Google Fiber announced plans to expand their high-speed broadband internet service to Hillsborough earlier this month — construction will likely begin in April.
The service first came to the Triangle in 2015 when Google announced plans to install fiber optic lines throughout Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill-Carrboro. At the time, Hillsborough was not an included municipality.
“Back when they announced that they were going to be going to our neighboring municipalities in the southern part of the county, we reached out to see if we might be able to get in on that also,” Mayor of Hillsborough Jenn Weaversaid. “At the time we were told it just wasn't part of their plan.”
Matt Hughes, mayor pro tem for Hillsborough, said the town is closely tied to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area in terms of education and jobs. He said expanding the Google Fiber service to a smaller, interconnected community like Hillsborough was likely an attractive decision for Google.
Hillsborough residents have expressed a need for more reliable high-speed internet services. Weaver said the reliance on remote work during the pandemic exacerbated this need.
“Having more options for high-speed internet has been something that I know that I and my fellow elected officials in Hillsborough have been hearing as a need from our businesses and residents for several years,” Weaver said. “It certainly was amplified during the pandemic.”
Catherine Wright, Hillsborough communications manager, said in an email that installation construction is expected to start next month and take roughly one year. Wright added that the work will be done in sections so the duration in one area will be shorter.
“Work will occur in rights of way, likely near the roadway,” Wright said in the email. “A public right of way is designated between most streets and the adjacent private property. The rights of way typically are about 8 feet from the road toward the home but can be greater.”
She said the construction hours will typically be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. On private property and public rights of way, residents can expect installation to take three to five business days. Property should be restored to its original condition after construction.
