Fiber Optic Cable Installation

Beginning in the spring of 2025,  Intrepid Fiber Networks, on behalf of T-Mobile, will be installing fiber optic cable in the public right-of-way. Work is expected to take place south of the railroad tracks in 2025. Work will then be completed north of the railroad tracks in 2026. 

The work for this project is being completed by non-City crews and is not being carried out by the City of Oakdale. A permit has been obtained to perform this work. 

Below residents can find more information about this project based on frequently asked questions. 

Public Right-of-Way

If work is being done in the public right-of-way, what does that mean? In Oakdale, the City controls a right-of-way that includes streets, sidewalks and public and private utilities. Approximately 10 to 15 feet public right-of-way exists on either side of the street. Private property lines are typically 10 to 15 feet behind the curb and gutter. 

Will any work be done on my private property? It depends if there is a utility or sidewalk easement that exists on private property adjacent to the right-of-way. Utility easements grant rights for utilities such as gas, electric and communication lines (i.e. fiber optic cables) to be located on private property within the easement. 

Public Notice and Contacts

How will we know about work in our area? Intrepid Fiber Networks, on behalf of T-Mobile, will provide public notice to residences and businesses impacted by the work via a door hanger at least 48 hours before work begins. 

How do we get questions answered about the project? Call 844-380-8090, email construction@intrepidfiber.com, or visit intrepidfiber.com/construction for more information.

Fiber Optic Installation Information

What are fiber optics? Fiber optics are thin flexible fibers of glass or plastic in a cable used to transmit light signals from one end of a cable to the other. These fibers are frequently used in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths than electrical cables.

What will the cables do? Provide faster internet service to homes and businesses in Oakdale.

What are the phases of the project?

1. Utility Locates: Underground work requires Gopher State One flags and paint to mark utilities.
2. Mainline Construction: Underground pneumatic boring or drilling of the main line in the public right-of-way. This step includes installation of conduit, boxes, etc .
3. Cable Pulling: Fiber is pulled through the main fiber line.
4. Restoration of the disturbed area:  Restoring concrete, asphalt, sidewalks, grass etc.
5. Mainline splicing and auditing connections:  Splicing is the process of joining two separate fiber optic cables together.  It is then tested for its strength.
6. Drops to home: Facilities or "drops" are buried from the mainline to the customer's home. This additional fiber will also need to be spliced and tested.
7. Customer Connection: Once a neighborhood is fiber-ready, customers will be contacted by the company about migrating to the new fiber internet service.  

Below are images of the items that may be installed in the right-of-way: