Fiber FAQ's

Gateway Fiber and AT&T are currently installing high-speed fiber throughout the city. AT&T is using two different contractors for their project.

These are not city projects and are being led by the private companies similar to other utility installations like Xcel Energy or Comcast.

Make sure to keep the doorhanger for contact information. Copies of the doorhangers are also below:

• Gateway Fiber doorhanger(PDF, 205KB)
• AT&T doorhanger 1(PDF, 147KB) (west of Lexington Ave)
• AT&T doorhanger 2(PDF, 162KB) (east of Lexington Ave)

Federal and state laws give private utility companies the right to install in the right-of-ways for projects. This means the city cannot just say no. 

When a company wants to install in the right-of-way, they need to get a city permit. Through the permit, the city:

• Reviews the project plans
• Requires proper traffic control and other safety measures
• Requires companies to contact residents before starting work
• Requires damaged lawns to be fixed to a similar condition before the work took place
  • This does not include landscaping
• Hires inspectors to ensure companies are following the rules

City staff reviewed and updated our permit requirements to make sure we had some control over the projects based on federal and state laws.

The right-of-way is a public easement behind the curb. It’s typically the first 10-15 feet but it can sometimes be more or less. Even though you mow and maintain this area, there is a public right for several uses such as installing utilities like power, gas, cable and fiber.

Many Shoreview properties also have a utilities easement around the perimeter. It’s typically 10 feet from the front and back property lines and five feet from the side property lines.  These easements can also be used for installing utilities.

The flags are part of the Gopher State One Call system. They:

• Let contractors know where underground utilities are so they aren’t hit when digging.
• Help prevent injuries and damage when digging.
• Please do not remove them, the contractor will.

Private utilities and the city will sometimes place flags and spray paint along the side or back property lines in addition to the front before a project starts. This is a precautionary measure. Because separate locating staff are hired by each utility company, you may see several locators out before the project starts. They usually don’t know much about the project.

**When doing your own home projects, always call 811 before you dig**

The best way to find this out is by calling the number on the doorhanger.

It is a good idea to mark your sprinkler heads or invisible dog fencing. The contractor must replace these if damaged, but they can try to avoid it if it is marked.

If you have landscaping in the right-of-way, you may want to give them a call to see if you should move it. Sometimes it won’t be disturbed, but it is always good to check. The contractor is not required to replace landscaping.

You will get a separate contact if they plan to install an above ground box or cabinet on your property. It will be staked before installation for review.

The city takes an escrow to make sure contractors restore yards to a similar condition before the work took place. Grass must also be growing successfully. Once fiber is installed in a hole, companies must fill it with sand immediately to prevent tripping. Later, they will come back and place topsoil, fertilizer, seed and blanket. If the grass is not growing back, they must come back to restore it again.

Please call the number on the doorhanger if you are unhappy with the restoration. If they are not getting back to you and addressing your concerns, please call the city at 651-490-4650 and we will help.

Additionally, the contractor must fix broken sprinklers, but they may not know they hit them. Please contact the number on the doorhanger to let them know and ask when it will be fixed.

The contractor is not required to replace damaged landscaping in the right-of-way. This can include flower beds and other landscaping. The city discourages significant landscaping in the right-of-way for this reason. You can always ask them if they would replant your landscaping.

Please call the city and we will have our inspectors follow up on safety items. 

• Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm: 651-490-4650

Please take a photo of the damaged box and email the city. Please also include a company name if you see one on the cabinet or box. City staff will follow up with the utility company to have it repaired.