New fiber optic install causes a stir in town
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Several residents of Mount Ayr are up in arms about the installation process of a new fiber optic cable system being installed throughout the area by Kinetic by Windstream. It’s not actually the new system they are concerned with, rather it is the method by which the provider has chosen to mark the location of the new lines.
Residents are actually happy about the new modern fiber optic system which presents as a reliable and cost effective alternative to traditional copper cable installations that provide television and internet service to the community. What they are not happy with is the large white and florescent orange pole markers being placed in people’s yards to mark the location of these installations.
“These poles are to mark the locations of the newly installed fiber optic system and are included as part of the installation instructions for the crews,” said and installation foreman, who asked not to be identified.
Some community members immediately voiced their displeasure via social media having witnessed these unwelcome additions to their front yards. Mount Ayr City Administrator Brent Wise was contacted by some concerned citizens asking about what the city could do to prevent the placement of these markers. Wise agreed to contact the city legal representation to ask what the cities options are regarding this community concern.
Wise indicated to the Record News that cable companies are categorized as “Utility Companies” and as such are not always subject to city policy limitations. Wise further stated that he has not yet heard back from the attorney regarding the city’s options regarding the marker placements.
Anyone familiar with traditional cable networks understand the frustration with service disruptions that come about as a result of careless homeowners or unknowing construction crews inadvertently cutting traditional copper lines. While inconvenient, repairs are usually straightforward and easily addressed by cable employees. Fiber optics are a completely different level of repair should one accidentally be cut. Repairs for these lines require special tools and specialized training. Furthermore, repairs to fiber optic lines can cost up to five or even in some instances 10 times what a copper cable repair costs.
Clearly, Kinetic is trying to reduce the potential for accidental cuts by making the identification of these systems as obvious as they can. Community members question the longevity of these new poles especially in winter time when street plowing of snow could present a problem. It’s important to note that these PVC pole hold no electronics. Kinetic has been slowly making its way across the community and is expected to complete installations sometime this fall. The fate of the marker pole will be readdressed once the city legal opinion has been made available.
