The UTOPIA Fiber InstallationProcess
Fast Fiber Internet ComesHome
Now that you’ve made the choice to bring fast fiber internet to your home—let’s get into how we bring the fiber from our network into your home!
Each address that we pass on our network is carefully engineered to make sure it can be optimally connected to our fiber network. During this process, each address is assigned as either an overhead or underground connection. Which type of connection your home will be depends entirely on the location of your address. Upon signing up for our service, our customer service team will contact you to schedule your installation appointment. During this call, they will inform you of which installation your address will require and explain the specific installation process you will experience.
For UndergroundFiber Installations
Underground installations connect you to our fiber network via our underground network. For this type of installation, there are a few things that need to happen to get you connected. After you sign up for services, our team will give you a quick call to schedule your installation appointment. During the call, you can schedule a site survey which is a walk-through with one of our technicians who can show you where the fiber line will run on your property. (Site surveys are optional and free of charge.)
After your installation appointment is set, we will then notify Blues Stakes on your behalf who will then send a Utility Contractor to mark your utility lines. This will generally happen within 48 hours of them being notified.
Once Blue Stakes has marked your utilities, our crews will come install your fiber conduit. This conduit is what will house and protect your dedicated fiber line. During the installation of your conduit, our crew will dig a few bore holes, and use a missile bore to bury your conduit underground.
After your conduit has been installed comes your in-home fiber installation. On the day of your in-home installation, our technicians will run your fiber line from one of our UTOPIA Fiber boxes through the newly installed conduit and into your home. (usually through your cold air return).
Depending on availability, we’ll schedule your installation at least 9 business days out.
For OverheadFiber Installations
Overhead installations connect you to our fiber network via the power lines. On the day of your installation, our technicians will pull your dedicated fiber line from the nearby power poles directly into your home, typically where your power connection attaches to your home.
Depending on availability, your appointment could be as soon as the next day.
Once Your FiberLineHas Been Pulled Into Your Home
Whether you’ve had an overhead or underground installation once fiber has been pulled into your house our technicians will install your Optical Network Terminal (ONT) as well as a Telephone Adapter (TA), if ordered. This ONT functions like a modem, but specifically for fiber-optic connections, and will be what you plug your router into.
It’s important to note that we do not provide routers. However, if you want Wi-Fi throughout your home and have already purchased your router or if your ISP has provided you with one, our technicians will gladly set it up for you. For router recommendations, click here.
During this part of the installation, our technicians will also perform a speed test to make sure that your connection is running smoothly and set up correctly.
Installation FAQs
If you want WiFi running throughout your home, you will need a wireless router. UTOPIA Fiber does not provide routers so you will need to provide your own. For best results and to maximize your bandwidth, we recommend routers from Netgear and Linksys.
For a list of specific recommended routers, click here. Be sure to purchase a router capable of handling at least 1 Gbps of speed.