Las Vegas Residents Face Disruption as Fiber Optic Upgrade Project Rolls Out
Residents throughout Las Vegas are experiencing the growing pains of a massive infrastructure upgrade. While faster, more reliable internet is ultimately the goal, the process of installing fiber optic cables has caused frustration and disruption for some neighborhoods.
The project, spearheaded by Gigapower, a tech company owned by AT&T, aims to enhance internet accessibility and speed for over 650,000 residents. Gigapower has contracted with Tilson, a construction company specializing in “micro-trenching,” a technique for laying fiber optic cables underground.
This city-wide initiative, expected to take three to five years, involves simultaneous construction in multiple neighborhoods. While the promise of high-speed internet is enticing, residents have voiced concerns about the impact construction is having on their daily lives.
Some express frustrations about damaged lawns, towed vehicles, and even concerns over potential sewer line disruption. Neighbors are asking who will be responsible for repairing any damage and who will ultimately foot the bill.
Gigapower and Tilson, while declining interview requests, provided statements addressing some of these concerns.
“Our project supports the community’s growth by providing faster, more reliable internet speeds to residents and local businesses,” stated Gigapower. “We carefully select experienced, professional contractors to place fiber in the communities we serve.
“Before a project begins, we provide residents and businesses with important information about upcoming activities by knocking on doors, leaving door hangers, placing yard and street signs, and more. During construction, we implement traffic control measures to help residents and businesses safely access their properties and nearby roads. After construction is completed, our crews remove debris and restore any impacted pavement or landscaping, so it looks as good or better than it did before the work began.”
Tilson echoed this commitment, stating: “Tilson has been actively engaging with residents in the Downtown Las Vegas neighborhoods to address concerns and respond promptly to any issues related to our construction work. In September and October, Tilson participated in two public meetings hosted by the City of Las Vegas, providing an opportunity to speak directly with residents and Neighborhood Association Leaders. To ensure open communication, we’ve designated team members as Points of Contact for this project.”
Tilson can be reached via email at [email protected].
The debate over the project highlights a common tension in infrastructure development: the balance between progress and disruption. While residents understandably want fast, reliable internet, they also deserve clear communication, minimal disruption to their neighbourhoods, and timely resolutions to any issues that arise.
Whether this ambitious project will ultimately be seen as a worthwhile investment for the future of Las Vegas remains to be seen. However, the experience of residents navigating the construction phase underscores the importance of proactive communication, transparency, and accountability from all parties involved.
* How effective has communication been between Gigapower and the residents affected by the fiber optic rollout project?
## Las Vegas Fiber Opitc Rollout: Progress or Pain?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re diving into a story that’s generating a lot of buzz here in Las Vegas: the ongoing fiber optic cable installation project. While the promise of high-speed internet is exciting, the construction process has caused some headaches for residents.
Joining us today is **Jane Smith**, [**Hypothetical Resident]** who lives in the Spring Valley neighborhood and has been directly impacted by the project. Jane, thank you for being with us.
**Jane:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** So Jane, can you describe what’s been happening in your neighborhood?
**Jane:** It’s been pretty disruptive, to say the least. We’ve had crews digging up our streets and sidewalks for weeks. Some of the landscaping has been destroyed, and a couple of my neighbors even had their cars towed because they were parked in the way.
**Host:** You mentioned landscaping damage. What kind of impact have they had on your property?
**Jane:** They ripped up sections of my front lawn to lay the cables. It’s unsightly, and I’m worried about the long-term damage to the grass and the sprinkler system.
**Host:** And you’re concerned about who will be responsible for repairing this damage?
**Jane:** Absolutely. We’ve been told by the construction company that they will fix any damage they cause, but I’m not sure how thorough that will be. I’m worried about hidden damage to sprinkler lines or even sewer lines that may surface down the road.
**Host:** Gigapower and Tilson, the companies behind the project, have declined to be interviewed, but they did release statements saying they’re committed to minimizing disruption. They emphasized the long-term benefits of faster, more reliable internet.
Jane, do you think those benefits outweigh the inconveniences you and your neighbors are experiencing?
**Jane:** I understand the need for better internet, but I think they could have done a better job communicating with residents and mitigating the disruption. It feels like they are rushing to finish the project without considering the impact on our daily lives.
**Host:** Fair enough. We’ve received numerous calls and emails from residents echoing your concerns. Hopefully, Gigapower will address these issues and provide more transparency as the project continues. Jane, thank you for sharing your experience with us.
**Jane:** Thank you for having me.