Metronet and T-Mobile Fiber are installing fiber optic communication lines across several areas of the Village of Mount Pleasant.
Operating as T-Fiber built by Metronet, the companies have been installing communication lines neighborhood-by-neighborhood since May, and the work is expected to continue into the winter. This is not a Village project. The work is being financed and managed by the utility companies as they seek to offer a new internet service option in Mount Pleasant.
Metronet has pledged to notify residents before starting construction in a new area, and flags are being placed to mark existing underground utilities before work begins.
For more information, Metronet is accepting calls at (877) 386-3876, and has details on its website.
The company’s construction FAQ (PDF) has more information, including how to submit claims if a fence or lawn is damaged, and how to mark electric dog fence equipment, sump pump pipes, or other underground items on your property so crews can work around them. Flags are also available at the front desk of Village Hall’s lobby for property owners to mark their dog fences or other items.
The Village provides this FAQ to answer other questions residents may have regarding the work.
Is Village government involved in this project?
There is no Village funding for this work, and it is not a Village project. Metronet throughout its project has provided updates and other information to help Village officials respond to questions.
The Village reviews and permits utility construction work on Village-owned properties and rights-of-way. Construction work that Metronet performs on land designated as a utility easement does not require a Village permit.
State law gives utility companies broad leeway to work within public rights-of-way, and limits local governments’ role. Please note that State and County governments review project plans and permit utility work in the rights-of-way of State- and County-owned roads.
Where are Metronet’s construction crews permitted to install the fiber optic lines?
The Village permitted fiber optic installation work to occur only within public rights-of-way. Construction within a utility easement does not require a Village permit.
If you believe crews have equipment on your property outside of the right-of-way or easement, please contact Metronet at (877) 386-3876.
Where are rights-of-way and easements located on my property?
Public rights-of-way often extend about 10 to 20 feet beyond the edge of the road. Residents can see approximate locations of the public right-of-way online through the Racine County GIS mapping system. After opening the online GIS system:
- Enter your address in the white box marked Find Parcel or Quarter Section located on the upper-left side of the screen. Confirm your address in the box to zoom to your property.
- For an extra visual reference, select the square Basemap menu icon (image of four boxes near the top of the screen) and select 2024 Imagery to make a satellite image of your property appear on the map.
Utility easements are different from the public rights-of-way, and do not appear on the GIS map. Detailed locations of utility easements are available from the Racine County Register of Deeds Office.