Going Underground -
Installing the Service Lateral for Cable Television and High-Speed Internet Services

Installing Your Service

Once you've ordered telecom services from Alameda Power & Telecom, a connection must be made from our main service line to your home. This is the final phase of construction necessary to bring you all the exciting new telecom services.

If You're Part of the Underground

In areas with underground utility lines, underground construction is required to complete this phase of our system. A key component of this construction is the installation of a line that will run from the street or utility easement to your house. This line is called a service lateral.

This construction is necessary to subscribe to any of Alameda Power & Telecom's new telecommunication products, including cable TV or Internet service.

We'd like to let you know what to expect during this process.

Installing the Service Lateral Underground

To install the service lateral underground, a small trench - 4 to 6 inches wide and 14 inches deep - is required. The trench will be dug between the imitation rock or underground vault that covers the telecom pedestal and the area to the side of your house where the electric meter is located.

As is customary with all projects requiring underground construction, Alameda Power & Telecom will work with the Underground Service Alert (USA) utility contact service to notify all utilities in your service area of the planned construction. USA will contact the appropriate telephone, gas, water and sewer companies to determine the location of their equipment and alert them to the planned project.

Alameda Power & Telecom will then check and mark the sites to make everyone aware of all existing underground utilities. Landscaped areas to be affected will be marked with flags; concrete or asphalt areas will be marked with chalk paint.

We'll Take Good Care of Your Property

Once construction is complete, Alameda Power & Telecom will restore the yard to its condition prior to the lateral construction.

With the service lateral line in place, your home will be "connect-ready" for any of Alameda Power & Telecom's exciting new services.

You Don't Need to Be at Home, But About Those Pets...

You don't need to be at home during the installation of the lateral line. We do ask, however, that you keep pets indoors or leashed. If this is not possible, we can schedule your service lateral installation at a time when you can be at home.

A New State-of-the-Art System

You might ask why we are unable to use an existing cable line at your home. That's because Alameda Power & Telecom does not have the legal right to access another company's pedestal or equipment.

Also, we're building a state-of -art-system with the very best equipment for our the City of Alameda and its citizens. Pre-existing equipment typically does not meet the system standards we've designed to bring you the highest quality cable TV and Internet service.

Who Pays?

Please keep in mind that you will not be charged for any part of the service lateral construction. All costs will be covered by Alameda Power & Telecom.

Once complete, this system - tailored to meet the changing needs of our community - will bring the best in cable TV and Internet service to Alameda residents.

One Connection, Many Possibilities

Once the connection is complete, you can look forward to the finest cable TV and Internet service from Alameda Power & Telecom - service that includes great products and great value. Our cable TV service offers you more channels for less money. And with the "always-on" high-speed Internet service from AlamedaNET, you can surf the Web in a flash anytime, day or night.

Our Customers Come First

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this construction. If you're not sure if you in an area where underground utility service is required, or if you have any other questions, please call the Alameda Power & Telecom Customer Service Center at 510-748-3900. We're always happy to help.

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