Oct 5, 2023 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber Optics?
What to expect:
We have been hard at work to ensure everyone knows that we are bringing your community fiber optic internet! More importantly, we are bringing speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. This means that you will have an opportunity to get internet that is several times faster than anything seen in town before!
To prepare your community for the future, new fiber-optic infrastructure is deeply important. To ensure this massive upgrade lasts decades, we will bury this infrastructure! Unfortunately, even in the best weather conditions, installing new underground infrastructure is hard and dangerous work, here is what you need to know about the project.
Progress so Far
We have been working hard in our initial run and already laid HUNDREDS of meters of conduit and fiber optic cables along our middle mile (neighborhood and alleyway) construction! We know it’s made some noise and has been spread out, but this is to ensure we wrap up construction quickly (potentially being done in November, 2 months ahead of our original schedule!) This will also bring an entirely new level of reliability, stability, and speed to use your internet however you see fit. We will still maintain multiple crews, working in various locations in town to expedite construction and connect your home or business to fiber optic internet as soon as we can. We’ll be excited to share when splicing starts, when we can start beta testing(!!!) and fully activating residents who’ve signed up for services. We’ll maintain a larger monthly update here as long as construction and splicing is active, as well as smaller bite-sized weekly updates on our Facebook page here!
Remember, if you haven’t signed up, are locked in to a contract, or just want to prepare your home for the future you are still able to connect to our infrastructure completely FREE! You can sign a fiber access request to JUST have the fiber infrastructure run to your home.
Our drop crews (connecting homes directly to the middle mile construction) will be working ahead of our middle-mile construction to get you connected faster as well! Regardless of where you are in the community, you may see flags pop up in your yard if you’ve registered for service. This is so we can get your drop in place, and get your house prepared for connection ahead of network construction. That way, as soon as the network is fully constructed in your neighborhood we can call you right away to book your installation! If you just want to connect to fiber infrastructure, you can sign an access agreement to bring fiber to your home for free! There is no obligation to take services, but this ensures your home is future proofed with fiber built to the premises.
We do pride ourselves on hiring and training local. If you’re interested in seeing how you can contribute to building a world class network in your own backyard, be sure to look at our job postings here!
There are a few more things you should know and expect as we get to work in your neighbourhood:
Flagging
Before the project begins down your alleys, side streets, and the drop comes into your yard, you will see flags begin to pop up all around. This is the first step at installation your drop, and if you’ve registered for services you will be notified when we start this process for your home. These flags are incredibly important as it tells the construction crew where important infrastructure, like gas and electric, is located. If you see these flags, please ensure that you do not touch or remove them from the ground. If a crew is unable to see a flag or the utilities below it could cause serious damage to your utilities or cause harm to the crew! If you would like to let us know about private utilities on your property where we will be building, please call our main line and let our team know. For more information on locates, visit UtilitySafety.ca.
Installing the drop
This is the easy part! We don’t need access to the home, so no appointment is needed. We will be able to complete this based on our techs availability. Our crew will come by and knock/ring first before getting to work. They will install the conduit from our access point to just outside of your home. They do this by making use of a vibratory plow, or in specific instances a small directional drill, to install the fiber cable just beneath the ground. All you’ll see is an orange piece sticking out of the ground ready for us to install the ONT, and your fiber services, indoors. From here we can book a technician to get your service up and running once network is active in your neighborhood!
It Can Get Messy
Progress is going very well, but when working with hydrovacs it can sometimes get a little messy. Because we are building buried infrastructure under/in wet ground, progress on our new construction will require this to complete properly. Follow our Facebook page to keep yourself updated as we push through this spring to connect you sooner!
Remediation
We are building underground construction, which means we dig holes and small trenches for the fiber lines to run down! Although we deploy directional drills and vibratory plowing equipment that reduces the amount of soil turned, we still create a small mess. But fear not, we always remediate anything effected by our work and ensure that it will return to its healthiest form in suitable time.
Our team will wait for the ground to properly settle after we’ve unturned it. This can take a few days, to a few weeks dependent on the weather. At that point, we set the earth to final grade and plant new seed for your lawn to regrow to its previous health! It is a small price we need to pay to keep construction moving so we can continue to connect homes and businesses as fast as possible!
How do I sign up!?
If you would like to register for service now, check out our world-class products and services HERE! (And remember, you will NOT be charged anything until the service officially begins after installation). Or you can sign your access agreement to get fiber infrastructure brought to your home for free!
