Fiber Cable Installation in Salem: What It Means for You

Fiber-optic cable providers pay the City of Salem for access to areas called the "rights-of-way" to install cables. The right-of-way is land designated for public use, such as utilities, sidewalks, and streets. In some cases, public utility easements exist along the edge of the right-of-way to provide more space for utilities. While property owners may technically own this land, they must allow public access for these purposes. The right-of-way is essential for building and maintaining infrastructure that supports our growing community, including fiber-optic cable for internet accessibility.

^{Diagram 1. A private lot on a local street. The public right-of-way includes the sidewalk, planting strip, curb, and street.}

Why This Matters

The installation of fiber-optic cables will bring faster, more reliable internet to Salem. This improvement benefits residents and businesses by supporting better connectivity, enabling remote work, enhancing education and improving access to online services. For property owners, it is important to understand how this work may affect your land and what steps are being taken to minimize disruptions. By staying informed, you can ensure the process goes smoothly and know what to do if issues arise.

What to Expect

Fiber-optic cable companies working in Salem must obtain a permit from the City before beginning any installation. As part of this permit, companies are required to notify you in advance if work will take place on your street or near your property. Notifications may come in several forms, such as:

You may also notice colored flags or non-permanent paint along the designated fiber route. These are utility locates necessary to identify existing underground lines and must remain place before and during construction.

The right-of-way area may vary depending on the property. It could include landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks. If the ground needs to be disturbed to lay cables, companies are required to restore the area to its original or better condition. Please keep in mind that temporary measures may be used before the work is complete, such as gravel fill. These temporary materials will later be removed, and the area will be fully restored after installation work is complete.

In some cases, companies may install aerial cables on utility poles. This work could temporarily block your driveway or street, but notice of the work is provided in advance and disruptions should be brief.

Where Is Fiber-Optic Cable Being Installed?

To see where fiber-optic cable work is happening in Salem, please visit the City Utility Provider webpage. This page includes fiber-optic cable providers that have agreements with the City. Each company has a resource page that will let you know if service is available or planned for installation in your area.

What to Do if There Is an Issue

If you experience a problem during or after the installation, start by contacting the company doing the work. Their contact information should be included in the notification you received, displayed on their work vehicles, by speaking with a worker on-site, or listed on the City's website. Companies with City-approved franchise agreements are required to work with property owners to resolve issues promptly.

If the company cannot resolve the issue, or you are unable to reach them, please contact the City of Salem for assistance. You can email us at [email protected] or call 503-584-4633. We are at your service and here to help.