FTTH FAQs Timeline

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What is involved in the process of building a fiber-to-the-home network?

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.

When will I get high-speed Internet? Why does it take so long?

When Will I Get High-Speed Internet?

Valley Electric Association is as excited as you are by the opportunities that lie ahead with the construction of a world-class fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to serve our community. The cooperative, through its subsidiary Valley Communications Association, is working as quickly as possible to establish the fiber network and deliver high-speed internet to our service territory. We anticipate fiber service to reach our members by the end of 2025. This milestone accomplishment will once again revolutionize life for cooperative members, just as the introduction of electricity did in 1965.

Why Does It Take So Long?

The magnitude of establishing the world-class fiber network required to deliver some of the fastest and most robust internet in the nation is similar in scope to when we first brought electricity to rural communities in the 1960s. Ensuring reliable, symmetrical gigabit-speed service is no small endeavor, but one we are committed to advancing within a 3-year timeline to reach our membership. The global pandemic has made it more apparent than ever that our cooperative members need lightning-fast broadband internet service—and they need it now. We are working hard to deliver as quickly as possible.