Google Fiber damages cost contractors thousands in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Google Fiber's has been causing problems all over Charlotte, with everything from cut gas lines to broken water lines.

A Google Fiber contractor broke ground in Plaza Midwood Wednesday as homeowner Anne Roberts told Channel 9 she didn't know crews would be out installing Google Fiber in front of her home.

"I was here yesterday with a newborn and saw people digging in the backyard and actually asked one of the guys about it. I’m like, "Hey what are you guys doing?'" Roberts said.

Neighbors who received little notice about the digging are at least hoping the process goes smoothly.

Channel 9 has covered several service interruptions because of Google Fiber installation just this year from water lines to gas lines.

In February 2016, a contractor for Google damaged a natural gas line, which impacted 300 homes in the Highland Creek neighborhood.

In 2015, Google Fiber and AT&T were to blame for at least one line break every month between July and October.

Google fiber contractors have been billed more than $450,000 for damage since July 2015 but there is still a remaining balance of $401, 713.74.

City officials said the funds are either being processed or companies are going through insurance or legal departments before paying.

"They should definitely cover that cost," resident Karey Digh said.

Reporter Blaine Tolison uncovered that S&N Communications, the company working in Plaza Midwood, or its insurance company has paid the city thousands of dollars but still owes $74,000 more.

As far as a timetable for when work in Plaza Midwood will be completed, a Google tech said it could anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

The company has not yet made a comment on the bill.

Cox Media Group