Frequently Asked Questions

Several internet companies are currently installing fiber lines in Waconia. Comcast is installing both internet and cable television services. You may see workers in your neighborhood performing trenching, boring, and placing cables within easements, and public rights-of-way which may impact your yard. 

Before construction begins, you’ll see small flags or spray paint markings identifying utility lines. These are placed after companies submit a request through the 811 system to ensure safe digging. Different colors indicate different utility types. 

After markings, crews will begin installing underground conduit and fiber lines—typically within 5 to 7 days. Most work occurs in public areas, but you will be notified by the contractor if work needs to be done in a utility easement that falls within your property line. 

You may also see construction vehicles and equipment such as trucks, directional drills, and utility vans. 

Yes. Companies like Metronet and Comcast have obtained the necessary permits from the City of Waconia to install fiber-optic cables within public rights-of-way and designated utility easements.  

Under Minnesota state law, telecommunications and utility providers are granted the legal right to access and use public rights-of-way and easements for the construction, installation, and maintenance of their infrastructure, including fiber-optic networks. These rights-of-way and easements typically include streets, sidewalks, and boulevard areas, that may extend into yards. While cities like Waconia have the authority to regulate the time and place of this work through a permitting process, they cannot prohibit utility companies from installing infrastructure in these areas if the companies are in compliance with state law and local permit requirements. 

The public right-of-way (ROW) refers to land set aside for public use and infrastructure, such as streets, sidewalks, and utilities like water, sanitary sewer, gas, electric service and telecommunications. In residential areas, the ROW often extends beyond the paved street—typically about 16 feet from the back of the curb into what many homeowners consider part of their front yard. This space may include sidewalks, boulevard strips, and grassy areas near the curb. Though it may look like private property, this area is legally reserved for public infrastructure and may be accessed by the City or licensed utility companies for maintenance, repair, or installation work. 

In addition to the ROW, most properties also include Drainage and Utility (D&U) Easements. These are designated strips of land along the front (usually 10 feet past the ROW), rear, or side (usually 6 feet from) property lines. While these easements are part of a homeowner's lot, they grant legal access to the City and utility providers for the purpose of installing and maintaining essential services like stormwater systems, electrical lines, or fiber-optic cables. 

It’s important to understand that both the ROW and D&U easements are legally accessible by utility providers with proper permits. Even though these areas may appear to be private yard space, work can be conducted there without the property owner's direct approval. 

Contractors working for internet providers will typically leave door hangers or other notifications before beginning work. These will include the company name and contact info.

The work is being completed by contractors hired by the internet service providers, not by the City of Waconia.

Yes, generally each provider installs its own system. Fiber-optic networks are independently owned and maintained, and providers don’t typically share infrastructure. This means that if several companies want to offer service in your area, construction could happen more than once. 

With new developments, some utility providers opt to install infrastructure together in one trench prior to construction of new homes.  The city always makes this request but is not able to require it. 

Contractors usually finish within a few weeks. However, because multiple providers may be installing at different times, you could see activity more than once during the construction season. Most work is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027. 

If you notice no progress for over a week and property hasn’t been restored, contact the fiber-optic company contact for assistance. 

The companies will mail notifications to residents as service becomes available. Expect a “Coming Soon” notice a month in advance, followed by a confirmation once the network is ready.

Contractors are required to return any disturbed property—lawns, landscaping, etc.—to its original condition. This process may take time, so they appreciate your patience while restoration work is completed. 

If you have questions or concerns about the restoration process, contact the fiber-optic company for assistance. 

Please don’t remove them until the installation work is finished. These flags are essential for identifying underground utilities. Once the job is complete, the contractors will return to remove them.

The green boxes are called pedestals. They act as connection points for the fiber network and are typically installed in public right-of-way areas or utility easements for easy maintenance and service upgrades.

Sometimes installation requires limited work across driveways. Contractors will dig under driveways to limit the impact.

While most of the work is deep enough to avoid these, hand digging will be used in certain areas during construction. If you have these systems in your yard, it’s always best to mark these systems and notify the provider ahead of time. 

We recommend clearly marking the locations of any private systems like invisible fencing or sprinklers. While any damage caused by the contractors is the responsibility of the internet provider, marking these areas ahead of time helps prevent issues. Instructions for marking these systems will be included in construction alert door hangers.