Frequently Asked Questions

A preliminary design is generated based on existing pole lines and or routes that logically make the most sense for transport and distribution fiber cables and for determining the location of fiber cabinets. The design also helps for planning for materials, resources, and data collection efforts. The prelim design phase can take four to twelve weeks depending on the scope and size of the area.

After the preliminary design of the fiber build, field engineers go to each pole to determine if any modifications are required in order to support the fiber and its associated steel strand. These engineers create design sheets showing where to move items at the pole to create more space, as well as where poles need to be changed out to add height or strength. During this time, inspectors will “ride out” the build to ensure every member will be included in the fiber build. This phase can take four to six weeks depending on the size of the area and the number of poles to be collected.

Prior to make-ready construction, engineers will need to submit large quantities of VDOT permits for construction on and off VDOT rights of ways. Often there is also a need for additional easements along private properties for additional poles and or alternate path/routes for the fiber cable, and of-course each pole replacement requires a miss utility ticket for the excavation area. Railroad permits for both aerial construction and underground construction are also sometimes necessary steps. These permits typically take six to twelve months to approve. After everything above is complete and approved, line crews will change poles, move transformers from one side of the pole to another, move wires on the pole, add new anchors to the poles, and perform other work to allow the fiber to be placed later. The make ready construction phase can take four to six months as a rule of thumb. This work has the widest variance in time of all construction phases.

Once the make-ready engineering and data collection is complete, the final design of the network (per area) can be completed. This includes the overall design, field staking sheets, splicing information, and the final BOM (bill of materials). The final design could take two to six weeks to complete, and the material could take up to one year to receive.

Prior to fiber construction, engineers will need to submit large quantities of VDOT permits for construction on and off VDOT rights of ways. Often there is also a need for additional easements along private properties for additional poles and or alternate path/routes for the fiber cable, and of-course all underground construction requires a miss utility ticket for the excavation area. Railroad permits for both aerial construction and underground construction are also sometimes necessary steps. These permits typically take six to twelve months to approve. After everything above is complete and approved, fiber crews place steel strand along the pole line and return to place the fiber optic cable against the steel strand. A lashing machine is used to secure the fiber to the strand. In locations where the electric is underground or the fiber design calls for underground fiber construction, the fiber optic cable will be placed in a small plastic pipe underground by either boring or plowing. Asphalt and concrete driveways will be bored under, and a pedestal or fiber vault may be placed next to a transformer or junction box to allow for a service drop or splice enclosure. Areas of disturbance are restored to their original state. Fiber construction can take one month to twelve months depending on the size of the circuit.

Once the strand and fiber are placed, splicers will make splices at each end and tap point. They splice the necessary cables at each point and mount the splices in enclosures secured to the distribution poles or in pedestals. The splicing work can take another four to eight weeks for the main lines. Customers are eligible to sign up at Stage 6.

The next step is service drop surveying. A surveyor or engineer will determine the best route/path for the fiber drop from the mainline fiber enclosure to the structure at which service has been requested. This will be reviewed with the property owner and approved prior to construction. Often there are unforeseen obstacles that force a change to the original path (multiple trips to the same location). There may also be a need for a VDOT permit, attachment permits (for use of another utility’s poles) and miss utility tickets. After everything above is complete and approved, the drop crews extend the fiber from the nearest splice point to the structure receiving service and leave coils of fiber in each location. Service drop construction can take thirty to sixty days depending on complexity.

The final outdoor step in fiber construction is the splicing of the drop. The splicer connects the last length of fiber at the tap point and also mounts a network interface device (NID) at the structure with the final splice inside the NID. The service is now ready for installation. Splicing the drop typically happens within two to four weeks of drop construction.