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Quality Connects At the Waldorf May 2001 IBEW Journal (Ed. Note - The following correspondence was received by the IBEW Journal via e-mail. As the IBEW seeks to consolidate its presence in the burgeoning voice/data/video market, it is important that users of these services understand that the IBEW is synonymous with quality. We reprint this message in its entirety and salute the members of Local 3 in New York and the contractor for their outstanding work.) Gentlemen, I am currently working in the capacity of a communications consultant on a microcellular access project at the Waldorf Astoria. This system is to be used by Nextel Communications for access by the end users, who are the working inhabitants of this facility. The project is winding down, and will be closing out within a few days. In retrospect, the project was a challenge, often unnerving at times, but could not have been accomplished to the level of success that was achieved without the key individuals that comprised the installation team; a couple of extremely competent foremen and their crew of technicians, all of varying aptitudes and classifications. As an individual who has had more than 20 years of focus in this field, I have seen my share of both excellent craftsmanship and gross incompetence. I have seen some so-called "reputable" contractors whose work quality and ethics leave much to be desired. Now that the background is illustrated, it is the manner of installation that IBEW Local 3 exhibited on this project which this correspondence is all about. The project at the Waldorf consisted mainly of a newly developing technology that is known as "RF over Fiber." Needless to say, this challenging job necessitated a retrofit of 41 runs of optical fiber within an operating facility equipped with a vast array of historic and decorative architecture. The building is 43 stories in height with 3 basement levels, and is 1 complete city block square. In addition, 186 access points and antennas had to be retrofit using Category 5 UTP. There was some skepticism from the upper brass of the various off-site project associates as to whether an IBEW Local 3 contractor had the ability and finesse to pull off a technologically delicate project such as this. H&L Electric had been awarded the job. I had personally supervised the aftermath of the installations. The H&L foremen were right on target in the handling and installation of Multimode and Singlemode optical fiber. Termination quality was superb. Test results showed that optical dB loss was below average. The H&L crew certainly has what it takes to put IBEW Local 3 into tomorrow's world of communications technology. It is IBEW Local 3 crews such as H&L Electric's that certainly earn the title, "Gentlemen of the Construction Industry." It was certainly an honor to be project-associated with individuals who still can display this level of craftsmanship, even in the face of evolving technology. John Zbikowski |
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