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Residents, council raise questions about OmniFiber outreach and limits on local control
Summary
Residents and council members questioned door-to-door fiber marketing by OmniFiber; city staff said the township and the city have engaged the company, and the city attorney cautioned state law limits local authority over telecommunications installations.
Residents and council members raised concerns about solicitations by a company called OmniFiber that have suggested fiber service is available in some neighborhoods.
City Manager Dapolito said the township has had difficult discussions with OmniFiber and that the city is trying to work with any provider but will enforce local rules where it can. "They want to install fiber optics throughout the city," the city manager said, and staff urged caution about companies advertising availability before infrastructure is built.
The city attorney told council that state law constrains local authority over certain utility installations and that competing companies can seek to install fiber under PUCO-regulated frameworks, which can limit the city's ability to ban competing lines. He urged enforcement of the city's standards for permitting and installation to protect local interests.
Why it matters: Residents getting solicitations with statements that service is "available" may be confused; council wants staff to clarify whether advertising is premature and to protect the city's infrastructure during any installation.
Council actions: Staff said they will continue communications with OmniFiber and similar firms, enforce local permitting rules where permitted, and advise residents that signing up for service does not guarantee immediate fiber installation unless and until the company completes required work and approvals.
