Fiber Internet Installation: How Long Does It Take?

Whether you’re thinking about ordering fiber internet service for your home or already preparing for install day, it’s helpful to know what to expect.You might be wondering if you need to be home for the fiber installation appointment, how long it will take, and how you can prepare.

At Fidium, we recommend allowing 1.5 to 3 hours for the fiber installation process, but the exact time can vary depending on the work required at your home.

What Can I Do to Prepare for My Fiber Installation?

Fidium does all the heavy lifting on your fiberinstall day. But you can do a few things in advance to help make the process go as quickly and smoothly as possible.

• Plan for someone aged 18 or older to be home for the installation appointment.
• Have your current WiFi network name and passwordhandy.Consider reusing them for your new network, so all your WiFi devices will reconnect seamlessly.
• Clear the areas where the technician will be working. This includes where the cable enters the home, which is typically in the basement or near the electric panel. Also clear a path to where you want to plug in your WiFi gateway. This requires electricity and should be centrally located in your space.

How Long Will the Fiber Installation Process Take?

A typical fiber installation appointment may take several hours, but the time varies based on the extent of work required at your home.

At Fidium, installation typically takesbetween 1.5 and 3 hours. It may take longer, depending on factors such as the distance the technician needs to run the fiber line from the street to your home and the number of devices that need to be connected.

What Happens During the Fiber Installation Process?

As a Fidium customer, your technician will introduce themselves when they arrive for the installation appointment and walk you through exactly what they’ll be doing. Feel free to ask questions if there’s anything you’re unsure about.

Here’s how the process goes: 

Step 1: The technician will either run a line from a utility pole through the air to your home or by way of a small trench in the ground from the street.

Step 2: Once the line reaches your home, the technician will seal the connection inside a small box attached to the side of your house.

Step 3: The technician will drill a small hole in your house to pass the jumper cable through.

Step 4: Once inside, the cable is plugged into a device called an Optical Network Terminal, or ONT. The ONT converts the light signal from the fiber network into electronic information.

Step 5: After passing through the ONT, this information is sent to the WiFigateway. The gateway broadcasts WiFi throughout your home and allows you to connect devices with ethernet cables for ultra-fast internet speeds. 

Depending on the location of your gateway and the size of your home, the technician may also suggest installing a WiFi extender to ensure the fastest possible speeds in every part of your home.

A Few Hours of Installation for a Long-Term Upgrade

In just a few hours or less, your home will be equipped with a reliable, high-speed fiber internet connection built to keep up with the demands of today and the future.

Visit FidiumFiber.com/support for more information about getting started with Fidium.

FAQs

How long does a fiber internet installation appointment typically take?

The exact time varies based on the work required, but typical fiber installation appointments with Fidiumtake between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Do I need to be home when fiber internet is being installed?

Yes. Plan to have someone aged 18 or older present for the installation appointment.

Can I use my existing WiFi equipment with fiber internet?

It’s best to confirm this with your fiber internet provider. Compatibility depends on your specific provider and equipment.

If you’re becoming a Fidium customer and prefer to use your own equipment, you’llneed to have a primary wired router available during installation to ensure compatibility with our network. The technician will need to test the outside connection to the ONT that will be installed outside your home and validate active internet connectivity at install.

Please note that troubleshooting assistance for customer-provided equipment is limited. For the best WiFi experience, we recommend using Fidium’s gateway and WiFi extenders, which offer essential features for optimal performance.