HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-18; Installation of Fiber Network (District - All); Gomez, PazTo the members of the:
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May 18, 2023
Council Memorandum
To:
From:
Via:
Re:
Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Pub~i Works
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Installation of Fiber Network (District -All)
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2023045
This memorandum provides information on a construction effort by Ubiquity SoCal, LLC (Ubiquity),
the owner, operator and installer of a fiber infrastructure network being constructed within the
city.
Background
Ubiquity is a privately-owned investor and developer of digital communications infrastructure.
Through its installations, Ubiquity contracts with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), wireless
carriers, utilities, and municipalities to deliver broadband services to residents, businesses and
community institutions. In December 2022, Ubiquity began installation of its fiber network within
the city.
Discussion
The activities associated with Ubiquity's installation of fiber optic lines in the public right-of-way
often involves a large crew of workers, traffic control and equipment that can produce a
significant amount of noise. As a result, the work has generated interest and many inquiries from
the residents. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the project:
Who is leading this project and why? Ubiquity is installing a fiber infrastructure network
within city limits. Ubiquity has partnered with internet service provider Ting Internet (Ting)
to deliver broadband internet services to residents and businesses within the city using
Ubiquity's newly installed fiber network.
Is this a city project? No, this is not a city project. However, the city retains regulatory
authority1 over the project for the issuance of right-of-way permits.
1 Although federal law gives telecommunication providers, such as Ubiquity and Ting, a legal right to
access the public rights-of-way, the city may regulate the use of public rights-of-way so long as the city's authority
is exercised in a way that does not erect barriers to entry and is competitively neutral. (See Telecommunications
Act of 1996; 47 U.S.C. § 253 .)
Public Works Branch
Construction Management & Inspection Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2780 t
Council Memo -Installation of Fiber Network (Districts -All)
May 18, 2023
Page 2
What is the contractor doing? Ubiquity is installing a fiber infrastructure network within
the public right-of-way. The process involves locating existing utilities along the proposed
alignment using potholing and surveying methods. Once the alignment has been deemed
clear of potential conflicts, a narrow trench is installed near the edge of the roadway.
Conduit is placed in the trench and then backfilled.
A junction box, commonly referred to as a handhole, is installed in the dirt or landscaped
area behind the curb at a frequency of approximately every other home. Once all conduit
and hand holes have been installed in a neighborhood, the contractor will restore the
impacted roadway with an asphalt patch as well as any damage to the curb, gutter and
sidewalks consistent with the permit requirements.
Why is there a handhole in my yard? The location of hand holes is identified during the
design and planning process and is largely dictated by the location of service cabinets and
the interval/spacing requirements needed to connect to individual residences and
businesses. While the primary fiber network runs under the roadway, lateral branches
known as a "service connections" are installed perpendicular to the mainline within a
handhole in the dirt or landscaped area behind the curb. While some homeowners identify
the area behind the curb as their property, the public right-of-way typically extends 10 feet
from the face of the curb.
Can I opt out? Homeowners may not opt out. The California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) regulates privately owned utilities in the State of California, including electric
power, natural gas, telecommunications, water and transportation companies. Ubiquity's
fiber infrastructure network falls within the regulatory authority of the CPUC. It is also
subject to the Telecommunications Act of 1996; as such, the city has limited authority to
restrict and/or regulate how Ubiquity installs its fiber infrastructure network.
When will I see construction in my neighborhood? Ubiquity has not provided the city with
a comprehensive schedule; however, residents and businesses will receive advanced notice
prior to work starting in their neighborhood. Residents who are scheduled to receive a
hand hole in front of their home will receive a door hanger notifying them of planned work
at least 14 days prior to starting the work.
How long will it take? Construction activities are generally expected to last five to six
weeks per neighborhood, depending on the size of each installation. Ubiquity has
communicated that it plans to install an extensive fiber network throughout the city over
the next two to three years.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to process qualifying permit applications for future installations and ensure that
Ubiquity's contractors are meeting the requirements of the city permits while identifying and
mitigating potential safety hazards related to Ubiquity's work.
Council Memo -Installation of Fiber Network (Districts -All)
May 18, 2023
Page 3
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief
Mickey Williams, Police Chief
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Kristina Ray, Communication & Engagement Director
Babaq Taj, Engineering Manager
Hossein Ajideh, Engineering Manager
Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager