The overview
In January, the city approved an agreement with Google Fiber to install a fiber optic network throughout the city using public right of way. The new network is intended to bring faster internet speeds to the city, Bee Cave Director of Communications Crystal Cotti said.
If the permitting process proceeds as planned, construction of the network will begin before the end of 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026, said Jason Bone, head of technical operations in Central Texas for Google Fiber.
The details
In order to install the network in Bee Cave, small trenches may need to be cut into roadways for fiber optic cable to be laid down. These trenches are typically cut along the curb of the road, and are usually 1.5-2 inches wide and up to 18 inches deep, according to city documents.
According to the city’s code of ordinances, cutting or excavating streets is prohibited unless permission is granted by the city manager, or their designee, for special circumstances.
Giancarlo Patino, interim city engineer for the city of Bee Cave, stated at an April 22 City Council meeting that Google Fiber would like to pursue micro-trenching on city roadways. However, some photos were shared by Patino highlighting potential problems with micro-trenching, in which the sealant or fill used to refill the trenches cracked over time.
Members of council expressed a desire to investigate installation methods further before making a decision on micro-trenching.
“I’m getting the sense that we all want to be supportive of this,” council member Kevin Hight said. “This is a good thing, if we can get to a comfort level that we’re not going to be spending tons of money having to do repair work for their efforts, and making it aesthetically terrible when there may be other options.”
What’s next?
City Council did not make a decision on whether to update relevant city ordinances to allow for micro-trenching. Mayor Kara King stated that the issue would be brought back to council at a future meeting.