Visit our Sign-Up page or give us a call at 1-888-CFO-2947 (ext 2, for Sales)
Grande cache construction
Sep 29, 2023 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber?
In your neighborhood, you may have noticed colorful flags and paint markings appearing in unexpected places, including your own yard. Before you get concerned, let’s clarify that these markers play a vital role in our underground utility locating process. We’re committed to identifying underground utilities to minimize any disruptions during installation. However, it’s crucial to understand that the presence of these markers doesn’t necessarily imply that we’ll be digging on your property without your consent.
No Digging on Your Property Without an Access Agreement
Our construction teams plan to only excavate your property if you have signed an access agreement or granted us permission to do so. Therefore, if you see paint and flags in your yard, don’t fret – it’s all part of our meticulous planning for this significant fiber infrastructure project.
Utility Locating FAQs
To further clarify any questions or concerns you might have, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about utility locating and easements:
Q1. What the Locates Mean: The term “locates” refers to the markings that guide construction crews to existing underground utilities. These markings, typically represented by paint and flags, are critical for both crew safety and the protection of existing infrastructure.
Q2. Why So Many Locates Are Placed: Multiple locates are often necessary because they may not always be entirely accurate. Ensuring crews know the exact location of underground infrastructure is essential for safe and precise construction.
Q3. Locators Entering Yards Without Homeowner Knowing: We understand that homeowner awareness is crucial. Rest assured, there might be times that the third party locate company may need to access your yard to locate vital underground infrastructure.
Q4. Duration of Locates: Construction usually occurs within two weeks of locating utilities. However, locates may remain in place for more than two weeks, depending on construction timing and any “expiry dates” set by utility companies.
Q5. Lawn Maintenance with Locates: If locates are on your lawn, please DO NOT REMOVE FLAGS OR PAINT. Moving flags can be dangerous for everyone involved. If truly needed, please mow around the locates.
Q6. Holes in Driveways: It is highly unlikely that we’ll need to places any holes in driveways. But, there are scenarios where pavement or asphalt driveways are over utilities. In these scenario’s, we may need to, for safety reasons, locate underground utilities.
Q7. Damage To Lawns: There will be instances where we need to excavate portions of lawns on easements, or drive vehicles on your lawn. We will be the first to admit that sometimes the process is very messy, but we work very hard to remediate as quick as possible.
Q8. Lawn Remediation: All lawns will be restored with backfill, and once the final grade is achieved, grass seed will be planted. We ask for homeowners help by watering the seed as needed.
Q9. Why We Don’t Use Sod: In our experience, sod requires regular watering and doesn’t promote a lasting solution.
Q10. Access to Design Plans: Please consult the town directly to review the project’s design plans.
Q11. Permission and Consent: Permission was obtained and evaluated through the Municipality Master Access Agreement, which covers fiber infrastructure underground placement alongside public rights-of-way and easements.
Q12. Duration in an Area: We strive to work quickly and efficiently, typically being in an area or neighbourhood for a couple of weeks. The exact timeline can vary.
Q13. Remediation Completion: The time for remediation depends on the construction season. Initial backfill may take time to naturally settle, and some remediation might occur in the spring.
Don’t Miss Out on Future-Proofing Your Home
Fast, Reliable High speed Internet is an essential service. By signing an access agreement or Fiber Access Request, you contribute to this essential development. It ensures a hassle-free experience for you and helps us connect your services faster.
Contact us now at support@CanadianFiberOptics.ca or call 1-888-236-2947 to get started on your high-speed journey. Together, we’re building a brighter digital future for your community.
Sep 26, 2023 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber?
In today’s fast-paced digital world, reliable internet access isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you use the internet for work, leisure, or keeping up with the latest trends, having your home ready for the future is important. And that’s exactly what Northern Lights Fiber is here to provide for your community in rural Alberta.
Our mission is clear: we’re dedicated to bridging the Digital Divide, ensuring that everyone in your community has access to lightning-fast internet speeds and the countless benefits that come with it. Some people in your community need some One way we’re achieving this goal is through our state-of-the-art fiber-optic network. And the best part? You can secure your access to this cutting-edge technology today, absolutely free.
Here’s why he Fiber Access Request should be at the top of your to-do list:
It’s Completely Free
Perhaps the most compelling reason to sign a Fiber Access Request is that it won’t cost you a dime. We’re offering free construction and free installation to ensure that everyone in your community can enjoy the benefits of fiber-optic internet. By waiting to sign, you risk missing out on this incredible opportunity.
