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County staff says Clear Networks will build redundant fiber loop through Placerville, give residents last‑mile options
Summary
County staff described an easement that would allow Clear Networks to bury conduit around Placerville and as part of a larger valley loop that should deliver fiber to the home and redundancy. Commissioners and residents asked about timing and whether final last‑hundred‑feet connections would be provided by the ISP.
County staff briefed commissioners Aug. 20 on a proposed easement to allow Clear Networks to extend a redundant fiber loop down valley through Placerville as part of a larger project to connect the sheriff’s office terminus with Norwood and the upper valley. Staff said Clear Networks received a grant nearly two years earlier and has been working with property owners for pole attachments and easements. The route will use overhead attachments in many places and will transition to an underground conduit where undergrounding is required — the county’s proposed easement covers a location where the company will trench and bury conduit.
Staff said the vendor was asked to size any conduit to accommodate a future second ISP so competition would be possible should another provider express interest. “Clear Networks received a grant, almost 2 years ago now. And as a part of their plan, they're looking to build a loop of fiber that goes down valley from the current terminus at the sheriff's office all the way down valley,” a county staff member said. The county told commissioners it will require the conduit to be sized for an additional provider and will otherwise cooperatively work with Clear Networks on scheduling needed trenching prior to ground‑freeze deadlines.
Commissioners asked about last‑mile hookups and who pays the final connection from the main line to the house; staff said Clear Networks had begun direct outreach to residents in Sawpit and Fall Creek and that the company will provide last‑mile ISP service in many areas. Clear Networks was optimistic about constructing the lines this fall, staff said, but overhead work may continue beyond trenching deadlines; the county will coordinate the buried conduit sections to ensure installation before freeze. The packet also referenced easement work on Front Street in Placerville.
Why it matters: Residents in portions of the valley have long had limited broadband options. A looped fiber network will provide redundancy if a single fiber cut occurs and can enable higher speeds and more reliable service to homes. The county’s easement and conduit‑sizing language seeks to leave room for future competition.
Next steps: County staff will finalize the easement language as part of the consent agenda and coordinate construction deadlines with Clear Networks.
