MEDINA COUNTY, OH – Lit Fiber announced the installation of more than 1,000,000 feet of fiber-optic cable in Medina County, Ohio. With the final feet pulled in August, this marks a significant step toward closing the digital divide for their residents.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey to this milestone wasn’t without hurdles. Lit Fiber faced the challenge of keeping residents informed while minimizing disruption. Michael Jones, director of field operations, said, “Informing residents and sharing progress were key challenges.” Yet, strategic planning ensured transparency with the community.

Navigating permitting agencies was another obstacle, but Lit Fiber’s strong relationships and collaboration eased the process, according to Drew Housand, director of permitting.

Successes and Lessons

Early collaboration with their internal marketing team allowed Lit Fiber to engage the community before construction, mitigating potential issues. Strong alliances with the Medina County Fiber Network (MCFN) and the Medina Port Authority played a significant role. “We could not have surpassed the 1,000,000-foot mark without the partnership we created with Dave Corrado, CEO of Medina County Fiber Network,” said Jones.

Coordination with utility partners expedited underground work. By managing daily footage calls to 811 in tandem with utilities, Lit Fiber increased productivity, eliminating duplicate marking efforts.

Jones expressed gratitude, stating, “We extend our deepest thanks to our partners, collaborators, and the entire Medina County community for their unwavering support. This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when vision and determination come together.”