Cleveland Utilities has announced that multiple points of its fiber network in Foxfire subdivision were damaged when a competing area internet service provider began upgrading its own fiber infrastructure, according to a statement from CU on Monday.

CU said it made the discovery last week when “a subcontractor working on behalf of the competing provider had damaged CU’s fiber facilities.” 

“Several months ago, Cleveland Utilities successfully completed the construction of its new fiber network in the Foxfire Subdivision, marking a significant investment in bringing another option for high-speed internet access and enhanced electric reliability to residents in the neighborhood,” CU said. “The extent of the damage is such that CU now has no choice but to reconstruct the damaged parts of its fiber system in the impacted area.

The utility said it was an “unfortunate and frustrating situation for both CU and our Foxfire neighbors.”

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disruption this causes,” CU said. “We understand how disappointing it is for customers to experience another round of construction, particularly when CU’s work has already been completed. At the time the damage was discovered, CU had already launched internet service in the subdivision.”

However, due to the necessary reconstruction, CU said replacing the subdivision’s fiber infrastructure will result in a delay in connecting new customers. 

A project timeline is not yet available, but updates will be provided as soon as they are determined, CU said.

“While this situation was caused by external factors beyond CU’s control, we remain fully committed to delivering the high standards of quality and reliability that customers expect and deserve,” CU said.

The utility said rebuilding its network in Foxfire “is necessary to ensure long-term service performance and network integrity.”

“Again, we deeply regret the circumstances and thank residents for their patience and understanding as we work to prepare for this necessary rebuild,” CU said.