Connexus/Metro Communications presents buried fiber plan for Lebanon; company highlights storm resilience and competition benefits

Representatives from Connexus and Metro Communications described a proposal to install buried fiber infrastructure in Lebanon, explaining construction methods, coordination with utility locators and how the company would handle repairs and contractor liability.

"With underground fiber, the great thing about it is you are not affected by storms," said Joe Piercy of Metro Communications, describing the benefits of underground conduit and noting the company’s standard practice of potholing, trenching and running conduit in the right-of-way. Piercy also explained the company's retainage practice: "We keep 10% of every single invoice that's sent to us, and we hold on to that for a certain period of time," which he said allows the firm to cover damages discovered after construction.

The presenters said competition with another recently approved fiber provider could produce introductory offers and lower long-term rates. They also discussed coordination challenges when multiple companies work in town and said they would sequence work to reduce conflicts and share locates through the state JULIE system. Council members asked questions about timing, liability and whether laterals (homeowner-owned connections) would be visible during locates; the company responded that they accept retainage, will work with local locators and aim to minimize conflicts with other contractors.

The council did not make a decision at the meeting and asked the company to remain available for follow-up as staff reviews franchise and right-of-way issues.