Excavation work in Vaasa sparks concerns over fiber-optic project disruption

The ongoing excavation work for fiber-optic broadband networks has sparked considerable discussion, particularly in relation to the disruption caused by the numerous roads and bike paths that are being dug up. The restoration process can take several weeks. In Vaasa, work is underway in the Gerby residential area on the fiber-optic network, with Mika Hemming, CEO of Infrarakenne Veljekset Hemming, noting that these are the largest broadband construction projects on the streets of Vaasa in years.

Hemming humorously remarked, “You could say that since the city burned down in 1852, there hasn’t been this much street excavation in Vaasa.”

Concerns about the quality and duration of the work have been voiced by residents, with Siri Gröndahl, head of the municipal engineering unit, confirming feedback has been received regarding the quality and timelines. In some cases, the city has intervened when standards were not met, such as requiring rework on asphalt that was too narrow. While there have been few reported accidents, there have been instances of cyclists encountering holes. The overall complaints are largely aesthetic rather than safety-related.

The fiber-optic lines replace aging copper telephone cables, particularly in older residential areas. Various broadband operators are investing in the Gerby area, and multiple excavation contractors are conducting the work. Hemming notes that while there are complaints when roads are dug up—often concerning specific connections or lawns—the overall feedback is deemed to be fair and at normal levels.

The city’s municipal engineering department grants excavation permits to all interested operators, emphasizing the public service nature of the work. However, this sometimes leads to multiple operators digging in the same area at different times, which the city is trying to coordinate better. Monitoring continues throughout the projects, with guarantee inspections taking place four years after completion to address any subsurface issues that may arise. Lounea, one of the prominent operators in the region, has also learned from previous projects and improved planning and communication with residents regarding the installations.