If you're considering upgrading to fiber-optic internet, you’re probably excited about the promise of faster speeds, greater reliability and seamless streaming or work-from-home experiences. But you might have heard about — or seen — someone’s yard getting dug up to lay the fiber cables. It’s completely legitimate to be concerned about the uprooting of your flower beds in the process of getting better internet. Thanks to modern, less invasive installation techniques, bringing fiber to your home should not disrupt your landscaping. But the answer to the question of whether fiber internet will require digging up your yard at all depends on a few factors. Let's dive in.

How fiber internet is installed

Understanding fiber-optic cables

Fiber internet relies on thin strands of glass to transmit data at the speed of light. These lines must connect your home to a broader network, which involves underground or aerial installations.

Types of installations 

1. Aerial installation

If utility poles already run through your neighborhood, fiber providers might simply add their cables to the existing infrastructure. This means no digging is necessary. However, even with utility poles available, ISPs can sometimes run into permitting issues, requiring them to explore underground installation methods.

2. Underground installation

Also called a “buried drop,” ISPs will sometimes connect the fiber line underground from an access point to the individual home or building. This requires digging a small trench from the street to the property.

Learn everything about the fiber installation process here: How fiber internet gets to your home

Will my yard be dug up for fiber internet installation?

If it turns out your fiber connection needs to be buried, the digging should be minimal. It’s a matter of digging a narrow, shallow trench on a path from the street to where your optical network terminal (ONT, which is basically a fiber modem) is going to live — usually inside a garage or basement.

Read more: What’s an ONT? A beginner’s guide.

Where digging might be necessary

Some scenarios that may require digging include

What happens if you need buried wire

When you order fiber internet, your ISP will be able to determine your service needs. If it turns out you need a buried drop, technicians will come out to assess the situation. Utility locates will be ordered to ensure digging won’t hit a gas line or another utility. Once that’s all done, a technician will come out to dig the trench and lay the line. Then they’ll connect it to the ONT — and you’ll be up and running shortly. Usually, the entire process of surveying and installing just takes two service appointments.

Watch avideo about the Ziply Fiber installation process.

Is your town getting fiber for the first time? Learn more about what happens when fiber-optic internet comes to town with this video

Benefits of fiber internet make it worth it

While the prospect of digging might seem inconvenient, the benefits of fiber internet outweigh temporary disruptions.

How fiber internet can boost property values

In most cases, installing fiber internet doesn’t mean your yard will become a construction zone. Disruptions are usually minimal and temporary. The result? A state-of-the-art internet connection that enhances your home’s value and functionality.

Ready to upgrade? Check out Ziply Fiber’s fast, reliable, affordable plans for home and business. Find out if your address is in our service area and get started with fiber internet today.