Discover the step-by-step process for installing fibre 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 fibre installation.
Here are the four essential steps for installing fibre at home:
- Gain authorisation
- Pre-installation appointment
- Build
- Connection
Step 1: Authorisation
Your service provider will guide you through the fibre installation process and provide you with a roadmap of what to expect. If you own a self-contained home where fibre can be directly connected from the street, you will only need to provide authorisation to proceed.
However, if you live in a shared driveway, right of way, or an apartment building, consent may be required from your neighbours 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 fibre 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 fibre will be made available to everyone, but only installed in your home. This allows your neighbours to install fibre in the future.
Most residential properties are covered by the Local Fibre Company, including the connection to the fibre 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 fibre sockets.
Review your installation plan thoroughly before signing.
Step 3: Build
The installation of fibre 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 fibre 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 fibre 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 fibre 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 fibre from the outside to the inside of your home.
The technician will handle the internal wiring, install the new fibre 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.
Still need help? Email support@ashnet.co.nz or log a ticket in the customer portal.