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Transcripción del abstract original del autor: The high cost and difficulties associated with urban construction have proven to be significant barriers to widespread deployment of optical fiber in metropolitan areas and have constrained the realization of true broadband telecommunication and data services. This paper describes a low-cost, environment-friendly technology for installing "last mile" optical fiber connections through live natural gas pipelines and reports on practical experiences learned from deployment of this technology in the United States. Advantages and disadvantages of the technology compared to conventional fiber construction methods are evaluated. Additional optical fiber installations in Europe and Asia using a variety of gas pipeline fiber-placement techniques are also described. Based on actual experience from installations using this technology in Los Angeles, North Carolina and Texas, along with engineering analysis, the process is found to reduce construction costs by 50% or more compared to metropolitan area trenching or boring techniques. In a typical business arrangement, this significant economic value creation is shared between gas pipeline shareholders, gas utility customers, telecommunication companies and installers of this technology. Increased speed of installation, reduction of public disruption and environmental damage are also realized.