in splicing

Table 2.2 The Optical fibre numbering colour codes

Figure A : OTDR fiber link testing.

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 CHAPTER ONE: THE COMPANY PROFILE

1.1. Historical Background

Tanzania Telecommunication Corporations formerly known as Tanzania Telecommunications

Company Limited (TTCL) was established by An Act of the Parliament, 'The Tanzania
Telecommunications Company Incorporation Act of 1993'.

The Company came into operation following a split of the former parastatal organization known
as Tanzania Posts and Telecommunications Company (TP&TC;) and began operation on Jan 1,
1994. The split was due to the government's move to liberalize communications sector in the
country, and due to this separation four parastatal entities were formed namely; The Tanzania
Posts Corporation (TPC), Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL), Tanzania
Postal Bank (TPB), and Tanzania Communication Commission (TCC) now known as Tanzania
Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

Subsequent to continued economic liberalization policy of the Government of Tanzania, TTCL

was privatized on 23rd February 2001, where by a Consortium MSI of the Netherlands and
Detecon of Germany acquired 35% shares of the company from the Government of Tanzania.
However, the Government of Tanzania has effective from 23rd June 2016 fully repossessed
TTCL ownership by 100%. Therefore, until 1st of February 2018, TTCL was 100% owned by
the Government of Tanzania.

Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation is taking up the duties and responsibilities of the

former Tanzania Telecommunication Company Ltd -TTCL which ceased to operate on 31st
January 2018.

1.2. Mission, Vision and Values of a company.

1.2.1. Mission

To provide world class communication Services to our customers, through continuous

technological and customer care improvements with qualified and motivated employees and
contribute to the national development and usage of ICT.

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1.2.2. Vision

TTCL to be a leading world class communication services provider in Tanzania. Our focus is our
customers. Our focus is our people.

1.2.3. Values

Honesty, Integrity, and Mutual Respect. These are the core of all employee behavior.

1.3. The Company’s Main Activities

The company’s main activities are the same to those of all Internet Services Providers (ISPs) like
providing fibre to the customers (FTTH). Also, it has a special task of constructing, developing
and maintaining the National ICT Backbone (NICTBB).

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1.4. Organization Structure

Figure 1.1: The organization chart

3
1.5. The Company's Job description.

The company has a well-organized division of labor as to which professionals are employed to
work in different fields as well as temporary unskilled laborers. It has the Sales field which is
there for selling the TTCL services also has Customer Care Services category of which deals
with the customers’ requests that requires descriptions. The other fields Accountancy requires
professionals based on accounts and procurement. The Network department deals with the Data
and Switching, Radio and Transmission, Access Network and Power Supply.

1.6. Safety Regulations

When working in different fields, safety measures are essential to be adhered to for the well-
being of the workers and customers. This is based on the protection of the people and company
equipment and properties. For safety insurance the following regulations are followed:

i. Workers should wear protectives when working around dangerous fields like
climbing towers. The instruments include safety belts, boots, overcoat and gloves.

ii. Every worker should put off his or her shoes when entering the carrier room.

iii. For every worker should adhere the ethical dressing code as laid by the
government as TTCL is a government institution.

iv. Every worker should follow the safety precaution posters example not to smoke in
the areas where there is high risk of explosion.

v. The firefighter gears such as fire extinguishers are set around every corners of the
institution building.

1.7. Recruitment Policy

The company recruit professionals from vacancies they announce to the public and the people
invited are all from the country or outside the country. Criminals are not recruited and once both
Tanzanians and non-Tanzanians are qualified, the priorities are given to the Tanzanians.
Agreements are done by signing contracts terms between the company and the employees and
records are kept for future uses.

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1.8. Trainig Policy

The TTCL workers have to learn almost all fields and adapt to changes in technology and how
to manage it for personal advancements and company’s well-being. Each year several workers
must attends the training. The staffs training is based on the current technologies. The company’s
policy develops and support the training in order to ensure effective of the company’s activities.

1.9. General Welfare

The company is responsible for the provision of medical care to its employees and their families
and the employee is responsible to report the illness or injury to the specific officer. For those
which have the treatment done themselves can submit the documents to the company officers as
it is the company’s responsibility to care for their employees. The company pays the workers that
work off time like during weekends or at night and ensure their safety as well just as how it is
done during the normal working hours. Also tte company provide support during social events
such as funerals and wedding ceremonies among the compan workers.

