In 2004, Verizon began stringing fiber optic cable to allow video service and high-speed Internet access to every home Verizon serves.

Issues
While many homeowners expect Verizon's construction to take place in the Virginia Department of Transportation rights-of-way, the majority of construction takes place in a utility easement that often may be located in the homeowner's front or back yard and well away from the street. Homeowners need to check their plats for the location of utility easements on their property. Homeowners can call 1-800-768-8831 and a Verizon representative will meet with the homeowner and provide a plat for review.

Who to Call
If a homeowner is experiencing difficulty with this construction project, George Summer, the President of the Ivy H. Smith Company (the subcontractor for the project) has requested that homeowners call 1-800-768-8831. If that process is not successful homeowners can file a complaint on-line, download a complaint form (19 KB .pdf file), or contact the Consumer Protection Division at 703-222-8435, TTY 711 to have a complaint form sent to you.

Steps Taken
Even though the County’s authority to regulate Verizon is limited, the county is addressing construction problems through new partnerships with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) that will strengthen the county response and enforcement capabilities. In recent meetings with the company, Verizon has promised to:

• Improve homeowner notification
  Verizon is mailing advance notification of construction letters to each customer 10-30 days prior to the construction start date and posting door hangers to notify customers three to five days in advance of the construction. Additionally, Verizon is providing post-construction door hangers advising homeowners that work is complete, and providing a phone number to call in case of any outstanding construction issues.
  
  
• Notify staff of construction schedule
  Verizon is furnishing a weekly list of scheduled construction locations to the Fairfax County Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection (DCCCP) and to VDOT, so DCCCP and VDOT inspection staff can effectively monitor the Verizon construction project. Fairfax County staff met with VDOT separately to determine how best to strengthen the inspection of Verizon construction in the rights-of-way. VDOT has authorized the county to assist VDOT staff in its efforts to enforce the provisions of VDOT permits issued to Verizon. VDOT and the county are working together to ensure that Verizon uses safe and proper construction practices, and that construction areas are properly restored.
  
  
• Improve communication and identification of crews
  Verizon reassured county staff that each work crew would have one individual that can effectively communicate in English. In addition, Verizon’s subcontractor vehicles now have Verizon signage to help citizens to easily identify Verizon subcontractors working in the area.
  
  
• Minimize construction impact
  Verizon has recently created a new Damage Prevention Manager position to preempt or minimize construction issues. Crew members will receive additional training on safe and proper construction practices. Also, Verizon has committed that each construction site will have a maximum of 1,000 feet of open trench that will be closed at the end of each day.
  
  
• Increase restoration staff
  Verizon is increasing its restoration staff to ensure timely restoration of all disturbed areas. This includes areas disturbed during the winter months as well as the more recently disturbed areas.