Greatwood homeowners upset over low hanging AT&T cable lines

Thursday, November 12, 2015
Homeowners upset over low hanging cable lines.
Homeowners say cable lines are too low, Christine Dobbyn has the details.

GREATWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- Greatwood homeowners saw the work starting outside their windows a couple of weeks ago. Spools were spinning as crews laid fiber optic utility lines.

Jack Molho, President of the Greatwood Homeowners Association says, "AT&T has a contractor that works in the neighborhood, the contractor is putting up these cables." Take a drive down the street, under the lines and something seemed different to them. "They've got a problem in the neighborhood. They need to raise the cables, higher than what they are. I'm surprised they haven't been pulled out by a semi or truck coming through yet," says Molho.

The homeowners say the lines are too low. From over the streets to backyards, where kids jump into the air on trampolines. The homeowners have asked for a meeting with AT&T. A company spokesperson issued this statement:

"We are working diligently to expand and enhance our local network to deliver high-speed Internet access. Our crews are trained to obtain proper permitting, closely follow local construction codes and work to minimize any disruption for residents. Consumers with concerns about local construction can contact us at 281-374-3725. Our work in the area is scheduled to be complete by the end of this year."

By law utility companies have certain rights in the easement area but the law also says after a line is constructed and the company is given opportunity, a municipality could direct change in height. Molho says in their case that would be Fort Bend County. He adds, "I say it a lot just because you can doesn't mean you should. We want them to be good neighbors just like the guy who lives here wants his neighbor to be a good neighbor."