76 miles of fiber optic cable is coming. What do you get?
At their May 7th meeting the council approved an agreement that will add 76 miles of fiber optic cable to Lafayette.
No, it’s not city broadband
Some of you probably remember voting for something to do with city broadband years ago and are wondering when that’s happening. It’s not this. That vote only gave the city permission to investigate providing broadband, which has never happened. Nothing has changed since that vote.
It’s a private company installing cable
This is the installation of fiber optic cable by a company called Intrepid Fiber. Since it could lead to other broadband options down the line and might impact residents during installation I thought I should bring it to your attention.
If you would like to read the staff memo, the resolution, or the contract you can find it online here starting at page 91.
A section from the staff memo to the council that gives some background
“Intrepid Fiber has informed the City of their intent to install approximately 76 miles of fiber optic cable and conduit within select City rights-of-way and utility easements. State law grants telecom and broadband providers a right to access and use public rights-of-way for deployment and use of networks, although it requires an initial grant of authorization from the City and an obligation that Intrepid’s work complies with City code and related regulations. Resolution No. 2024-24 authorizes a “Master License Agreement” between the city and Intrepid Fiber intended to protect the City’s interests to the extent allowed by law.”
About installation ( yikes!)
From the staff memo:
“Deployment of telecom and broadband infrastructure involves extensive construction that can cause damage to public infrastructure, private utility infrastructure and private property. Installation typically involves directional boring where conduit is forced underground between two excavation pits. In addition to damage caused by excavation, the boring process can cause damage to underground facilities such as City water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure; and private irrigation systems. The boring process can also negatively impact delivery of utility services from public mains to individual homes and businesses. Damage is not always immediately known and may only become apparent through future infrastructure failure or interruption of service (such as sewer backups into homes). In areas where installation will be overhead, significant pruning of trees may be required to provide necessary clearances. Construction will include a “flower pot” (small plastic pit with lid) adjacent to each property within the area to be served. A limited number of larger surface cabinets will be installed at areas to be determined. Future City operations, maintenance, and construction will need to work around the new facilities which can be challenging given the extent of excavation generally needed to access buried City utilities.”
I asked our Public Works Director Jeff Arthur a couple of questions.
Could you tell me what the benefit to the residents will be once this fiber optic cable is installed? What can people expect?
Hi Karen,
The agreement with Intrepid Fiber that Council approved last night is a "Master License Agreement" that documents terms for Intrepid to construct and occupy City rights-of-way and public easements with a fiber optic telecommunications/broadband network. State and federal law preclude local governments from requiring telecommunications and broadband companies to negotiate a franchise agreement (where a company agrees to provide certain services in exchange for use of the public right-of-way) and this agreement is not a franchise. The license agreement largely lays out terms intended to manage impacts to the community associated with construction of the system and long-term occupation of the public right-of-way.
Our understanding is that Intrepid will lease its network to another company(s) that will offer broadband/telecommunications services to residents/businesses in areas of the City where the Intrepid network is installed. Those residents/businesses will benefit from the opportunity to obtain telecommunications/broadband services directly from that company(s). The City will not have an agreement with company(s) that provide service or otherwise have the ability to negotiate services, service levels or rates.
City staff will be meeting with Intrepid in the next few weeks to discuss the supplemental site license/permit process, their proposed schedule, and communications. At a minimum, Intrepid will be required to notify adjacent residents via door hanger prior to the start of construction. We will be encouraging them to provide additional communications, including related to anticipated services that will be available to residents.
The City has not selected or endorsed Intrepid, our understanding is that they are not intending to extend their network to the entire City, the City will not have control over services provided or cost, this won't be an option on monthly City utility bills, the City is not funding the project or receiving compensation for use of public rights-of-way. It's really more akin to a new retailer coming to town (that happens to be operating on other peoples' property).
Best,
Jeff
Want to offer more support? Awesome!
This project is a joke! No contact with residents, and Intrepid is on its third excavating crew. Digging in wrong locations on private properties repeatedly. The City’s third party PM with Tate is useful in that regard. Sure hoping there is no infrastructure damage to various utility systems as a result.
Thanks for the info Karen. We have fiber through Quantam and it’s great. It’s above ground. Sounds like this may be buried. Also may be misinterpreting.