Fiber Construction Process
Recently you may have received a direct mailer stating that fiber is coming to your neighborhood. That is great news! Let’s discuss the process that MHTC has to undertake to complete the fiber build.
Our goal is to bring you fiber service as quickly as possible. A lot of things impact our timing, though. Sometimes things can take longer than we anticipate.
Step 1: Design & Engineering
Before we can break ground in an area, we must first assess the system in place. It is important to determine the specific design needs of each area. The good news is if you have received our mailer indicating we are starting the fiber build, this step has been completed.
2024 Project Locations
Updated 8/6/2024
Step 2: Getting Ready for Construction
Before we can lay the fiber in the ground or bring in construction equipment, we must figure out where the existing underground utilities are—wires, pipes, water lines, and so on. We follow the required process for marking the locations (“locates”) where each utility is supposed to be. This helps our construction crews when they are digging. You might see orange, blue, red, or yellow paint on sidewalks, streets, or even on your grass. Those are locating marks. At this time, we also ask you to complete the MY FIBER NETWORK Form located at www.mhtc.net at the top of the page or call (608) 437-5551 for assistance. This is used to inform us of any private underground buried facilities in your yard. A few examples would be LP gas lines, drain fields or dog fences. Please complete this form for our team prior to digging to avoid disrupting service.
During this step, the MHTC Engineering team is also securing the necessary Highway, DOT, County, Village/Township, and Environmental permits needed for construction purposes.
In addition to locates and permits we may have to seek private property access rights in some instances. Being an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier MHTC has permission by the state of Wisconsin to build our network in public rights-of-ways and easements in a particular jurisdiction. Where applicable, we must separately secure the rights to construct on private property, such as in a multi-family apartment building, in a gated community, or across a private road.
Step 3: Construction
During main construction, crews will be utilizing machinery such as trenchers, plows, backhoes, and boring machines to install “innerduct” along the construction route. The orange innerduct helps protect the fiber optic cable from potentially harmful environmental variables. Once the innerduct is in place, the crews can push, pull, or blow fiber in the innerduct. Remember that the construction work is disruptive. MHTC and its trusted contractors attempt to minimize disruptions during the construction process.
During the construction process, there will be ground that is disturbed along the route. The construction crews will be back to restore the ground. If you have a concern regarding the cleanup, please don’t hesitate to email MHTC at myyard@mhtcinc.com or call (608) 437-5551.
Below are some items that can delay construction:
- Weather
- Permitting and Inspection Delays
- Easements and Property Access
- Material Delays
- Unforeseen circumstances
Step 4: Service Drop to Home or Business
At some point during the construction process a “drop” crew will be installing a fiber service drop to every location in the defined project area. MHTC encourages all property owners to complete the MY FIBER NETWORK Form located at www.mhtc.net or call (608) 437-5551. The drop plow will be smaller than the equipment used for mainline construction. Picture #1 is one type of drop plow used to place fiber service drops to the home and/or business. During this process, the crew will install a new MHTC Fiber Network Interface Device (NID) similar to the left half of picture #2 below. If you have an existing MHTC copper NID, we will temporarily take it off the home and secure it until we install your new fiber service…don’t worry, this is not the finished product. The finished product should look like the right half of picture #2. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Top picture: Service drop plow
Right picture: MHTC Network Interface Devices
Step 5: Splicing
Splicing follows the installation of the fiber in the innerduct. Splicing of optical fibers is a technique used to join two optical fibers. Splicing forms a bond between two fiber ends to create a continuous optical connection to a neighborhood area and/or specific location. Once the splicing is completed, the splicers will then test every connection to ensure the proper signal is transmitted and received to verify the network is 100% ready to go live.
Step 6: Installation
Once you have completed your application for MHTC fiber service, our AWESOME Customer Service Specialist team will be contacting you to schedule your installation appointment and the services you are interested in purchasing from MHTC. The AMAZING System Specialists will arrive at your service address on the date you scheduled with MHTC Customer Service, and they will be prepared to install all equipment needed for the services you selected. Our System Specialists will also help connect your devices to your internet service while they are at your location, so have your devices ready! The MHTC team would be happy to answer any questions you may have on the fiber installation process or functionality of MHTC services. Most appointments take approximately two hours. Please remember, it is required that you, or someone 18 years of age or older, is present for this appointment.
Step 7: YOU HAVE MADE IT!!!
Enjoy your MHTC fiber optic enabled service! We are here if you need assistance and/or technical support. Thank you for your patience and for being a MHTC customer.
MHTC Contact Quick Reference
Fiber Construction:
My Fiber Network Form OR (608) 437-5551
Yard Cleanup Concerns:
myyard@mhtcinc.com OR (608) 437-5551
Technical Support:
support@mhtc.net OR (608) 437-6850