When we install your fiber internet, we may temporarily place your new fiber line on the surface of your yard inside a protective cover. You may hear us call this a temporary drop. It stays there for a short time before we return to bury it underground. This is a normal part of our installation process.
What you'll see
A black cover with a yellow stripe. Your fiber internet line runs inside this protective conduit.
Landscape staples. Placed every 3 to 4 feet to hold the cover flat against the ground.
Bright, high-visibility flags. These mark the route of your temporary line.
The line runs from the connection point near the street to your home. It may cross your private driveway or walkway, but it does not cross a public sidewalk or other public right-of-way. If a public crossing is needed, that section is installed underground first.
Why Do We Use Temporary Fiber Internet Lines?
So you don't have to wait to get connected.
Before we can bury a new fiber line, underground utilities like gas, water, electricity, and cable must be located and marked through 811, California's call-before-you-dig service.
Rather than making you wait for that process to finish before installing your internet, we temporarily place your fiber line on the surface inside a protective cover. This allows us to move forward with your installation while the required utility checks are completed. Once they're done, we'll return to bury your line underground.
You may also see colored paint or small flags from utility companies in or near your yard. These mark existing underground utilities.
When Will We Move It Underground?
We'll bury your temporary line within 14 business days of installation, weather permitting.
When our crew returns, they'll bury the line underground, remove the temporary cover, staples and flags, and restore the affected area.
You'll receive a text message when the burial is complete.
How You Can Help
Please use care around your temporary line until it’s underground:
Keep children and pets away from the line.
Mow and trim around it.
Don’t dig, edge, or aerate near it.
Leave the staples and flags in place.
Is the line damaged or in your way?
Please don't move or repair it yourself. Call us at 877.722.3833, and we'll help.