Fiber optic internet install

We’re expanding our super-fast fiber-optic network

What you need to know about our construction and installation process.

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    Fiber construction:
    what to expect

     

    This quick video explains what residents can expect to see once fiber construction gets underway.

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    Underground fiber construction: a new, easier approach

     

    To bring fiber internet to neighborhoods faster, we’ve designed a simple, clean construction process that involves placing fiber lines in a shallow underground conduit.

     

    The result? A durable, high-speed fiber network designed to power your digital life for years to come, with minimal disruption and mess.

    To bring fiber internet to neighborhoods faster, we’ve designed a simple, clean construction process that involves placing fiber lines in a shallow underground conduit.
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    Diagram of laying fiber cable

    Bringing fiber to the home

     

    We have two methods we can use to bring fiber to your home:

    • The aerial method involves using existing utility poles to connect fiber lines, just like a telephone wire.
    • The underground method occurs if utility poles are not available. We drill underground pathways and connect the fiber lines to your home via underground conduit. We strive to do this as cleanly and quickly as possible.

     

    FIBER INSTALLATION PROCESS

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    Fiber drop cable
    Inside the fiber network: How four small parts power speeds

     

    From the street to your screen, every piece of the fiber network plays a role. We explain how the fiber drop cable, patch panel, fiber splice and optical splitter work together to deliver fast, reliable internet straight to your home.

     

     

    LEARN MORE

    modem
    What's the difference between ONTs and modems?

     

    Fiber internet relies on an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to translate data via pulses of light. It’s like a modem but made specifically for fiber. Learn about the differences and similarities between ONTs and modems in our Translating Tech series.

     

    LEARN MORE

    fiber cable
    The difference between latency and ping

     

    Fiber-powered internet is not the same as true fiber internet. True fiber internet relies on a fiber-optic network and brings fast, reliable fiber connectivity directly to the home. Learn about the difference here.

     

     

    LEARN MORE

    How we bring fiber internet to you

    We are actively working to deliver our fast, reliable fiber internet service to homes and businesses across the region.
    Here’s what to expect when you see us headed your way.

    Before starting any construction, we’ll have survey crews on foot in the neighborhood. This is when we gather important information that shapes our construction plans going forward.

    We’ll place flags and/or paint on the ground to mark utilities in our efforts to avoid impacting lines when digging is required. You’ll see these markers in yards and along roads and sidewalks.

    Once we’ve safely marked the utilities, construction teams start the careful process of preparing the area for hanging fiber lines or burying them underground. This work may require access to public easements in the front, side or backyard of your property as well as excavation within the public easement including areas with maintained landscaping. Homeowners do not need to be home for this work to take place.

    There may be temporary detours or street closures for underground work.

    After prepping the area, we’ll start hanging cables on utility poles or pulling fiber through underground conduits. In some cases, we trim branches away from cable lines for safety reasons or to prevent cable damage.

    The size of your neighborhood and local weather conditions are two of many factors that impact the amount of time this takes. We’ll work hard to minimize disruptions, like temporary parking restrictions, and complete everything as quickly as possible.

    Before leaving, our crews will do their best to restore any areas impacted by construction. Our plan is to leave the area as clean and as close to the original state as possible.

    If you have concerns about fiber construction on your property, click here to send us feedback.

    After our new fiber network has been prepared for your area, residents and businesses can sign up for service. We’ll schedule a date and time for fiber installation to get you set up.

    Installation: before and after


    This quick video explains what to expect from the two key phases of fiber installation: bringing fiber to your home and connecting fiber to your home.

     

    In many cases, we can complete your installation in a single visit. However, if fiber technology is brand new to your property, we might need to come out a second time.

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    Ziply Fiber construction trucks on neighborhood street

    Construction feedback

    Construction is messy work, and we always try to leave the area the same as or better than it was when we started. Occasionally, we’ll need to return to make repairs or do additional cleanup. See an issue that needs our attention?

     

    NOTIFY US

    Learn more about our partnership programs that can bring fiber internet to you

    Multi-family communities

     

    Get reliable super-fast fiber internet for apartments, condos, multi-family and multi-dwelling units (MDU).


    Neighborly Partnerships

     

    If we’re installing Ziply Fiber near, but not in your neighborhood, there may be a way you can bring internet to your door a little faster.


     

    Civic
    Partnerships

     

    We’re partnering with public organizations to bring broadband fiber internet to new areas as quickly as possible.

     

    Fiber Construction FAQ

    If we plan to expand our fiber network to your specific location, you’ll receive multiple communications, like door hangers and mailers.

    • In the days before construction, ambassadors will go door to door, and crews will place door hangers to let you know that Ziply Fiber’s network will be in the area soon.
    • As construction wraps up, we’ll notify residents and businesses through mailers when fiber internet is available at their locations.
    • To stay up to date about construction activities near you and to sign up for email updates, visit our New Fiber Construction page.

    Flags and paint tell us where we need to work around utility lines so our construction crews can avoid damaging them with their equipment. These markers are vitally important to keep local services uninterrupted and to prevent injury from ruptured gas or electrical lines.

    Timelines vary based on a number of factors:

    City planning and neighborhood layout

    • The easier it is to access utilities and property easements (right-of-way or shared access points in a neighborhood), the more efficiently we can complete each phase of construction. Complex street designs or limited access points can slow a crew’s progress.

    Weather and unexpected natural obstacles

    • Inclement weather can slow down any kind of construction project. Fiber construction is no exception. Snow, rain and frozen ground can cause fiber construction to slow or postpone.

    Local restrictions

    • Communities have different allowances for construction hours. In some cases, we can work as long as there’s daylight. In other cases, we’re restricted to specific hours during the week. Regardless of the crew’s availability, we must comply with local ordinances.

    The fenced holes show where we place pedestals for equipment that supply fiber service to homes and businesses nearby. Weather permitting, we’ll install the pedestal soon after crews dig the hole. In the meantime, it’s fenced in for your safety.

    Here are a few ways you can determine if you have an easement and how to find it.

    • Check the legal description of your property on the deed. If you don't have a copy of your property deed, you can reach out to your county clerk to order a copy.
    • Reach out to your utility company to ask if they have easement information for your property.
    • The zoning or mapping department is responsible for keeping records for your area and may be able to provide information about easements on your property.
    • You can also hire a title insurance company or private title searcher to provide a comprehensive report about easements.

    Temporary parking restrictions allow crews to access and work in different construction areas safely. We realize this is an inconvenience, and we do our best to complete work as quickly as possible.

    Service will be available for installation once a group of homes or businesses are collectively connected to the systems and we’ve completed testing. Ziply Fiber will attempt to contact you as soon as possible to sign up for service and schedule an installation at your address.