Uniti Fiber, Gulf Power Disagree on Blame for Fiber Cuts in Hurricane Recovery
Uniti Fiber said its lines were cut at least 33 times by Gulf Power and its contractors and subcontractors in Florida areas hit by Hurricane Michael in October, disputing recent comments by Gulf Power and its then-parent Southern Co. (here…
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and here). "Any claim that these companies cut Uniti Fiber’s telecommunications plant only four times is demonstrably spurious," filed Uniti Thursday, responding in FCC docket 18-339. Gulf Power outside counsel Eric Langley Friday said the Uniti letter is under review. Gulf Power said Dec. 17 the only entities that complained directly to it about fiber cuts during the recovery were Uniti and its carrier customer, Verizon Wireless. "Gulf Power’s own investigation revealed that no more than 4 of these alleged fiber cuts were attributable to Gulf Power (including its contractors and mutual assistance crews)," it commented: "The vast majority of the alleged fiber cuts likely were caused by road-clearing crews within the first 48 hours after the storm." Verizon's comments said the "storm's devastating impact" made coordination initially difficult with Gulf Power, when both fiber and electric power crews raced to restore service. Verizon said fiber was often strung through trees and on the ground on an interim basis as Gulf Power deployed thousands of workers and contractors in a "herculean effort" to replace about 5,600 utility poles: Coordination improved thereafter, as "Verizon worked with Gulf Power in an effort to stop the cuts and also launched a public relations campaign" on the need to avoid cutting fiber. Gulf Power is now owned by NextEra Energy.