Coaxial cable strewn across the street in my neighborhood. Is this a common practice? (house)

[TheKlunk]

While out walking in my neighborhood, I've noticed coaxial cable running from AT&T boxes, across the street, and into a neighbor's house. Not only does it present a tripping hazard, but it looks trashy. Does anybody know what's going on with these? Is it common practice in your neighborhood?

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by TheKlunk

While out walking in my neighborhood, I've noticed coaxial cable running from AT&T boxes, across the street, and into a neighbor's house. Not only does it present a tripping hazard, but it looks trashy. Does anybody know what's going on with these? Is it common practice in your neighborhood?

Sounds suspect. First, no I would not say this is common practice - I've never seen this done before. Perhaps it is a temporary fix until a crew is scheduled to come out and bury the line. If it isn't remedied soon I would make calls to AT&T as something weird is going on.

[MikeJaquish]

It is fairly common practice.
They lay it on the surface to provide service, and bury it as soon as they can get in to do it.

It surprised me the first time I saw it, but I guess it works for them.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

^ An educated answer! Somebody give that guy a beer!

[cncsmomndad]

I've seen it in my neighborhood when a house gets new service.

[Sherifftruman]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

It is fairly common practice.
They lay it on the surface to provide service, and bury it as soon as they can get in to do it.

It surprised me the first time I saw it, but I guess it works for them.

Pretty much. Except, for ATT, as soon as they can get to it is not nearly as soon as it used to be. You can call ATT and emphasize the safety or damage aspect and they might respond or just call the NC Utilities Commission if it has been a long time. ATT will actually listen to them.

[AKACrafty]

Time Warner tends to do this as well.

[lamishra]

So this morning I went outside and found some loosely coiled cable sitting in front of my curb. no idea what it is or whose it is... no note or anything. there's a blue line painted on the curb right in front of it.

[wheelsup]

I've seen it like that for a couple weeks at a time in my neighborhood once. It got to the point where I was going to make a phone call, then the next day it was gone. It was laying on top of the street from one side to the next.

[otis-89]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

It is fairly common practice.
They lay it on the surface to provide service, and bury it as soon as they can get in to do it.

It surprised me the first time I saw it, but I guess it works for them.

Precisely. The cable is connected and left on the ground as a "temp" and temporarily gives service for TV, phone, internet.

The involved utility then calls 811 and requests locates for the many other utilities to be marked, before digging, hence the blue/green/orange/red/yellow paint marks in the yard.

Then, a crew comes in and buries the line after locating is complete.

There is no set time frame from start to finish to my knowledge.

If it sits too long, make phone calls to responsible utility.