In 2018, Marliese Aguele wrote a guest post for “06880.” She decried the ugliness — and danger — of the increasing number of cables on utility lines.
This update was all set to run in mid-March. It got pushed back several times, due to more urgent COVID and other news.
But now — in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias — it seems more relevant than ever. Marliese says:
Westport is invaded, with trucks everywhere installing heavy 5G cables.
Providers like Optimum, Verizon and Frontier compete for contracts to install cables, which is very lucrative for them.
Contracts are outsourced from providers to companies of their choice anywhere in the country. Trucks do not display the name of a company, so no one can reach them after sloppy installation.
This town is overloaded with thick cables, curled-up cables, new black attachments wrapped around the cables, looking uglier than ever, installed haphazardly crisscrossing overhead in all directions.
Low cables on South Compo Road. (Photo/Morgan Mermagen)
There are poles with 17 cables attached. No consideration for esthetics. The town receives generous revenues from cable installation companies. That is all they care about.
Nobody wants to get involved, or has the authority. Driving on the Post Road, I took the liberty of speaking with an installer. He explained that companies are required to get a license/work permit from the state Public Utilities Regulatory Agency.
I spoke to another installer on Long Lots, working overhead from a truck with a New Jersey license plate. I was shown a document headed “Parkside Utility,” with no town or phone number.
I wondered why a license did not require a stamp and receipt of fee that all professionals and companies must pay. Who makes sure Connecticut is not being defrauded of much needed revenues?
I realize it is a difficult task to install the cables. I appreciate companies that make an effort, as best they can. Unfortunately, other firms perform very sloppy work.
Cables crisscross the crowded Post Road/Roseville/Hillspoint intersection.
How many more cables can they attach to overloaded poles? They droop lower and lower. It is only a matter of time before the pole on Kings Highway North snaps in half, killing the driver of a car waiting for the Wilton Road light to change. I make sure never to stop under it.
Frightened, I called the police. I was told to call the utility company.
There must be an end. Visitors are appalled at the ugliness that invades Westport. We deserve better.