2 weeks Ago By By Jada Holcomb | Herald
The Killeen government recently informed the community of the progress of the fiber-optic network installation that has been in the works in the city since 2022. According to city officials, the federally mandated project — which can bring ultra-fast internet to homes, schools and businesses — is expecting to continue for the next three to five years. “Five private companies are currently installing a fiber optic network to bring high-speed internet across our city,” the city said in an Aug.
22 Facebook post than resulted in over 100 comments from Facebook users. The update received mixed reviews from the public. Some viewed it as a great way to receive better internet in the area, while others believed it was an infringement on those who did not consent to the installation near their homes.
Installation of fiber-optic cables includes digging and trenchwork, similar to installing a gasline or underground electric line. “It should be illegal for this to happen to a property owner who doesn’t want the service, they’re trying to force federally down our throats,” wrote one commenter, David Melancon. “If I want to get this done then I would contact the service company that’s responsible for the high speed fiber being installed but the federal government is mandating that I get this installed so that they can push upon the people something that we can’t afford.
” There are also residents who seem to think it is a good idea though, and do not mind the overall installment. “Federally mandated is a good thing. Everyone should be able to have access to the Internet,” wrote commenter Susan Ross.
The post also received over 100 reactions and three dozen shares. A fiber-optic network is a technology that uses glass or plastic fiber to transmit data. In the social-media post, the city of Killeen mentioned a few things about the project: The project is not designed or constructed by the City of Killeen.
The installation includes conduit, cable, and vault boxes across public rights-of-way and utility easements. The City will ensure compliance through permits for public rights-of-way activities. A utility easement is a designated area of private property where utility companies have the legal right to maintain utility infrastructure, such as water pipes, sewer lines, electrical cables, and fiber optic cables.
Companies may work within utility easements on private property without city permits, but they must restore any disturbed areas to the property owner’s satisfaction. Residents should receive notifications from contractors before work begins in their area. At no point will contractors need to enter your home or business.
Colors marked on public and private property indicate different utilities are required to prevent damage during excavation. Markings typically consist of lines, flags, or spray paint on the ground. “We understand these projects can be inconvenient and we appreciate your patience,” according to the city’s post.
For more information on the fiber-optic installation and the companies doing the work, contact information go to www.killeentexas.gov/engineering .
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