Future-Proof Your Home
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. By signing a Fiber Access Request, you’re future-proofing your home. You’re ensuring that you’l have access to state-of-the-art technologies as they become available. Whether it’s augmented reality, advanced home automation, or innovations we can’t even imagine yet, fiber-optic internet will be your gateway to the future.
Boost Your Property Value
Did you know that fiber-optic to your home can significantly boost your home’s resale value? When potential buyers see that your home is already equipped with high-speed fiber connectivity, it becomes a major selling point. It’s possible the best FREE investment you’ll ever make on your property.
Very Rare To See Fiber in Rural Communities
Access to fiber-optic internet is still a rarity in many rural communities, including here in Alberta. By signing a Fiber Access Request, you’re seizing a unique opportunity to bring cutting-edge technology to your doorstep. Don’t miss out on the chance to be at the forefront of digital connectivity in your area.
But remember, signing a Fiber Access Request doesn’t commit you to any internet services. It simply guarantees that you’ll have access to this infrastructure when you’re ready to sign up for high-speed internet in your home.
So, why wait? Secure your free future install now by signing a Fiber Access Request with Northern Lights Fiber. Don’t miss the chance to future-proof your home, increase your property value, and be part of a digital revolution in your community. Sign up today and join us in bridging the Digital Divide!
To sign your Fiber Access Request or learn more about our services, click here or reach out to Northern Lights Fiber at 1-888-236-2947.
The future is here, and it’s faster and brighter with fiber-optic internet from Northern Lights Fiber.
Aug 21, 2023 | Construction Updates, Why Fiber Optics?
What To Expect
Northern Lights Fiber is excited to bring you fiber optic internet, with speeds up to 10,000 Mbps (10 Gigabit symmetrical service!). To future proof your community, these types of speeds and reliability is an absolutely necessity. But it would not be possible with the infrastructure that exists today.
To prepare your community for the future, new fiber-optic infrastructure will be required and we will burry this infrastructure.
If you want to buy service now, check out our world-class products and services HERE!
Flagging
Before the project begins down your alleys, side streets, and the drop comes into your yard, you will see flags begin to pop up all around. This is the first step at installation your drop, and if you’ve registered for services you will be notified when we start this process for your home. These flags are incredibly important as it tells the construction crew where important infrastructure, like water gas and electric, is located. If you see these flags, please ensure that you do not touch or remove them from the ground. If a crew is unable to see a flag or the utilities below it could cause serious damage to your utilities or cause harm to the crew! If you would like to let us know about private utilities on your property where we will be building, please call our main line and let our team know. For more information on locates, visit UtilitySafety.ca.
Main-Line
The first part of our construction is called “middle-mile” or “main-line” construction. You will see large equipment of ours, including “hydrovacs”, directional drills, dump trucks, front end loaders, skid steers, and even vibratory plows. Our design in Millet dictates that we will be digging in public easement, and most of our design, in the area, will be in back lanes.
There are some places that this is not possible. There may be a few places where our design determines that we will use front lot easement. This means we will have to dig along the curb of your front yard.
The Drop
Having fiber infrastructure will future proof your home for generations to come. And while cities already have this infrastructure, it is very rare for rural communities in Canada.
If you sign up for services during this process, we will also need to burry new infrastructure to your house. We call this “the drop.” We will also install a small box on the side of your house.
What About My Property?
This is a big private investment to futureproof Millet, and it requires heavy duty construction. We will try to be as respectful as possible to everyone’s property and we will restore all landscaping to the best of our ability, properly backfilling, and replanting grass.
We have invested in specialized machinery to get this job done fast and as discreet as possible, especially when we leave public easement to get to your house. If you have any questions about our proposed route, please call us at 1-888-236-2947 (ext 1) or email at info@CanadianFiberOptics.ca
All services such as electric, water, and other utilities are professionally located to prevent damage. If you are aware of any private underground utilities (like underground sprinklers), please let us know at onecall@CanadianFiberOptics.ca
How Long Will it Take?
Main-line construction in Millet will continue through 2023 and should be fully complete, ready for all residents to connect to services by early 2024! That said, we should only be on each street for about a week at a time. Burying the drop to each house will only take about half a day.
What if I Have Questions?
Please call us at 1-888-236-2947 (ext 1) or email us at info@CanadianFiberOptics.ca.
How do I future proof my house and get internet that is 100% fiber?