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 CHAPTER TWO: THE OPTICAL FIBRE SPLICING

2.1 Introduction:

2.1.1 Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cable is a one or more fibers enclosed in protective coverings and strength members.
These fibers are always Optical fibers, that are optical waveguide comprised of a light carrying
core, surrounding cladding which traps light in the core and the primary coating. The TTCL
company uses fiber optic cables as backbone cabling(NICTBB), commercial links
communication and Fiber to the home(FTTH) services.

Fig 2.1 The general structure of fiber optic cable

2.1.2 Fiber Optic Splices.

Splice is a permanent joint or connection between two ends of optical fibers. A process of
creating a splice is known as Splicing. There are two splicing methods, which are mechanical
and fusion splicing. The common and only splicing method done by a company is Fusion
splicing. This form of splicing is successfully performed by an advanced equipment known as
Fusion Splicer.

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2.2 Fusion Splicing.

Fusion splicing is a weld of the two fiber together with heat produced by electrodes, usually in an
electrical arc. The fusion splicer are always automated and produced less loss splices.

2.2.1 When Fusion Splicing is Done?

The splicing activities is done by the company during the following cases.

a) Fiber optic cable installation. These involve the connections of backbone cables,
connecting fiber end to the Optical distribution frame (ODF) terminals and Fiber to the
home(FTTH) installation.

b) Fiber optic faults. The most and common fiber faults experienced by the company is
Splices fault and fiber optic cable cut or damage. All of these faults require the fibers
splicing to be cleared for fiber links communication.

c) Training and demonstration. The company offers the continuous training on how to splice
using a certain splicers and to the trainees, interns or practical training Students.

Note: These splicing activities is done only by skilled and trusted operators(technicians) in fields
activities not anyone because not only knowledge but also experience matters.

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2.2.2 The tools and equipment used

Table 2.1 Tools used in splicing

Tool How it looks

Name

Splicer

Cleaver

8
Strippin
g tools

Alcohol

9
Closure
and
sleeves

Visial
faul
locator

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2.2.3 How Fusion Splicing is Done?

The splicing is done by following the series of steps namely; Cable preparation, fiber preparation
(Inserting protective sleeve and stripping), Cleaning, Cleaving, loading and splicing the fiber
using a fusion splicer, heating the protective sleeve, protecting the fibers in a closure or ODF and
finally optical fiber testing. Below are brief description for each procedure;

a) Cable preparation

Involve the removal of outer jacket, strength members and inner coating (buffer tubes).
During the process of removing outer jacket the care should be taken not to cut into
layers beneath the jacket. Mostly, the sharp knife is used to cut the jacket, where the cut
does not completely penetrate the jacket to expose the Ripcord which is capable of
tearing the other sheath.

b) Fiber preparation.

i. Inserting the protective sleeve; This comes before doing anything on the fiber. This
sleeve is then heated to protect the splice that's why before cleaning and cleaving the
fiber, the sleeve must be inserted already.

ii. Stripping the fiber; This aim at removing the protective coating that is directly in contact
with fiber's glass core by using the stripper. The best advice when stripping a fiber is to
nibble away at the protective coating and remove it in small sections. If you try and
remove too much in one go or clamp too hard you are likely to snap the fiber core.

c) Cleaning the fiber.

The stripped fiber should be thoroughly cleaned with alcohol-soaked gauze or lint-free
tissue. Once cleaned, avoid it from touching or putting the fiber into contact with any dirt
(actually anything).

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d) Fiber Cleaving.

Cleaving is a method of breaking a fiber in such a way as to create a smooth, square end
on the fiber. And this is only done by a special tool known as Cleaver, a cleaver has a
sharp blade of hard material such as diamond that can scribe the fiber at a right angle.
Remember, never let the fiber end-face to touch anything after being cleaved.

e) Loading and splicing the fiber by using Fusion splicer (splicing machine).

The splicer should be turned on and the cleaved fibers must be inserted into its position.
The only task required to be performed by operator is to press SET button and wait. The
machine load and splice the fiber and display the associated loss. Do not open the cover
until the Splicer has finished as you may get a nasty shock from the electric arc produced
during splicing.

f) Heating the protection Sleeve.

Transfer the fiber with protection sleeve from the centering device to the heater on the
splicer. The splice point should be located at the center of the protection sleeve and make
sure the fiber is not distorted. This is purposely for protecting splices and it is advised to
heat the sleeve two times and then allowing it to cool.

g) Protection of fiber.

