Discover the step-by-step process for installing fiber optic connections at home.
Your service provider will serve as your guide, addressing your inquiries and providing a clear roadmap to ensure your understanding of the installation process. During the connection phase, it’s important to consider the installation options that are most suitable for your specific home. If you reside in a shared driveway, right of way, or an apartment, rights of access must be taken into account. Additionally, if you’re a tenant, please note that only the property owner can grant permission for fiber installation.
Here are the four essential steps for installing fiber at home:
- Gain authorization
- Pre-installation appointment
- Build
- Connection
Step 1: Authorization #
Your service provider will guide you through the fiber installation process and provide you with a roadmap of what to expect. If you own a self-contained home where fiber can be directly connected from the street, you will only need to provide authorization to proceed.
However, if you live in a shared driveway, right of way, or an apartment building, consent may be required from your neighbors or the body corporate. The Local Fibre Company will handle this process and keep you informed.
If you are renting, you must obtain consent from your landlord before proceeding with the installation.
Step 2: Pre-installation appointment #
The Local Fibre Company installer will arrange a pre-installation appointment, often referred to as a site scope visit. During this visit, the installer will discuss installation options suitable for your premises, such as underground or aerial installation.
They will also determine the location of the External Termination Point (ETP), which connects the fiber from the street to your house, and the placement of the Optical Network Terminator (ONT) inside your home.
The ETP is a small box installed on the outside of your house, while the ONT is a compact box usually mounted on an internal wall.
Once the installation plan is agreed upon, you will sign a contract, and the installation will be scheduled.
In shared situations, the fiber will be made available to everyone, but only installed in your home. This allows your neighbors to install fiber in the future.
Most residential properties are covered by the Local Fibre Company, including the connection to the fiber network, reinstatement of any disturbed surfaces, installation of the ETP and ONT, and connection to your new modem.
However, there may be additional costs for items like extra power plugs, alternative installation options, ONT relocation, or additional hard wiring for fiber sockets.
Review your installation plan thoroughly before signing.
Step 3: Build #
The installation of fiber from the road to your home occurs in two stages.
The installer follows the agreed-upon plan, which could involve aerial, underground duct, buried cable, or mounting along a fenceline.
They will connect the fiber to the External Termination Point (ETP) on the outside of your house. You don’t need to be present for this stage.
Step 4: Connection #
After the fiber is built to the outside of your house, it needs to be connected internally.
A technician will return to complete the internal wiring and install the fiber to the Optical Network Terminal (ONT), a small box located inside your house.
You will need to be home for up to four hours during this visit, as the technician brings the fiber from the outside to the inside of your home.
The technician will handle the internal wiring, install the new fiber equipment (such as a broadband router/modem) in the agreed-upon position, and test the equipment to ensure a connection for both the broadband service and the landline telephone service (if applicable).
If a new modem is installed, you will need to reset your Wi-Fi password for remote device connectivity within your home. If you encounter any issues during this process, contact your broadband service provider.
