Discussion and Review of Kinetic Fiber Network Installation Proposal – Matt Grahm — WS.D

Competition is good for the citizens, the community, and the businesses. Competition requires providers to maintain prices, service, and technology. If our prices are significantly lower than a pre-existing competitor, they will be forced to evaluate their pricing and either offer more services at the current rate or drop their prices. If a competitor comes into our area with a better product, we will be forced to improve our technology; for example, if Kinetic (Windstream) offers traditional copper internet and a competitor offers fiber optic access, we have to improve our network. And customer service is also a large factor: I am aware that Windstream has a bad reputation for customer service. Windstream was recently purchased and the new parent company (Uniti) has decided to make major investments in adding customer service along with the increased infrastructure in Iowa. For residential installations, we like to use a method we refer to as “Resi-Plow” and “Resi-Bore”. The Resi-Plow is similar to “knifing” in a service line at ~18” depth. The equipment used is smaller, causes less disturbance and disruption to the ground, and is a lot faster than a standard horizontal boring rig. The machine is self-propelled and cuts the soil to the desired depth. A threaded microduct is then forced to depth and the cut is compacted together. After installation, the homeowner will notice a sod scam where the soils were cut. After a month or two of normal conditions, the soils have swelled and the sod has knitted the cut back together for an imperceptible installation. We have a YouTube video that shows the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6-hr7oEKnk&list=PPSV&t=23s We also have the Resi-Bore process that allows us to do a shallow depth bore under impervious surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. Our crew will remove sod, excavate the soil to approximately 24” and set up the machine to bore under the pavement. Another small pit is excavated on the opposite side to receive the drill head and then the conduit is connected back to the Resi-Plow. We only do the shallow bore under driveways and sidewalks or other areas we can’t disturb the surface of. All road crossings are bored using traditional boring equipment at a MINIMUM depth of 36”-48”. This is a requirement that we follow because we want to protect your roads. Boring at 24” is fine for a driveway because they don’t handle heavy traffic, heavy loads, or higher speeds. Roadways, however, can be subjected to all of those forces. We want to protect you, your roads, and your investment in infrastructure. We will also be required to obtain permits from the Iowa Department of Transportation for US6/W Marengo Rd. The IDOT will send a signature page that requests your acknowledgement and approval of the project. We request that you sign that permit when they send it. Kinetic is responsible for all damages due to our installation. That is one of the reasons we like the shallow depth installation: a lot of cities have older infrastructure and are unsure of their water main depths. They can’t always be located for us to avoid them; our “Resi-“ installation methods prevent strikes and lessen the need for pothole location. If we install at 18”-24” we should never be in conflict with water mains and sewers. We use Iowa-1-Call as required by law, but installation at shallower depths, small diameter materials, and precise placement have drastically reduced the number of utility strikes we have encountered. When we do damage, Kinetic is required to repair or pay for the repair. This includes any city utility, electric, gas, and communication lines, street displacement, and driveway/sidewalk damage. We will also repair any laterals that may be encountered during our installation. We understand the risk and accept it as a cost of doing business. Prior to construction, I will request a joint meeting with Kinetic, Kinetic’s contractor Telcom, and the Tiffin Public Works Department to discuss how to proceed with locate requests. We find that some Public Works departments would prefer us to call in locates weekly so they can keep ahead of the progress without having to rush to comply with One-Call requirements. This give a chance for open dialogue with the city staff and a way for everyone to maintain contact.