Fiber Internet Construction
We are excited to be able to bring fast, reliable Internet to your community and are committed to keeping you informed. To learn more about what to expect while we build our fiber network in your area, you’ve come to the right place!
Construction Issues
General Support
Connecting a Community
Engineering, Easements and Permits
We start by laying out the network internally, considering easements and rights-of-way for your neighborhood. Then we work with city and county officials to acquire the right permits and to get their guidance on how they want the work done. Once a plan is approved by the city, we partner with local contractors to begin the construction process.
Identifying Utilities
Before our contractor begins working, they will call Missouri 811 (Dig Rite) or Illinois 811 (Julie Before You Dig) to mark all public utilities. In order to avoid damage to other utilities that run through your yard, like sprinklers and invisible dog fences, you will need to mark private utilities for us.
- Public Utilities: Utility companies mark the location of utility lines up to the user’s service connection or meter but not past it. Lines beyond this point are considered to be part of the customer’s property, so they usually aren’t marked by public locating services.
- Private Utilities: You will need to mark all private utilities within the easement on your property. Private utilities include; Lawn sprinkler systems, Invisible dog fences, Private water lines, Landscape lighting, Private electrical lines (power to outbuildings, yard/landscape lighting, etc.). Please take care of this as soon as you see public utilities being marked or flagged in your neighborhood.
Mainline Construction
At this stage, we’re ready to build our 100% fiber network. Socket works with experienced construction partners who specialize in the construction of fiber optic infrastructure. Our fiber network is installed by either burying the lines underground or hanging them aerially on utility poles.
Before they begin the project, Socket Fiber contractors will place door hangers or yard signs around the neighborhood – signaling the construction process will begin soon.
We will also send a letter prior to building, letting residents know that mainline construction will soon occur in the neighborhood. The letter will include information on the construction process, what to expect and our contact information.
Completion and Clean Up
When all mainline construction is complete, and weather permitting, we’ll return to provide yard restoration. Our goal is to be as minimally invasive to your property as possible during the construction process, but minor tracking on lawns may occur. We will likely need to return to the area to backfill and compact soil in areas that were dug. We appreciate your patience as we work through each property for restoration! If major damage does occur, please contact Socket Fiber at 800-762-5383 as soon as possible to report the damage.
Socket Fiber is Live!
Once your area goes live, our install technicians will begin connecting individual homes and businesses. We will send a second mailer, letting you know construction is complete and you are ready to sign up for service. After signing up, our team will reach out to schedule your install and explain the next steps for splicing a drop to your home and getting your equipment set up!
Learn more about our services on our residential page or sign up today!
Private Property Access
Our franchises, which are issued by state or local government, give us the right to build our network in public rights-of-ways and easements. Public right of way is property dedicated to the city for public infrastructure like roadways, storm sewers, sidewalks and street lights.
The state also allows utility provider to use the public right of way for their facilities, like electricity, water, gas and internet.
Please make all Public Utility Easements accessible to our contractors. This includes your front yard, backyard and alleyways. Also, if you have a locked gate, you will need to make arrangements to give contractors access.
Note: Not all properties have utility easements in the same location.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does the construction process take?
It takes several months to plan and execute a fiber build. Once construction starts, it typically takes four to six months to complete a project in its entirety.
It seems like the project in my area is taking longer than expected. Why?
Even under the best circumstances, sometimes elements slow us down, including supply chain issues. The weather is also out of our control. We still work outside when the weather doesn’t cooperate, but sometimes it is just impossible.
My yard wasn’t restored back to its original look. What can I do?
We want to make sure you are taken care of. Please call us at 800-762-5383 with any concerns, or use the Construction Issue form above to drop us a note.
How do I get Socket Fiber to build in my community?
There are a variety of factors that help us choose where to build our fiber optic network - Make sure to have your friends and neighbors sign up here to express interest!