July 30, 2025
Retrofit-Ready: How Preloaded Panels Simplify FTTH Installs
As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, broadband providers and installers face increasing pressure to accelerate fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments—particularly in neighborhoods not originally designed for fiber infrastructure.
Across the U.S., brownfield retrofit projects are gaining momentum, driven in part by initiatives like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These upgrades are critical to bridging the digital divide, but they also bring a host of logistical challenges—from scheduling technician visits to securing home access and completing installations with minimal disruption.
To overcome these hurdles, service providers are turning to smarter, more efficient methods that streamline in-home installation and reduce time spent in the field.
Preloaded Panels: Reducing Time On-Site
Traditional FTTH retrofits often require technicians to perform every step on location—setting up panels, terminating cables, and installing components—which increases labor costs and complicates scheduling, especially in multi-unit buildings or homes with limited access.
A more efficient approach is the use of preloaded media panels. These panels are fully wired and outfitted off-site with essential components like network equipment, adapters, and cable routing. Once on-site, installers simply mount the panel, connect fiber and power, and activate service—significantly reducing installation time and homeowner disruption.
This approach offers several key benefits:
- Shorter installation windows
- Lower labor costs
- Greater consistency and quality
- Faster broadband rollouts across multiple homes
Designed for Brownfield: Retrofit-Ready Media Panels
Choosing the right panel for retrofit environments is essential. The SOHO Pro media panel, part of our Primex product line, is purpose-built for in-premise retrofits. It’s engineered to support structured wiring in existing homes and is flexible enough for both wall-mounted and freestanding installations.
Its slim profile integrates easily into residential settings, while built-in knockouts allow for simple routing of fiber and power. When preloaded in advance, the panel further enables:
- Clean, professional cable management
- Fewer installation errors
- Faster, tool-free setup on-site
In time-sensitive and access-restricted retrofit scenarios, solutions like the SOHO Pro PR10, PR1500 or PR2300 help teams stay efficient and on schedule—without sacrificing quality.
Scaling FTTH with Confidence
The demand for broadband retrofits shows no signs of slowing. With nearly one-third of U.S. homes still lacking reliable internet access, service providers need scalable, efficient strategies to meet rising expectations.
Preloaded panel solutions deliver exactly that. By shifting complex prep work off-site, they minimize on-site errors, enhance consistency, and enable installers to move quickly from one home to the next.
At Oldcastle Infrastructure, we support the future of broadband with field-proven solutions—from enclosures and media panels to fiber management accessories. Whether you’re upgrading a single residence or deploying fiber across entire communities, we help you move faster, meet demand, and build with confidence. Discover our full range of communications solutions.
