Two fiber-optic internet companies have approached The City of Fargo to install comprehensive fiber networks in our community. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has identified public right-of-way as an opportunity to install fiber networks at a lower cost and to allow more residents access to broadband. Both companies, Gateway Fiber and Ubiquity Fiber, intend to separately install fiber lines across the entire city. This will require two separate excavations at every parcel in Fargo to install connection points for every residence and business. The installation of fiber lines is beginning this summer in neighborhoods south of 40th Avenue South and west of Interstate 29. The work is projected to continue over the next three to five years.
What to expect during installation?
Residents can expect crews digging and boring to install fiber lines underground. This may involve temporary disruptions such as sidewalk and street closures, as well as potential impacts on lawns and parking.
In neighborhoods built in the 1970s or later, fiber installation may occur in the public utility easement on private property. The public utility easement, which generally extends 10 feet from the front and/or back property line, is a strip of land where utility companies are allowed to install infrastructure to serve your property. Structures like driveways, fences or storage sheds built on a public utility easement may need to be removed or relocated to allow for fiber installation.
In older areas without public utility easements, fiber installation work will mainly occur on boulevards in the public right-of-way, usually within 15 feet of the curb.
Residents with underground dog fences or sprinkler systems are encouraged to inform installation crews of any private items in the public right-of-way or in the public utility easement. In most cases, crews should be able to work around such items with minimal impacts. Residents can visit FargoND.gov/Private-Utilities for more information about the installation projects and for an interactive map to locate the public utility easement on their property.
Will lawns be restored after installation?
Installation crews are required to restore any disturbed lawns, sidewalks or driveways. Residents are encouraged to email concerns and questions to FargoFiberInstall@FargoND.gov. In your email, please include your contact information, property address, photos and any other information that will help City staff investigate the issue. Residents can also call 701.241.8190 and leave a detailed voicemail for City staff, who will aim to return the message within one business day. The City of Fargo is committed to ensuring all disturbed areas are restored in compliance with the excavation code.
What are the benefits of fiber internet?
Fiber has some advantages not currently offered in our community, including faster upload speed and possibly decreased latency (small delays between sending and receiving). The two companies have different business models:
• Gateway Fiber is a traditional Internet Service Provider (ISP). Gateway will own and operate their fiber, offering internet options for residents.
• Ubiquity Fiber provides open-access fiber for others to use their fiber for any purpose they want. For example, an ISP can pay to use Ubiquity’s fiber and provide internet services to residents. Others may want to lease their fiber to connect to various locations.
Residents should contact Gateway or Ubiquity directly if they are interested in receiving their service. Before installation occurs, the companies plan to distribute door hangers that will include contact information. Gateway can be reached through Gatewayfiber.com or by calling 1.888.201.4339; Ubiquity can be contacted through UbiquityGP.com.