BROADBAND "MAKE READY" CONTINUES

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) provides the Town of Sandisfield with project status reports on a quarterly basis. The latest report reflects the status as of the end of September. October marks just 11 months that Charter has been working what is referred to as the make-ready process. From the outset, the Town has known that make-ready could take anywhere from 18-24 months. And this estimate was provided prior to the country having to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent storms that have downed power lines have also contributed to make-ready schedule delays. The next quarterly report from MBI will be provided in early January 2021.

What has been done so far?

In the latest quarterly report, MBI provided clarification regarding the ownership of utility poles in Sandisfield. An overwhelming majority of the utility poles in Sandisfield are jointly owned by Verizon and Eversource. MBI clarified the difference between "ownership" versus "pole replacement responsibility." The responsibility for pole replacement (or setting of new utility poles) is split between Verizon and Eversource in Sandisfield. As part of make-ready, Verizon and Eversource have completed and agreed to the identification and listing of the utility poles in Town that need to be replaced. On this list, Verizon is responsible for replacing approximately 70% of the poles identified for replacement. This means that Eversource is responsible for approximately 30% of the poles identified for replacement.

From earlier reports this year, recall that the preliminary steps in the make-ready process include the execution of pole attachment agreements between all parties (Charter, Verizon, and Eversource) the submission of pole applications, conducting pole surveys, and the development of make-ready cost estimates provided by both Verizon and Eversource to Charter. As of this quarterly report, all of these steps have been completed. Charter has received make-ready cost estimates for all 13 of the applications submitted to Verizon, as well as all cost estimates for the 13 applications submitted to Eversource. As of this report, Charter has made payment to Verizon for all 13 estimates. Eversource has not received payment for all 13 of the estimates provided to Charter, but Eversource is moving forward with the make-ready process regardless.

Where are we today?

Execution of the make-ready process steps that follow the preliminary steps is where Verizon and Eversource are today.The first step of a 3-step process referred to as "pole setting” involves placing a new pole in the ground next to an old pole that needs to be replaced. The old poles will be removed once all electrical and telecommunication cables have been transferred over to the new poles. Per the agreed-to list of utility poles that need to be replaced, Verizon will be replacing 108 utility poles in town. As of this report Verizon has "set" more than half of the 108 poles. Weather permitting, Verizon plans to complete the replacement of the 108 poles they are responsible for by 2/14/2021. As of this report, Eversource has not "set" any of the poles they are responsible for. Eversource will be replacing roughly 50 poles. Based on the latest report from Eversource the number may increase to 54. Eversource as of this report has not provided an estimated completion date for this first "pole setting" step of the process.

What are next steps?

The next step in the 3-step process is referred to as "first make ready." This step will involve Eversource moving electrical wires as required, following the replacement (pole setting) of the 158 poles involved in the first step of the 3-step process. Verizon is not involved in this second step. As of this report, Eversource has not provided an estimated completion date for the completion of "first make ready."

Step three of the 3-step process is referred to as "second make ready." This step will involve Verizon moving telecommunication wiring as required, following the moving of all electrical wiring on the poles. Eversource is not involved in this third step. Verizon can shadow Eversource, following closely behind Eversource, and perform their work once Eversource's crews have exited an area. As of this report, Verizon has not provided an estimated completion date for the completion of "second make ready." Verizon will need to know the estimated completion date for "first make ready" in order to estimate the completion date for "second make ready."

MBI is expecting Verizon and Eversource to provide the estimated completion dates for "first make ready" and "second make ready” in the next quarterly report, scheduled to be provided to the town in early January 2021.  Charter will be able to start the network construction phase of the project following the completion of all steps associated with the make-ready process.

Progress is definitely being made, so stay tuned.