High Speed Fiber-Optic Installation Unsettling to Some San Angelo Residents

SAN ANGELO, TX –– After receiving a large number of calls and emails concerning the work being done by Frontier Communications, the City of San Angelo has issued a statement to clarify the situation.

"Fiber-optic technology has made its way to San Angelo, which provides new options for internet service," said COSA in the statement. "Frontier Communications is expanding its fiber-optic network to bring what the company calls blazing-fast speeds and reliable broadband connections to San Angelo."

As a result of the work being done, San Angelo residents may see orange lines being laid in an increasing number of neighborhoods and in front of their properties during the installation process. These lines are inner ducts that encase and protect the fiber-optic cable. 

The area being worked on is defined as a public right of way, or the area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street, public sidewalk, alley, waterway, or utility easement in which the municipality has an interest. It can include the portions of property adjacent to streets, including areas that many consider private property. 

Frontier currently has a franchise from the State of Texas and is permitted to install inner ducts in the right of way.

"While the City is aware of the work being done in the right of way, we are not conducting the work and cannot provide information related to the work or any damage that is a result of the work," said the city.

Additionally, the city reminds citizens that fiber-optic services are not limited to Frontier. Other companies will likely be coming to San Angelo to install fiber in the future. There is no time frame for when those companies will begin work so citizens are advised to be on the lookout.

For questions about the damage done to properties, contact Frontier Construction Coordinator Steve Cortese at [email protected] or 325-249-5458.