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Metal Pedestals for Rural Fiber: 4 Reasons They’re the Smart Choice

Jun 2025
Broadband
An open metal pedestal with a technician installing a multiport service terminal, positioned in a yard in front of a building

Delivering broadband in rural areas requires more than just speed and bandwidth – it requires equipment that can stand up to tough conditions.  From seasonal crop burns to curious critters, the environment can be as challenging as the terrain. That’s why resilience matters.  Metal pedestals offer the strength and reliability rural fiber deployments need to stay protected and perform over time.  Here’s why they’re a smart dependable choice.

1. When the Heat Is On, Metal Doesn’t Melt

In many agricultural regions, crop burning is still a common land management practice. While plastic pedestals have their place in the broadband ecosystem, rural fiber deployments call for something tougher. Plastic pedestals, even those with fire-retardant additives, are inherently vulnerable to high temperatures and can warp, melt, or degrade under extreme heat, metal pedestals hold their ground – literally. For ISPs deploying networks across farmlands and fields, metal pedestals offer peace of mind. They act as a line of defense between your infrastructure investment and the environmental realities of rural operations.

a fire moves through a harvested crop field, with flames and smoke against a blue sky

2.  A Fortified Interior – Pest Protection Where It Counts

Rodents, insects, and burrowing pests often seek shelter in warm, enclosed spaces – making poorly protected splice points an easy target. Metal pedestals are equipped with internal metal splice tray enclosures, offering an additional barrier against intrusion. This dual-layer protection – metal on the outside, metal on the inside – ensures that your fiber splices stay untouched, operational, and safe from environmental or animal damage.

 

3.  Built for the Backroads, Engineered for the Long Haul

Rural broadband networks often cover large, hard-to-reach areas.  Reliable components reduce the need for frequent repairs and field visits. That’s why thermal resilience and durability matter more than ever. Metal pedestals are purpose-built for rural environments where conditions are less than ideal, and reliability is non-negotiable. So, whether you’re crossing cornfields or covering remote homesteads, know that your network has the armor it needs.

4. Match the Pedestal Size to Your Deployment

Panduit offers metal pedestals in two sizes to meet the demands of different deployment scenarios: 8 inch (HUB-8-FSTH) and 10 inch (HUB-10-FSTH).  Both sizes are compatible with their respective internal splice enclosures – HUB-8-E and HUB-10-E – making them a modular, field-ready solution that scales with your project.

A green metal pedestal for fiber optic terminations, with an orange safety sticker

Need help choosing the right solution?

Contact our broadband team at broadband@panduit.com to explore the right enclosure options for your rural fiber deployments.

Author:

Syed Imtiaz Mir

Imtiaz Mir is a Senior Product Manager with over 25 years of experience in the communications and technology industry. He holds a master’s degree from Cornell University and has built a career at the intersection of product strategy, technology, and customer impact. Currently, Imtiaz is involved in the launch and growth of Panduit’s Outside Plant (OSP) product portfolio, focusing on fiber broadband solutions for both rural and urban deployments. His work encompasses product development, market expansion, and competitive positioning, with a commitment to solving real-world deployment challenges for service providers.