Buried Service Requirements

Residential Requirements

It is the subscriber's responsibility to provide a trench with PVC and pull string from the service pole and/or pedestal to the subscriber's residence or business, per the specifications listed below: Subscriber is strongly advised to verify subdivision deed requirements, as trench and PVC may be furnished by another entity.

Specification Requirements: PVC & Angle Requirements
  • Schedule 40 PVC pipe
  • Electrician Sweeps for turns (90-degree tees or "Hard Turns" are not permitted)
PVC Pipe Distance Parameters
  • Distance of 100 feet or less require one-inch (1") PVC Pipe
  • Distance between 100 feet and 200 feet require one and one-quarter inch (1-1/4") PVC Pipe
  • Distance between 200 feet and 300 feet require two-inch (2") PVC Pipe
  • Distance of 300 feet or more, contact GVTC for requirements
    • If distance is greater than 300 feet a plastic electrical pull box (8in. x 8in. x 4in.) must be placed at 150 feet to evenly split the pull distance
Pull String "Jet Line" / Pull Tape "Mule Tape"
  • Install using 400-500 lb. tensile strength pull string for distances of 100 feet or less
  • Install using 1250 lb. tensile strength pull tape for distances of 100 feet or greater
PVC Placement
  • PVC pipe "Stub" not less than 3 feet (3') above the grade (ground level) at subscriber's location, where the telecommunication wire comes outside the residence
  • PVC pipe "Stub" not less than 3 feet (3') above the grade (ground level) and not less than 6 inches (6") from telephone pole/pedestal
Trench / Buried Site Requirements:
  • Trenching Rock: Not less than 12 inches (12") deep, with a minimum of 9-inch (9") cover with conduit in trench.
  • Trenching Soil: Not less than 18 inches (18") deep, with a minimum of 15-inch (15") cover with conduit in trench.

NOTE: The larger the PVC pipe, the deeper the trench, with more cover.

Business Subscriber's Responsibility

It is the Business subscriber's responsibility to provide a trench with PVC and pull string from the service pole and/or pedestal to the subscriber's location, per the specifications listed below:

Specification Requirements: PVC Requirements
  • Schedule 40 PVC
  • Electrician Sweeps for turns (90-degree tees or "Hard Turns" are not permitted)
PVC Pipe Parameters
  • Schedule 40 PVC 2-inch (2") pipe

NOTE: PVC pipe size may vary depending upon several factors including size of the cable, distance from demarcation point to service pole/pedestal, and future growth needs. In rare instances, a scheduled on-site visit may be necessary prior to ordering GVTC service to determine the proper PVC pipe size. To schedule an appointment, contact the GVTC business office at the number listed on this page.

Pull Tape "Mule Tape"
  • Install using 1250 lb. tensile strength pull tape
PVC Placement
  • PVC pipe "Stub" not less than 3 feet (3') above the grade (ground level) at subscriber's location, where the telecommunications wire comes outside the business
  • PVC pipe "Stub" not less than 3 feet (3') above the grade (ground level) and not less than 6 inches (6") from telephone pole/pedestal
Trench / Buried Site Requirements:
  • In rock, trench will be no less than twelve inches (12") deep, with a nine-inch (9") cover with conduit in trench.
  • In soil, trench will be no less than 18 inches (18") deep, with a fifteen-inch (15") cover with conduit in trench.

Note: The larger the PVC, the deeper the trench, with more cover.

Top 7 Facts About Buried Service

  • Failure to meet specification requirements will result in a delay of service installation until confirmed corrections are in place.
  • Only GVTC telecommunications cable will be installed in the PVC Pipe.
  • In all instances, the shortest route from pole/pedestal to subscriber location should apply.
  • Minimize turns in PVC Pipe between subscriber location and pole/pedestal.
  • Subscriber is solely responsible to ensure the contractor and/or developer adheres to GVTC specification requirements as previously described in this brochure.
  • In the event the telecommunications cable cannot be pulled in due to damaged PVC Pipe, it is the responsibility of the customer to incur all expenses, including additional digging/ trenching and repairs.
  • Subscribers are responsible for ensuring proper placement of Pull String “Jet Line" / Pull Tape “Mule Tape” in the PVC Pipe.

Installation FAQs

  • A 110 AC power outlet is required to provide electrical power to the ONT (or fiber NID). We recommend the power outlet be located in close proximity to the ONT. Your GVTC technician will cover this option with you at the time of installation.
  • TV Service Installation: For TV service installation, it is required that all TVs are in place at the time of installation.
  • CAT5 or Higher Wiring: CAT5E or higher rated wiring is required for your internet & TV service. If the wiring at the time of installation is not at least CAT5E, GVTC can provide the proper wiring. Applicable charges may be applied at the time of installation
  • A GVTC technician must perform the outside preliminary installation prior to your installation appointment. This preliminary work includes connecting the fiber from the street to your home and placement of the fiber equipment on the outside of the home.
  • Newly Purchased Home: All newly purchased homes are required to be closed on before preliminary fiber installation. Consent must be provided on rental/leased property.
  • During Preliminary Installation: You are not required to be home during the outside preliminary installation as long as GVTC has access to the property.
  • Follow Power Utilities: It is standard procedure for GVTC to follow power utilities to the home. Options include either aerial or underground utilities.
  • Digging may be required: Occasionally, digging is required for placement of underground fiber.
  • GVTC requires that someone over the age of 18 be present for the entire installation. It is recommended the account owner be present.
  • TVs in place at time of installation: For TV service installation, confirm that all TVs are in place at the time of installation. If all TVs are not in place, this could delay installation of your TV service.
  • CAT5 or higher wiring required: For Internet and TV service installation, confirm CAT5E or higher rated wiring is available for your internet and CATV service. If the wiring is not at least CAT5E rated,
  • GVTC can provide the proper wiring. Applicable charges may be applied at the time of install.