Visit our Products and Pricing page or Sign-Up page! Or give us a call at 1-888-236-2947 (ext 2 , for Sales)
Aug 15, 2023 | Construction Updates, WI FI
At Northern Lights Fiber our team of technicians, installers, and customer support professionals take pride in delivering the state of the art high-speed fiber internet you’ve come to expect. From responding to weather-related outages, to upgrading our cutting-edge systems, keeping you connected to the global economy and communications network is a 24/7 job—and we love being a part of it!
But you may have wondered why we occasionally schedules outages for our network. After all, isn’t the point of reliable internet to avoid outages in the first place? Well, yes, that is one of the main points, of course!
But an occasional scheduled outage is a crucial part of maintaining our fast, reliable network, and ensuring that your internet service is up to the highest industry standards. We explain more below.
The Importance of Scheduled Outages
First and foremost, scheduled outages are rare and, when they do happen, it’s because they are necessary. And scheduled outages are always implemented to improve your internet experience, protect your connection, or respond to an emergency situation.
It might be helpful to think about scheduled outages the same way you think about car maintenance. If you don’t take your car to the shop on occasion, it’s going to break down at the worst possible time—like in pouring down rain and you’re already running late for work! Though you can’t drive it while you let your mechanic service your car for a short period of time, the mechanic’s work is invaluable, increasing the performance of your car and extending its life and value.
Well, for high-speed fiber internet, scheduled outages are like taking your car into the shop. Yes, you will temporarily “lose service,” but gain tremendously long-term with a better, faster, more reliable internet connection.
Three Common Reasons for Scheduled Outages
There are three primary reasons why a schedule outage may occur: 1) network software updates, 2) broadband equipment and infrastructure upgrades, and 3) environmental and weather-related repair or mitigation work.
- Software Updates: Broadband technology is constantly improving, and the complex software involved helps deliver and distribute internet efficiently across the network. To ensure there’s enough bandwidth for everyone—and that the technology doesn’t go haywire and stop working altogether—software engineers routinely tweak their programming to make the system even better. It’s fairly similar to your cell phone—occasionally, you need software updates to enhance quality and security, and you must restart the phone after the software is installed. Though you lose cell phone service for a period of time, your phone is much more secure and improved because of the planned maintenance and “outage.”
- Equipment Upgrades: The infrastructure utilized to provide high-speed fiber internet is immense. Far more than just a “wire” connected to your house, an entire labyrinth of interconnected equipment dispersed throughout our community delivers broadband. We occasionally update our core routers or replace outdated hardware with new equipment, ensuring that our network is up-to-date. Naturally, a scheduled outage is necessary to install the upgraded equipment and improve your internet service.
- Environmental and Weather-related Repair: Despite our best efforts to maintain a reliable network, sometimes Mother Nature intervenes—and we have seen it all! Heavy precipitation can inundate systems, unearthing fiber wires and shorting core routers. Animals sometimes chew through fiber lines, slowing down or cutting off your service entirely. Even an occasional car crash can damage our equipment and cause service interruptions. When these unfortunate incidents happen, we may need to physically relocate some infrastructure, resulting in a temporary scheduled outage, while developing a longer-term solution to mitigate against future hazards.
Typical Timing for Scheduled Outages
We understand that there is never a good time to not have internet. After all, we depend on high-speed internet for work, communication, and entertainment as much as you do! But with that in mind, Northern Lights Fiber only ever conducts planned maintenance and scheduled outages late at night, when overall internet usage is at its lowest level in our community.
Late night is when the fewest number of people are relying on our network for work and communication. But we also recognize that there are some people who do work late at night or take occasional night shifts. And we know that some people rely on their connection to relax and unwind at night, too, whether it’s streaming a favorite TV series, listening to music, or gaming
Please know that when we schedule these outages, we are limiting the inconvenience to the fewest number of people as possible. Just as highway repair work is often done at night, when traffic is at its lowest point, scheduled outages occur when internet traffic is at its lowest, too.
After the Scheduled Outage
Once the scheduled outage and planned maintenance is complete, you shouldn’t notice any difference to your service the next day. On the off chance you experience any difficulties accessing your internet, make sure your devices’ connections and settings remained as they were prior to the scheduled outage. Your device may require you to sign-in to your Wi-Fi after an outage, but this is rare. Of course, if you have any issues whatsoever, our customer service agents and technical support specialists are always standing by to help you.
To learn more about our fiber network and how you can get the most out of our high-speed internet, be sure to follow our Facebook page!
