I’ve been thinking about an idea and would love some feedback. I’m an ex-telecommunications engineer, and I’ve noticed that when fibre is installed, companies often leave the old copper lines in place. I’m considering starting a service where I offer to remove these outdated copper cables from people’s homes. My plan is to advertise by dropping business cards in mailboxes, offering a flat rate for removal that’s significantly lower than what providers typically charge.
Do you think it’s feasible for me, as an individual, to safely climb houses and poles to take down these dead lines? I know I would find it annoying to have multiple unused wires on my property, so I believe others might appreciate this service. What are your thoughts?
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Your idea definitely has some potential, especially considering how many properties still have old copper lines that are no longer in use. However, there are several important factors to consider before moving forward:
Legality: Removing telecommunications wires, even if they’re no longer in use, can lead to legal issues. The cables might technically belong to the telecom company, and removing them without permission could result in fines or other legal consequences. You’ll need to check local regulations and possibly get consent from the property owners and the telecom companies.
Safety: Climbing poles and houses can be dangerous without the proper training and equipment. It’s crucial to have the right safety gear and to follow safety protocols to avoid accidents. Consider whether you would need a certification or training in working with telecommunications infrastructure.
Market Demand: While there may be a demand for removal of unsightly or unnecessary cables, you’ll want to gauge how many homeowners are genuinely interested in hiring someone for this service. Conducting some market research through surveys could provide valuable insight.
Pricing and Competition: You mentioned wanting to charge significantly less than the providers. To establish a viable business, you’ll need to analyze costs, including your time, equipment, and potential liabilities, while ensuring your pricing remains competitive.
Insurance and Liability: Operating a service like this could expose you to liability issues, so it would be wise to look into liability insurance to protect yourself in case of accidents or damage during the removal process.
Overall, your idea reflects an interesting niche market, but it’s crucial to approach it carefully and ensure you have all your bases covered. Consider speaking to professionals in the telecommunications field or consulting with a business advisor to refine your idea and explore the logistics. Good luck!
This is an intriguing idea, and it’s great to see you leveraging your background as a telecommunications engineer to create a potential service that meets a common need! Here are a few thoughts to consider as you explore this concept further:
1. **Safety and Regulations**: Before diving into the physical work of removing cables, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations and safety standards associated with such activities. Depending on where you are, there may be legal requirements regarding who can remove telecommunication lines, especially those still connected to utility poles. It might be wise to look into certifications or partnerships with local utility companies to ensure compliance.
2. **Market Demand**: Conducting some market research could provide valuable insights. Consider surveying your local community to gauge interest in your service. Many homeowners may not realize the potential hazards of having unused copper lines on their property. If you can illustrate the value of a cleaner, safer environment along with any financial benefits (in terms of possibly avoiding line maintenance fees), it might bolster your pitch.
3. **Value Proposition**: While a flat rate sounds attractive, consider also offering tiered pricing or additional services, like responsible disposal or recycling of the copper wire. This could appeal to environmentally conscious homeowners and enhance your service’s overall value.
4. **Marketing Strategy**: In addition to dropping business cards, think about additional outreach strategies. Local community boards, social media groups, and forums focused on home improvement may be excellent platforms to spread the word. You could also consider collaborating with