Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
PRTC says $18.8 million fiber build will cover about 94% of Lee County households; phase-two bids set for February
Summary
PRTC told Lee County officials it is roughly halfway through anchoring for a two-phase $18.8 million fiber project, with phase one due by spring and phase two expected to begin May–June 2026 after USDA environmental approvals; the company also offered live election-night results and a candidate forum broadcast.
PRTC representative Brian updated the Lee County court on the company’s two‑phase fiber build, saying the project is about halfway through the anchoring step and may be slightly ahead of schedule.
Brian said phase one covers roughly 78 miles and should be complete by March or April, and phase two—about 125 miles—could begin in May or June 2026. He said environmental clearances from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for phase two have been completed, which should accelerate the schedule. The full project is an $18.8 million investment; Brian said PRTC expects to cover about 94% of Lee County households when the work is finished.
Brian described the technical sequence: anchors first, then "make ready" work on poles, running steel strand and fiber, splicing and finish work, and service drops. He listed areas included in phase one and two (Athl area; Farmer’s Ridge; Long Branch; Fox Hollow; Bell Point; Shoemaker Ridge; Bear Track; Highway 52 West; Spencer Ridge; New Yellow Rock Road) and said some smaller roads and taps are included in those zones.
County members asked whether anchoring observed in Fox Hollow and Long Branch covered specific roads such as South Fork Road (1411) and whether certain neighborhoods would be included. Brian said visible anchoring indicates phase-one work in that area but that he would confirm exact engineering boundaries for residents who report anchors in their yards.
Officials also raised complications where utilities are buried. Brian said some subdivisions have underground conduit full of incumbent cable (AT&T) and that remedying those areas could require removing existing cable, installing new aerial poles, or negotiating access with landowners—work that could be legally and logistically complex.
Brian added two community services PRTC plans to provide: live election-night results on PRTC Facebook, YouTube and channel 109 on the cable system, and a ‘meet the candidates’ broadcast in April if staff and schedules permit. He said Judge May has agreed to identify an official spotter for election results to help verify returns.
Next steps: Brian said the bid meeting for phase two is set for January, with the county accepting bids in February. Phase‑one completion is expected by spring; phase two could begin May–June 2026, subject to contract awards and any remaining regulatory or utility coordination issues.
