Physical Infrastructure Access
Installation & Surveying Solutions
Delivering dependable, accredited Openreach PIA surveying and cabling solutions across the UK
TNS provides experienced teams with full Openreach PIA accreditation for S5 overhead and S6 underground surveying, plus S7–S9 cabling and associated services. With 35 years’ experience in overhead and underground cabling, we help you plan, design, and deliver fibre networks with clarity and confidence.
• Accredited teams for S5, S6, S7, S8, S9 scopes
• Surveying of ducts and telegraph poles
• High-quality deliverables for planners, designers and delivery teams
What is Openreach Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA)?
Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) is an Openreach product that enables alternative network builders to use existing ducts, chambers, and telegraph poles to deploy full fibre broadband networks — removing the need to build infrastructure from scratch and reducing cost, disruption, and deployment time.
By using PIA, network providers can plan their route, survey the infrastructure, reserve capacity, and carry out installation work provided they hold the correct Openreach PIA accreditations and follow the appropriate engineering and safety principles.
Why use Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA)?
Using the Openreach PIA solution can aid the speed of deployment for many communication providers by allowing access to poles and ducts. This can reduce the cost for communication providers by leveraging existing infrastructure. However, just because there is existing infrastructure in place does not mean you can jump in; orders may have been placed, or planned projects may have reserved space within the ducts or on poles.
Why Choose TNS for Openreach PIA Surveying & Cabling?
35 Years’ Experience in Overhead & Underground Cabling
TNS brings decades of experience delivering fibre and physical infrastructure services — from initial route planning to surveying and build delivery. Our teams know what to look for in both overhead routes and underground ducts, including practical constraints that can affect build success.
This depth of experience improves risk identification, reduces rework, and strengthens project certainty.
Accredited for All Relevant PIA Scopes (S5–S9)
TNS is committed to delivering work that meets industry and Openreach standards. Our teams are accredited for the full range of Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) scopes:
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S7 – Underground Cabling
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S8 – Overhead Cabling
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S5 – Overhead Surveying
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S6 – Underground Surveying
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S9 – Pole Step Remova
These accreditations ensure our teams are trained and certified to work safely and compliantly on Openreach infrastructure — whether on poles or in ducts. All staff assigned to specific PIA activities hold the correct accreditation required for that scope and are supported by relevant safety qualifications (e.g., NRSWA, fibre jointing/testing, EUSR Telecoms).
Practical, Build-Ready Survey Outputs
Good surveying is about more than ticking boxes — it’s about providing information that designers and delivery teams can use with confidence. TNS delivers surveys that combine:
✔ Accurate duct condition reporting
✔ Telegraph pole surveying and suitability insights
✔ Identified obstructions, blockages, and access constraints
✔ Consistent, structured data for network planning
This approach reduces uncertainty and supports faster decision-making during design and construction.
Strong Communication and Quality Assurance
Every project benefits from clear reporting, exception logging, and a consistent approach to quality. TNS uses structured documentation and internal QA to ensure outputs are dependable and actionable. Teams do not simply deliver reports — they help interpreters of that data make confident decisions.
PIA Duct Surveying & Underground Analysis
Our underground surveying work delivers actionable insights into duct networks. We log conditions, obstructions, likely civils work, chamber access issues, and opportunities for efficient build planning. This service is critical for design validation, civils cost estimation, and reducing unwanted surprises once deployment begins.
Overhead Cabling (S8)
Overhead cabling demands precision and safety. Our accredited teams understand overhead networks and apply consistent standards to ensure reliable progress.
Underground Cabling (S7)
TNS provides expertise in underground cabling tasks that include cable laying, sub-duct installation, and quality compliance.
This enhances delivery speed and reduces installation variations.
Pole Step Removal (S9 Compliance)
Pole step removal is a safety-critical task in overhead installations.
Our teams are trained and accredited to carry out this work reliably and in compliance with Openreach requirements.
Telegraph Pole &
Overhead Route Surveying
Our overhead surveying captures data on distribution poles, span details, crossing risks, tree and vegetation constraints, and build viability — all of which help avoid delays during installation. Scheduling and safety planning are improved with early, accurate observations.
Our Core PIA Services
PIA Installation & Surveying Solutions
If you’re planning a roll-out that involves Openreach PIA surveying, duct or telegraph pole analysis, overhead or underground cabling, or PIA cabling delivery — accredited S5 to S9, let’s talk.
Call: +44 1270 297691
Email: info@tnscomms.co.uk
