Notice to Residents Regarding Ripple Fiber
Post Date: 10/24/2023
Ripple Fiber Notice for Town of Stallings Residents
Stallings residents, we have an important update regarding the ongoing fiber installation in some of your neighborhoods by Ripple Fiber, a third-party provider. We understand that this installation process has been inconvenient for some residents. To provide our community with the best possible service, Ripple Fiber has enhanced its intake ticketing system.
Please send inquiries to Ripple Fiber directly via their website: RippleFiber.com, click on contact, then click the construction issues button.
We have received several requests for more information regarding this process. We hope the FAQ below provides some additional clarity.
Fiber Install Process & Property Easement FAQs
Do I have to use Ripple Fiber as my service provider?
No. Everyone has the right to the internet and to choose their own provider. Residents do not have to do business with any one specific internet provider.
Why did the town allow them to install fiber in our community?
The Town of Stallings cannot deny a provider looking to do business in our community.
On February 28, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled that Section 621 of the federal Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. § 541, allows franchised cable operators to use existing electric utility easements without obtaining a separate easement from the owner of the underlying land.
Section 621(a)(2) of the Act provides that a cable franchise authorizes the construction of a cable system, including "through easements which have been dedicated for compatible uses."
What is the approval process for a cable franchise?
The cable/fiber provider contacts the town. The town instructs them to complete encroachment agreements and submit them to the town with site plans for each area. They are then required to acquire peddler permits through the town. Once the town has received these items and the applicable fees, construction may begin.
Why is Ripple Fiber working in my yard?
Ripple Fiber is conducting its work in the public right-of-way easement. An easement is a legal ability to use someone else's land for a particular purpose. There are several types of easements.
Right-of-Way Easement
Right-of-way is an easement that allows someone to travel across another person's land to get somewhere else. It can be offered to one person, several people, or the public. This type of easement is attached to the property. An example of a right-of-way easement is the strip of land often found in front of a home on the other side of the sidewalk.
Utility Easements
Utility easements are the most common type of easement property owners have to deal with. These give utility companies the right to use a particular portion of the property.
On February 28, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled that Section 621 of the federal Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. § 541, allows franchised cable operators to use existing electric utility easements without obtaining a separate easement from the owner of the underlying land.
Section 621(a)(2) of the Act provides that a cable franchise authorizes the construction of a cable system, including "through easements which have been dedicated for compatible uses."
If you have additional questions about this process, please contact the Town of Stallings: https://www.stallingsnc.org/Contact-Us
If you have inquiries about construction, please direct them to Ripple Fiber: RippleFiber.com, click on contact, then click the construction issues button.