Overview

Fiber optic networks utilize thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals, offering high-speed, high-bandwidth internet, voice and TV services. These networks are crucial for modern communication due to their ability to transmit data over long distances with minimal signal loss, and their capacity to handle increasing data demands. 

Multiple providers have started construction of their 100% fiber optic networks for internet and home phone services in Bartlett. Residents can expect to see construction teams in and around neighborhoods completing both aerial and underground work.

Building 100% Fiber Network - What to Expect

Step 1: Locate Existing Utilities
Crews identify/locate utility poles and underground easements and mark their locations with flags and landscape-safe paint in yards, as well as along roads and sidewalks.

Step 2: Build the Network
Construction teams enter work areas and begin construction. You may see crews digging trenches, constructing attachments on utility poles and placing conduit pipes then pulling fiber through them. Total construction time for this multi-phase process will vary based on factors like neighborhood size and weather conditions. 

Step 3: Repair Impacted Areas
Once construction is complete and weather permits, crews return to restore the affected areas by raking, seeding, and applying straw to the lawns.

Network Providers
Residents are encouraged to visit the construction websites of the specific provider in their area to access more information about the construction process, and to notify them of any potential concerns

Metronet 
Customer Service Line & Construction Website: 866-292-5382
metronet.com/construction 
METRONET COVERAGE MAP

Ezee Fiber
Call: 630-749-3933 
Email: support.il@ezeefiber.com
Learn more: ezeefiber.com/fiber-construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are these people in my yard? Are they allowed to be there?
A: Yes. these fiber optic providers have obtained the necessary permits to build out their network. Just like other utility companies, they have the right to access the village’s right of way, which extends across streets from sidewalk to sidewalk, and easement areas, typically located along the street, the sidewalk, the rear lot line, or between two lots. Utility companies use easements to construct and maintain overhead and underground lines. Crews have legal access to these areas to install their fiber cables, in addition to equipment such as boxes buried at ground level, typically placing them in a central location utilized by multiple utility providers. If your easement is within a fenced area of your property, they will need access to this area as well. If you have questions or concerns, contact the provider directly with the phone number shown above. 

Q: What if my lawn, fence, etc. is damaged during construction?
A: The construction phase of this project is temporary, and crews do their best to minimize the impact to property; however, technicians do need to either hang fiber-optic cables on utility poles or run them underground in order to extend service to subscribing residents. Any questions or conderns should be addressed directly to the network provider, which has committed to repair any damage occurring during construction of their network.

Q: Can I move the flags in my yard?
A: Please do not remove the flags. The companies are legally required to have utilities locate their underground transmission line, such as gas, water, and electric lines prior to construction. The flags show where the existing utilities are, helping crews avoid these areas. Once these colorful flags or temporary landscape-safe spray paint appear in your yard, or along the street, construction should begin within a week. Once construction is complete, the flags will be removed. Weather permitting, the provider will rake, seed, and straw your lawn in the areas where digging occurred.

Q: Why this company going through my yard – I never said I wanted the service!
A: The provider company is creating a fiber network throughout the village, so people who want to sign up for service may do so. As with other utilities, the goal is to make it as widely accessible as possible, although there is obviously no requirement for any home sign up for service.

Q: How long will the provider be in my yard doing work?
A: Workers may be in your yard from 30 minutes up to one day. If other utilities are overhead, the company will install the fiber optic cables on existing poles. If utilities are underground, the company will bury the network in those same areas. Before doing underground work, the provider will have the other utility companies locate their transmission lines and will temporarily move any obstacles within the utility easement.

Q: What’s a utility easement?
A: Utility easements are located on most properties and are designated by city ordinance to be accessible to utilities, such as gas, water, electric, and cable providers. The fiber optic network provider will locate its fiber-optic network in these utility easements. For more information about the network buildout process, please contact the specific provider directly using the contact information found above on this page.