What to expect negotiating Cable install for subdiv

Started by EdL7 • 5 replies • 756 views

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EdL7 (North Carolina)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Hi,

Our HOA just got a verbal for Spectrum TV to install Fiber/Cable for the entire sub-div. We are a smaller, mature development without any existing cable infrastructure (we have DSL only). As a result the install is a total greenfield meaning they are installing access points and trenching cable to a new interface at every house

I'm hoping some folks here have negotiated similar cable projects and could offer advice on potential gotchas with install issues, easements or similar that I need to be aware of before we get too far into the process.

Most of the archives I searched on this topic address bulk service details but we're a smaller HOA and Spectrum is not requiring a bulk contract and they said we won't have a cost-share as every home owner agrees to allow Spectrum trench the cable to a new interface all at once rather than in phases. Any advice is appreciated

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Hope everyone is on board for this option. One warning when we installed cable. The cable company does not always bury the cable themselves. They hire a sub contractor. So you may want to ask if they hire subs to do some of the work.

The reason I point this out, is that when ours was installed they left the cables running in the street. Literally there was cable along side curbs. Drove over them to get into my driveway. Took them months to bury the cable. It was due to the subs they hired they claimed.

Former HOA President

DouglasM6 (Arizona)
Posts: 724

Posted:

Ask them for references. Contact the references with your questions. The only thing I would want to see in writing is they will be responsible for any damage to underground utilities. I would also ask that they bury at least 18" deep in any non-landscaped area, and at least 12" deep in landscaped areas. Cable companies can be the worst when it comes to this stuff. Since their cables are not dangerous, there is no depth requirement. I've seen them lay the drops (from the bullet to the house) on the ground and brush dirt/rock over them.

EdL7 (North Carolina)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Very helpful advice, especially the cable depth requirement.

Now that you mention it, Verizon did such a poor cable job at my last house, I clipped it planting grass seed 2 inches down. I think the sub used earth worms to do the boring.

RogerB (Colorado)
Posts: 5,067

Posted:

EdL7, Can you get any other Cable service? If so, get bids and select the best service available.

Have an Agreement signed by both parties. The Agreement should include all items which need to be in every contract. It needs to include the term (#years) and termination clause; HOA compensation upfront and penalties for failure to perform duties listed; the cable company's responsibility to repair any and all damages; to make any necessary repairs within a specified time limit. It would also be a good idea to have an attorney review the Agreement before it is signed.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

First! Who is voting the bill to lay fiber optic cable?? the company or the HOA? 2nd your current telephone lines, are they in underground vaults or on poles?

If your HOA is fairly new, even 15-20 years old, 99% of the time all utilities are buried underground and It seems logical that the fiber optic cable will be laid
along side your telephone line.

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