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Fidium fiber project continues as company reports more than $230,000 in cable theft; arrests made
Summary
County staff said work on the consolidated fiber project continues and that the contractor reported more than $230,000 in vandalism/theft to existing copper phone lines; the sheriff's office assisted with arrests, and the company believes actual damage may be larger.
County staff reported the consolidated fiber project is progressing, with many households expected to be eligible for service between June and August, but also recounted recent vandalism to existing telephone infrastructure that the company said caused more than $230,000 in damage.
Representatives from the fiber contractor (Fidium) have been meeting monthly with county officials, and county staff said placement and line work are wrapping up. Staff also reported a local news release and sheriff’s office involvement in an investigation into theft and vandalism of copper phone cables. The contractor estimated about $230,000 in direct damage and told county staff the actual loss may be higher.
Why it matters: The vandalism affected existing communications infrastructure and could have caused service outages; the arrests addressed immediate criminal activity while the fiber project continues installation.
Meeting notes and follow up
- County staff said many customers should see service available between June and August as placement work is completed. - A company press release and sheriff’s office action reported arrests in connection with theft and vandalism of telephone cables; the company estimated damage at roughly $230,000 and indicated that its internal estimate of losses may be higher. - County officials said the vandalism did not affect the fiber project’s core construction but removed existing copper lines that could have hampered emergency calls if not repaired.
Ending: County staff said Fidium will continue installations and that the county will monitor construction and any public‑safety implications; staff noted the contractor has been working extended hours to meet deadlines and that community members reported late‑night work in some areas.
