A truckload of conduit and other supplies needed for underground installations arrived on-island last week. As we roll into summer, Sertex crews are making excellent progress installing underground conduit to private properties. These additional materials will ensure that uninterrupted construction continues.

What happens next?

Network construction is a complex, multi-phase process with many activities happening concurrently. For the most part, behind-the-scenes design and engineering work has been completed for Block Island, and crews are waiting for pole owners to finish their critical make ready work – inspecting and making room for fiber on poles. It looks like make ready will be completed and local utilities will issue their licenses this fall. At that point, Sertex crews will begin aerial construction, stranding aerial fiber cable starting in the north area of the island.

For the remainder of this year and into next, Sertex crews will run conduit drops from poles to properties as soon as environmental and local authorities clear properties for construction. Later this year, residents and businesses will officially subscribe for Internet service. And as stranding progresses across the island, crews will run fiber drops to individual premises, connecting subscribers to BroadbandBI.

During these busy summer months…

Please ensure the safety of hard-working Sertex and local utility crews this summer by:

• keeping a safe distance from construction crews and equipment;
• following the requested travel path indicated by cones, arrows, flags or flaggers;
• slowing down, paying attention and being alert around construction sites;
• being patient and expecting some delays.

If you own rental property or a business, please share information on broadband construction with your customers or guests.

Reminder: Flags or temporary paint mark the path fiber conduit will take through individual properties, and the location of potentially hazardous utilities. These flags must remain in place until Sertex crews complete their work at a property, which may take about 4 to 6 weeks. Sertex crews are the only people authorized to remove or move Dig Safe and Sertex flags. If crews suspect that flags have been moved, local utilities must be asked to return to re-mark the paths of their lines. This can delay installation of your conduit.

If you have any broadband-related questions or concerns, please send an email to Sertex customer service.

Thanks for your patience and support!