The Lehi City Council meeting on March 31, 2024, focused on the ongoing development of the citywide fiber network, a project aimed at enhancing Internet connectivity for residents and businesses. The meeting provided an overview of the project's stages and what residents can expect as construction progresses.
The discussion began with an introduction to the fiber network initiative, highlighting its benefits for the community. City officials emphasized that while residents may have noticed construction crews in their neighborhoods, the initial phase involves extensive planning and preparation. This includes network design and necessary groundwork, which may not be immediately visible to the public.
Once the planning phase is completed in a specific area, the next steps will involve construction and fiber splicing. Crews will establish pathways to bring fiber connections to curbs, utilizing either underground cables or aerial fiber linked to fiber huts. Officials noted that this construction may affect city rights of way and some private properties, particularly around driveways, sidewalks, and lawns.
Residents will have the opportunity to choose from five different Internet service providers once fiber is brought to their curbs. For more information on available options, residents are encouraged to visit the Lehi Fiber Network website. Following provider selection, drop crews will connect the fiber directly to homes and businesses, employing methods such as small trenches or narrow plowing. City officials assured that any disturbances to sidewalks and green spaces would be restored to their original condition.
The installation process will culminate with technicians working alongside the chosen provider to set up an optical network terminal (ONT) in each home or business. This terminal will facilitate the connection to the fiber network. Depending on the provider and any additional services selected, further installation may be required.
The meeting concluded with a timeline for the project, with expectations to complete the Lehi Fiber Network by 2025. City officials expressed optimism about the future of Internet connectivity in Lehi, promising fast, reliable, and affordable service for residents in the years to come.