We’ve said it many times – Longmont’s NextLight internet is proud to be both your provider and your neighbor. And every now and then, neighbors need to pay a visit.  

When that happens, you may see NextLight workers in the utility easement.  

What’s an easement? It’s a strip of land on your property that lets utility crews do necessary work, such as an electric line repair or a NextLight fiber extension. For us, it’s part of making sure you continue to have excellent service and that we can provide that service to others.  

If you have questions about how this works – well, that’s understandable, since we only visit when we need to. Here are a few helpful answers:  

How long does an easement last?  Easements don’t expire.   

Can you let me know you’re coming? Most utilities (including NextLight!) knock on the door as a courtesy, but the easement is there to let workers come when they need to, do their work, and be gone as quickly as possible.   

Can I use the easement? If it doesn’t interfere with activities that need to happen in the easement and isn’t forbidden by City code, yes. But be careful – anything placed in the easement, such as landscaping or a sprinkler system, is there at the owner’s risk.    (And as always, whenever you do any work on your property that involves digging, make sure to call 811 before you dig so that you avoid damaging any utility lines – and possibly yourself!)  

How do I know If a worker should be there? It’s always OK to ask for identification. Our NextLight workers (like other City employees) will carry a photo ID with a phone number you can call for verification. Here’s a reminder of how to be sure a visitor is from NextLight.  

Remember, these visits only happen when they’re needed. After all, having an easement should be … well, easy!