The City has granted franchise status to fiber optic companies which allows them to install and provide fiber optic services to residential or business customers. Installation typically includes putting conduit in the ground via directional boring or pneumatic boring technologies, both trenchless methods that require less digging. The installation location is within the City’s right-of-way but may appear to be within property.
Conduit (Fiber) Installation Process:
- The fiber optic contractor will mark a street requesting location of existing utilities.
- Location service company will mark the existing utilities. The markers can be flags or paint lines of many different colors.
- Construction activities begin with the Contractors for the fiber companies digging or vacuum excavating the existing utilities to verify the depth.
- A directional drilling machine installs empty conduit and excavates (digs) vaults - durable boxes that protects the fiber technology
- All soft surface (lawns and landscape) and hard surface (roads and sidewalks) are restored.
- The fiber optic conduit is installed between vaults.
- Customers can then sign up with a fiber optic provider.
- A fiber optic line is run from the vault to the home underground.
What is the "Right of Way"?
The public owns the “Right of Way” – including all property under, on and above roadways and sidewalks, usually extending 10 to 20 feet outside the roadway. The Right of Way almost always extends into what appears to be private property. But, all Right of Way is shared public property.
Who can I contact?
If you have questions or concerns please contact the internet provider. You can reach them directly at:
- Fatbeam: 253-881-6778
- Ziply: 1-855-950-0779
- Ezee: 253-260-3600
- Ripple: 224-828-8135
- Forge Fiber 37: 360-955-6283 or 425-414-9938