The fibers should be placed carefully in a casket of a closure or ODF that has special
holders for heated sleeves and ways for circling of fibers. Then, the closure must be
properly closed for successful protection of fibers and splices.

h) Testing

The company has two ways for spliced fiber testing that are Flashlight and Optical time
domain reflectometer(OTDR) test. The Flashlight test is done with the aid of device
known as Visual fault locator. OTDRs are typically used to measure distance and
attenuation over the entire fiber link. They are also used to identify specific points along
the link where losses occur, such as splices and loops. The detailed picture of OTDR
fibre link path tracing and testing is attached in appendix

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2.2.4 Things to consider during Fiber Splicing.

The company has three important things to consider while splicing the fibers namely;

a) Color Codes. The fiber cores have a number 1 up to 12 and each core number is
specified by a specific color code. Fiber color codes are specified by TIA 598-A
(NECA/FOA 301, 2016).

Table 2.2 Fiber numbering color codes.

Fiber Number Color

1 Blue

2 Orange

3 Green

4 Brown

5 Slate

6 White

7 Red

8 Black

9 Yellow

10 Violet

11 Rose

12 Aqua

b) Splice Losses.

The company's maximum loss is 0.03dB but due to working conditions and environment
up to 0.1dB is tolerated depending on the fiber link services provided.

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 c) Cleanliness.

The small size of optical fibers makes them very sensitive to dust and dirt. Maintain the
highest standards of cleanliness when working with fiber to optimize its performance

2.3 Precautions to be Taken During Fiber Optic Splicing.

The precautions to be taken during splicing and working with fibers in general includes the
following

i. Work only in well-ventilated areas. Confined spaces, such as manholes can contain
insufficient air to sustain life.
ii. Eyes should not be rubbed while working with fibers.
iii. Never look directly into a fiber connected to a light launching equipment, it can cause
permanent eye damage.
iv. Ensure that no flammable vapors and/or liquids are present. Since, the fusion splicer
produces electric arc.
v. Handle the fiber scraps properly and clean the working area after splicing.
vi. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking near the working area. Fiber particles can be harmful
if ingested.
vii. Wash hands after finishing splicing activities.

Note; Gloves and safety glasses with side protection are recommended when doing a fusion
splice, to protect eyes and hands from any splinters of glass as well as from the chemicals on the
cleaning wipes which can irritate the skin.

2.4 Major Challanges

The major challanges fibre splicing and the practical training in general are given bellow.

i. Shortage of technicians and working tools and equipments for splicing process.

ii. Presence of old infrastructures, for example in manholes that existed from long time
make harsh working environment.

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 iii. The large number of practical training students; The company faced a large number of
students that made it hard to schedule training for such number of students.

iv. Insufficient funds; This made not only students to skip meals (lunch) but also workers at
sites, that lead to slowing down activities.

2.5 Recommendations and suggestions

Despite the major achievement obtained, the major challenge was coming across heavy duties
such as digging pole holes and carrying transmission poles which were to be undertaken due to
lack of enough unskilled laborers to perform the tasks. Also, insufficient funds for transport, to
and from the office including lack meals during the daytime. The company, the company should
employ more unskilled laborers to perform heavy duties especially energetic men. Also the
company should accept small number of practical training students at a time.

2.6. CONCLUSION

Industrial training sessions work as an essential component in building of careers and hence a
necessary part of the curriculum. From the experience, it can be concluded that industrial training
helps students to become more confident in the fields they have opted as it helps relating
theoretical knowledge into practical. Moreover, it helps a student in developing crucial skills
such as personal observation, analytical and interpersonal skills as well as learning how to work
as a team. For a student, industrial training may grant chances for employment due to their
activeness and performance though recently it has not been a guarantee. Lastly, filling of daily
activities in the logbook and preparation of the general industrial training report helps the student
in improving writing and documenting skills. Also, the students should have detailed information
of organizations or companies before sending requests to check whether the assigned tasks
during the industrial training session will correspond to their field of study.

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REFERENCES
1. About Us | TTCL (March 15,2018). https://www.ttcl.co.tz/new_aboutus.asp.
2. NECA/FOA 301. Standards for Installing and Testing Fiber Optics. Bethesda: National
Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and The Fiber Optic Association (FOA),2016.
www.neca-neis.org/catalog.
3. Belden W&C B.V. Application Note: Optical Fiber Cable Installation Guideline,
September, 2020.
4. Green, R. A Step-by-step Guide to Fusion Splicing. Hadleigh: UTEL Laboratories, 2015.

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APPENDIX

Figure A: OTDR fiber link testing.

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