Building a world-class fiber-to-the-home network is a complex endeavor, dependent on multiple variables – the project size, a co-op’s unique geography, weather, the amount of underground and overhead electric infrastructure, and more.
The project begins with network design – discovering the optimum fiber path along the existing infrastructure. This early design maps the fiber route along the entire electric grid, from each substation to the poles and lines that will deliver fiber to individual homes and businesses. This important phase sets the stage for a smoother, faster build, prevents missteps in the long run, and reduces costs to customers, and our members.
The project unfolds on a rolling basis, over 6 general phases for each designated construction zone.
Design
Mapping the fiber route along the existing power infrastructure, from substation to individual meter.
Make-Ready
Make-ready crews evaluate and possibly change out poles to prepare our infrastructure to accommodate the fiber build. 2 to 12 weeks per zone
Construction
Fiber crews will begin the process of adding fiber-optic cable to pole lines and underground areas throughout the community. 4 to 12 weeks per zone
Splicing
The fiber cables and taps are spliced. Splice points are protected in enclosures and secured to power poles (aerial build) or in pedestals (underground build). 2 to 8 weeks per zone
Service Drop
Crews install drop fiber from the nearest tap enclosure to a network interface device (NID) located on the home or business. After splicing is done.
Installation
Fiber is installed from the NID to an ONT (optical network terminal) inside the home or office, where it’s connected to a Wi-Fi router, tested, and determined ready to connect to broadband. After the service drop is performed.