Private utility companies are installing gigabit fiber-optic cables throughout Hillsborough.
The installations should bring more services, capabilities and choices for those living and doing business in our community.
Fiber-optic cable installation near Churton Street
Project Ownership
The Town of Hillsborough is not performing or paying for this work. The installations are private projects owned and operated by the utility companies and their contractors.
The state regulates excavation on public and private property to prevent damage to underground utilities. See more information on the North Carolina Law page of the North Carolina 811 website.
Internet Service Providers
Brightspeed
Brightspeed has a Certificate of Public Convenience from the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission. This agreement allows the town 30 days to review plans, which must be approved if state conditions are met. See the state statute.
Lumos is under contract with Orange County to provide broadband internet to rural areas.
Spectrum
Spectrum has expressed interest in bringing its fiber internet service to Hillsborough. The company has a franchise agreement with the state to provide video programming services. This agreement will allow the town 30 days to review plans, which must be approved if state conditions are met.
Work within Public Rights of Way
The utility companies have the legal right to operate within rights of way of the town and of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The town can impose additional conditions in its rights of way through encroachment agreements with utilities that do not already have special agreements with the state.
For utilities that have special agreements with the state, the town only may require utilities to keep roads functional, follow existing laws and repair any damage caused in the rights of way.
Work on Private Property
Any activity on privately owned property requires approval of the property owner. Utility companies may have legal right to operate in some private areas through a utility easement managed by a homeowners association or other private owner.
The town does not have authority to regulate work on private property. This includes final connections between the street and house.
What to Expect
All Fiber Companies
Subcontractors
Subcontractors are performing the fiber installations for all internet service providers. The subcontractors should have proper identification with them at all times while performing work. Their vehicles should be marked with a legible magnetic decal or similar marking that identifies the vehicles as a subcontractor for the companies and provides a contact phone number.
Markings
Excavation requires notification to North Carolina 811 to allow utilities to mark underground lines for safety. The work may proceed if utilities have not been marked within the prescribed time period and if no visible indications of underground utilities exist at the site.
Several weeks before construction, paint markings will be sprayed on the ground. The paint typically disappears in a few weeks.
For more information regarding markings, see the North Carolina 811 website.
Color Codes
The uniform color codes mandated by the American Public Works Association for temporarily marking utility lines are:
Red — Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Orange — Telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
Yellow — Natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum or other flammable
Green — Sewers and drain lines
Blue — Potable drinking water
Purple — Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Trenching and horizontal boring are being used to excavate in rights of way.
The trenching involves digging a shallower and narrower trench than traditional excavation methods. It can help in avoiding tree roots and existing underground utilities.
Horizontal boring machines are being used for tight rights of way, deeper installation needs or the crossing of driveways.
Periodic utility vaults are being installed in the right of way. Smaller plastic fiber vaults are being installed on property lines for individual service, similar in location to phone and cable provider boxes. The vaults are like water meter boxes in appearance. They are typically gray and are being placed at the same grade as the right of way.
Construction Area
This image is from Orange County's Geographic Information System website with the photography layer turned on. Town staff added the black and blue to highlight the street and right of way.
A public right of way is designated between most streets and the adjacent private property. This is where service providers are allowed by law to place their fiber along with water, sewer and electrical lines. The right of way typically extends to the water meter box and sewer cleanout pipe on a property.
Residents can review the approximate location of the rights of way for most streets on Orange County’s Geographic Information System website. Enter an address and select the photography button in the upper right corner to see property lines and streets.
Contractors should receive permission from property owners before working on private property if permission is not already granted through an easement. This would include townhouse, condominium and apartment complexes.
Construction Hours
Work within town rights of way will typically occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Permission to expand this schedule will be given sometimes on a case-by-case basis.
Post-Construction
In most cases and weather permitting, private property and public rights of way should be restored to original condition within three to five business days once construction in an area is complete.
Companies are not required by law to coordinate their activities. Once the work of one company is complete, the construction process could start again by another company.
Construction in your area does not mean that new or improved service will be available to you immediately. Residents should reach out to the internet service providers directly for availability timelines.
Google Fiber
In addition to the expectations for all internet service providers, the Google Fiber subcontractor should distribute informational door hangers in advance of construction in your neighborhood.
Questions and Complaints
Construction Concerns or Reporting Damages
For questions or concerns about construction in your area, communicate with the crew working in the area. If additional discussion is needed, call the number on the subcontractor vehicle or door hanger or use the contact information below for assistance.
If you are concerned for contractor safety, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration directly. Call 911 immediately if you see a danger threatening life or health.
Brightspeed
Brightspeed Customer Service Phone Line — 833-692-7773
Google Fiber
Google Support/Construction Phone Line ― 877-454-6959, Option 3