Vast Broadband logo.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Vast Broadband says they plan to immediately take action to address Sioux Falls residents’ concerns about the green boxes the provider installed for internet service.
Vast says this includes utilizing flush-mount vaults instead of pedestals where possible.
They say they’ll also do a better job communicating with the public.
Below is Vast’s news release.
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(Sioux Falls, SD) – August 16, 2021 – Earlier this summer, as part of a $60 million expansion effort to provide high-quality, high-speed broadband and video services to additional homes in the Sioux Falls community, Vast Broadband, a leading broadband/cable company, began construction to install fiber optic communication lines and equipment. This construction includes pedestals that are necessary access points in the fiber network, which, in some cases, are installed in easements that traverse residential properties. Following recent community feedback from both residents and the City that stand alone, front yard pedestals were somewhat unsightly, Vast Broadband announced that they have taken immediate action to address these concerns including changes to design and engineering plans to utilize flush-mount vaults instead of pedestals where possible, as well as enhanced communications efforts to ensure community awareness of the construction effort.
“When residents began to express concerns recently about the construction process, we really listened, and took action right away,” said Jeff Seidenfaden, Chief Commercial Officer for Vast Broadband. “Within two days we were able to begin replacing the pedestals with flush-mount vaults in some areas. And we also recognized we need to do a better job of not only letting the community know what to expect from the construction experience, but also providing additional channels so that they can share feedback and concerns.”
Vast has begun installing flush-mount vaults as an alternative to pedestals placed in front yards where other utility company equipment is not present. These will be in the same location as the current pedestals but will have a ground-level profile which eliminates visibility of the equipment. Residents will notice a sticker on their pedestal if it is scheduled to be replaced with a vault and all replacements will be completed in the coming months. The vaults will be used for future installations when other utility company equipment is not present. Vast collocates with other utilities in the easement whenever possible, and those clustered pedestals will remain in place as will backyard pedestals.
In addition, Vast Broadband will roll out more robust, proactive communications tactics to inform residents of the construction process including a post card, construction awareness letter, door tag and yard signs. The materials have been redesigned so as not to be confused with advertisements. Finally, the company has deployed an enhanced informational website at www.vastbroadband/fiberforward where residents can report construction concerns and sign up for updates regarding construction in their neighborhood.
“The City team has been in direct communication with Vast executives about the issues raised by Sioux Falls residents and has provided guidance to Vast on developing more comprehensive communications to outline the work being done to help remedy the concerns of residents. That includes implementing a variety of communication strategies, along with additional channels where residents can call with questions or concerns,” said Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works for the City of Sioux Falls.
Vast Broadband’s expansion will bring Sioux Falls a fiber rich network offering higher speeds, better connectivity and more bandwidth for both homes and businesses.
