Point Broadband has been given the go-ahead by the Hagerstown City Council to start installing communication infrastructure in public right-of-ways. The Maryland town is authorizing the access to allow for microtrenching that will spread a web of fiber optic cable throughout the city, reports HeraldMailMedia.com.
Together with New Frontier Solutions, Point Broadband will invest $48 million in the project that will bring internet options to the Hagerstown area.
Although utility poles will host some of the infrastructure, the sidewalks will contain supporting fiber.
For the five percent of the plan that involves microtrenching, New Frontiers President Clint Wiley explained his company’s method is less disruptive than traditional processes and involves placing the fiber cable in street pavement. The narrow groove is a mere 0.75 to 1.5 inches wide and six to 12 inches deep.
“We want to do what we think is a good thing for this community,” said Wiley. “I’ve been trying for several years to do this and now we’ve really got an opportunity to really move it faster.”
In an agreement with the city, Point Broadband will seek permits for any actual work that needs to be done, and will limit work hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mayor Bob Bruchey has expressed his willingness to work with both businesses and citizens to get the broadband project underway. “I know what my citizens have been asking for,” he said.
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