Why Does It Take So Long to Get Fiber Internet?

Heartland REMC and TWN Communications are on a mission to bring reliable, high-speed fiber internet to HRMEC’s service territory. Construction is well underway on the fiber network and some members have already been connected.

For those of you who haven’t, you’re probably wondering how much longer until fiber is available in your neighborhood? Why is it taking so long?

Before you can enjoy fast fiber internet, several steps must be completed. From mainline construction to in-home installation, each step in the connection process takes time.

Building the Backbone
Sure, you may see TWN crews in your area, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re ready to bring fiber-to-the-home. First, we have to build the network backbone prior to being able to offer service.

During this step, T4 fiber lines must be installed. These are usually in the air and run parallel to co-op utility lines. T4 fiber is miles and miles long and creates a ring to connect Optical Distribution Networks.

Next, crews must continue building the network foundation by distributing, hanging, and burying aerial or underground fiber lines.

While it is TWN’s goal for construction to keep moving in a timely manner, weather does have an impact on our progress. Unfortunately, poor weather conditions, such as frozen ground or extreme heat, can affect the project timeline and slow down the rate of work.

Once the network backbone is complete, it’s time for a T1 drop. This is where we prepare your home for service; however, there are still several steps to go before you are officially connected.

For TWN to complete the rest of the process, you must sign the Underground Agreement. This tells us that you are interested in our fiber internet and would like crews to visit your property to ensure you are fiber-ready.

Preparing Your Property
Next, TWN field crews will visit your property to determine and mark your fiber line route. You will have the opportunity to change the path if needed.

Three to six months (sometimes sooner) after fiber path confirmation, crews will arrive at your property to bury the fiber line to your home.

One week to two months after your fiber line is buried, a specialized crew will return to place a small box called a Network Interface Device on the outside of your home to hold the fiber connection.

Connecting Your Home
Approximately two weeks after the outside equipment is placed, TWN will contact you to schedule your in-home installation.

During the in-home installation, a technician will run a fiber cable inside your house and connect it to another small box located near your Wi-Fi router known as the Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. When the ONT is hooked up to your Wi-Fi router, you are officially connected.

Bringing fiber-to-the-home is a process. Each individual step takes time. We know it’s hard to wait…but fast, reliable fiber internet from TWN is worth it!

If you haven’t already, now is the time to make the first move. Call 833-727-5563 or visit twncomm.com/heartland to sign the Underground Agreement.

If TWN Fiber Internet is already available in your area, visit account.twncomm.com/get-started or call 833-727-5563 to sign up for service today!