Gigabit Fiber Is Coming to Hillsborough
Installation likely will start in April and advance rapidly over the next year
If you’ve been wondering whether Google Fiber would be coming to Hillsborough, here’s your answer.
Google Fiber has initiated a project to build a fiber-optic network in and around Hillsborough to provide access to its gigabit internet plans. With encroachment agreements from the state and town, the company will have permission to work in the rights of way in Hillsborough.
“Hillsborough residents and businesses have been asking for more options for internet service for a long time, and this need has only increased with more people working from home. We are excited to have this option coming in,” Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver said. “It will also take a lot of patience from all of us as we work through the disruptions of the installation, but I think it will be well worth it when we get to the other side."
Permitting for installation of the fiber network is expected to begin in March, with installation likely starting in April and advancing rapidly over the next year.
What you need to know
Private project — This is a private project owned and operated by Google Fiber and its subcontractors. The town will be responsible for inspecting the work in public rights of way to ensure acceptable restoration. Any activity on privately owned property requires approval of the property owner. This includes townhouse, condominium and apartment complexes.
Rights of way — A right of way typically includes the area from the street toward a home for about 8 feet but can vary and be greater. Utility companies have the legal right to operate within the rights of way of the town and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Fiber vaults — Periodic utility vaults will be installed in the right of way. Smaller plastic fiber vaults will be 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 and will be placed at the same grade as the right of way.
Excavation — The company uses shallow, narrow trenching and boring to minimize damage to tree roots. Boring will be used if driveways need to be crossed.
Notification and paint markings — The company’s subcontractors will provide notification of work in an area through door hangers. Paint markings will be sprayed on the ground before construction and typically disappear in a few weeks. The paint indicates the location of existing underground utility lines so those lines can be avoided when digging.
Construction hours and site restoration — Work typically will occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. 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.
Got questions?
For more details, see FAQ: Gigabit Fiber Construction on the town website.
If you have questions or concerns about the project, contact Google Fiber by email at fiber-support@google.com, by phone at 877-454-6959, or by its website at fiber.google.com/support.
Hillsborough residents and property owners who have attempted to resolve an issue through Google Fiber’s official channels and are not satisfied with the response may contact Hillsborough Civil Engineering Technician Tyler Freeman by email or 919-296-9639.
