Fibre optic cables are typically buried at a depth of between 12-24in (30-60cms) in urban areas, and between 24-36in (60-90cms) in rural areas. This depth is designed to protect the cables from accidental damage from digging or other activities. 8 million km in scope by 2025 (per TeleGeography), burying these cords of light comes with the benefits of avoiding cable damage, decreasing downtime, and extending their operational lifetime. In extreme cold climates, cables may need to be buried at greater depths where there temperatures are colder and frost penetrates to. The short answer, based on general industry standards and the National Electrical Code (NEC), is that fiber optic cable is typically buried between 24 inches (60 cm) and 30 inches (76 cm) deep. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of industry.