We are upgrading the network in your area to bring ultra-fast, reliable fiber internet directly to your community. You may have seen our construction crews around by this point, but we want to keep you in the know the closer we get to your home. There are very specific steps to our construction process, and this article gives a quick breakdown of them followed by some frequently asked questions.
Neighborhood Installation
This phase focuses on fiber placement, and includes trenching, boring, conduit installation, strand placement, and fiber lashing for the streets and neighborhoods off the mainline – with more precise termination points. This step can be one of the most visible near your home before running fiber to your house. It is important because it allows for a strong network that limits disruptions. Our team will install conduit and handholes that will hold the fiber providing your neighborhood connections. Through directional drilling, this is minimally invasive and protects your property. The handholes look similar to sprinkler valve boxes, are flush to the ground, and run along the right-of-way. We carefully replace the sod, and restore the area to its original condition.
Home-Side Splicing
Drop fiber is spliced from the splitter to the terminal or home, with fusion splicing performed in handholes. Each drop is tested for signal strength.
STEP 1: RUNNING FIBER TO YOUR HOME
We’ll find the ideal spot for installation and finalize a time to schedule the fiber installation. The fiber will run just below the sod layer, preserving your lawn’s appearance and making the line virtually invisible after the next mow. We also install a small box on your home near existing utility boxes to prepare for taking the connection inside.
STEP 2: SPLICING THE FIBER
Splicing fiber is a meticulous process. Members of our team will connect strands from the hub, separating them to the different home lines. Specialized equipment is used to guide the fiber through the installed conduit. Using precision tools, each fiber strand is fused together in a van or trailer stationed nearby.
Home Install Scheduling
Customers are notified that service is available, and scheduling is initiated. Fiber to the home is tested, technicians are scheduled for installation, and a final system check is completed. One of our technicians will come to your home to establish an interior connection and setup your router. The equipment will be configured and tested, and you will set up your Wi-Fi name and password.
Our goal is to make the installation process fast, efficient, safe, and optimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will you have to mark up my yard?
A: Law requires calling 811 before digging. Locators will visit your property and mark existing utilities. Accurate marking is critical to prevent damage to existing infrastructure during the fiber installation process. There will be temporary flags and biodegradable paint on grass and sidewalks. The paint will naturally fade in about 30 days. This may happen multiple times through the process.
Q: Are crews allowed to dig or work near my yard?
A: All work is properly permitted by our trained professionals that follow statutes for construction and utility services. Work occurs in the public right of way, ensuring compliance with county regulations.
Q: Are crews allowed to dig or work on my yard?
A: Yes, utility crews are legally permitted to work on specific portions of your yard, but only within designated public utility easements or public rights-of-way. On private property, work is restricted to designated strips that extend 5 to 10 feet inward from your front, side, or rear property lines. Crews will only step beyond these 5 to 10-foot boundary corridors if you have requested fiber service, in order to run the direct line from the easement to your home’s exterior.
Q: How deep will the fiber be buried in my yard?
A: The fiber line from the easement to your home’s exterior is typically buried 6-9 inches deep.
Q: Will my yard be dug up if I haven’t signed up for service?
A: To build a modern fiber network, our installation crews must lay underground fiber lines along public right of way and utility easements. Because these designated easements often cross private lawns and yards, you may notice construction activities or minor lawn disruption on your property even if you haven’t requested or signed up for our service yet.
Q: What happens if something is damaged?
A: Any disturbed landscaping, grass, sprinklers, or other property will be fully restored post-construction by our repair teams once installation in your area is complete. Please reach out about any fixes that were missed and we will complete them.
Want To Know More?
For more information about our fiber installation process, click here.