Verizon running cable across my yard & driveway...?

Question

Verizon has run a black cable from an underground box in my front yard, across my driveway and into the neighbors backyard. No-one asked me if it was okay to do this. I do not use verizons services. I thought nothing of it at first, as I figured it wouls only be there a day or so. It has now been a couple of weeks and I am sick of looking at it! Not to mention the fact that it is a trip and fall hazard everytime I go to retrieve my mail from my mailbox. Does anyone have any advice on what to do? I am looking for a verizon number to contact and tell them if it's not gone by the end of the week or sooner, then I will remove it myself, cut it, or accidentally trip over it and bring a lawsuit against them. Advice, comments please.

Answer 1

cut the wire lol

Answer 2

Companies like Verizon have what is called right of way.  That means they are allowed on your property without permission and can also lay cable (including buring it in your yard) and other things necessary to provide phone / cable / Internet services for the community in general.  If you cut the line you will be held responsible for the cost of the repair and you neighbor would not be happy with you for cutting their phone service off.  You need to call Verizon (look them up in the phone book, try their repair department) and let them know the cable is still sitting their and is a hazard to you and your family.  If they don't come out and fix it with in 3 days then call you state utility commission and issue a complaint.  Now that you have said here on line that you will intentionally trip over the line, be very careful because if you do this will be used against you in court.  The Internet is not private and any thing you post is open for all to see.

Answer 3

The same thing happened to me only it was with Comcast Cable.  I called them every week and they kept telling me they needed to get a sub contractor to bury the cable.  This went on for eight months.  My boyfriend eventually tripped on the cable slicing open his hand.  We ended up winning a lawsuit.  My best advice to you is to get everything documented in case disaster does strike.

Answer 4

Try their national customer service / repair contact number:  1-800-483-1000.  Tell them about your situation, and ask them to put you in contact with the service center nearest to your location.  The service center would be the people who actually laid the cable, so that's who your beef is with.  Hope that helps!