METRONET CONSTRUCTION OF CITYWIDE FIBER-OPTIC NETWORK
Metronet has begun construction to bring fiber optic internet, TV and telephone service to City of Kentwood residents and businesses. The telecommunication services company is installing a citywide fiber-optic network either underground or on existing utility poles.
Residents will be made aware of installation activity and its impact to their area prior to construction through a series of communications from Metronet. This will include:
- A letter letting residents know that they will be coming to their area in the next 30-45 days and what to expect.
- A construction postcard, notifying the resident of construction in the area.
- An easement flyer notifying residents that they may need to enter onto private property to get to the easement.
- An underground utilities flyer, which encourages residents to let Metronet know of any underground utilities in their yards so they can avoid damaging those when digging.
Any questions or concerns should be directed to Metronet:
- Metronet Customer Care Line: 877.386.3876
- Online Questions/Complaints: metronetinc.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I’ve received information from Metronet. Who are they?
A: The company will install a citywide fiber-optic network either underground or on existing utility poles. This will provide Kentwood residents and businesses with an additional choice for internet, television and telephone services.
Metronet has a website dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns residents may have about the construction process. Individuals can also call 877.386.3876.
Q: Who are these people in my yard? Are they allowed to be there?
A: Yes. Metronet is obtaining the necessary permits to build out their network. Just like other utility companies, Metronet has the right to access the City’s right of way, which extends across streets from sidewalk to sidewalk, and easement areas, typically located along the street, the sidewalk, the rear lot line or between two lots.
Utility companies use easements to construct and maintain overhead and underground lines. Metronet crews have legal access to these areas to install their fiber cables, in addition to equipment such as boxes buried at ground level, typically placing them in a central location utilized by multiple utility providers. If your easement is within a fenced area of your property, Metronet will need access to this area as well.
For more information about easements and what you can expect during construction, visit construction.metronetinc.com/cct/constructionProcess. If you have questions or concerns, call Metronet’s customer care line at 877.386.3876.
Q: What if my lawn, fence, etc. is damaged during construction?
A: The construction phase of this project is temporary and Metronet crews do their best to minimize the impact to property; however, technicians need to hang fiber-optic cables on utility poles or run them underground to extend service to subscribing residents.
Metronet has a website dedicated to addressing any questions or concerns residents may have about construction. Visit construction.metronetinc.com/cct/askQuestions to submit your question or concern. Residents can also call 877.386.3876.
Metronet answers all inquiries and addresses any concerns within 24 hours (one business day M-F) and repairs any damage occurring during the construction of their network.
Q: Can I move the flags?
A: Please do not remove flags. Metronet is legally required to have utilities locate their underground transmission line, such as gas, water and electric lines prior to construction. The flags show where the existing utilities are, helping Metronet crews avoid these areas.
Once these colorful flags or temporary landscape-safe spray paint appear in your yard, or along the street, construction should begin within a week. Once construction is complete, the flags will be removed. Weather permitting, Metronet will rake, seed and straw your lawn in the areas where digging occurs.
Q: I have a sprinkler system, dog fence, sump pump line or other underground item. What do I need to do to make sure these items are marked and avoided during construction?
A: It is very important to notify us of these items. Metronet will provide flags to you to mark these items, or you can choose to use landscape-safe spray paint (not provided by Metronet.) You may also report these items to us by visiting construction.metronetinc.com/cct/askQuestions.
Q: How long will Metronet be doing work?
A: Metronet workers may be in your yard for 30 minutes up to one day. If other utilities are overhead, Metronet will install the fiber optic cables on existing poles. If utilities are underground, the company will bury the network in those same areas. Before doing underground work, Metronet will have the other utility companies locate their transmission lines and will temporarily move any obstacles within the utility easement.
Q: What’s a utility easement?
A: Utility easements are located on most properties and are generally designated by city ordinance to be accessible to utilities, such as gas, water, electric and cable providers in most cases. Metronet will locate its fiber-optic network in these utility easements.
Metronet’s construction website contains a wealth of information about what to expect during construction, including a video explaining utility easements. Visit construction.metronetinc.com/cct/constructionProcess to view the video and read additional information regarding construction.