There’s nothing like a winter storm to remind you that even the best laid plans sometimes go to waste. Installing high-speed fiber internet is no exception, especially in the winter.
When the temperatures drop, the days get shorter, and the ground freezes, burying a fiber cable is especially difficult, and, more importantly, can pose safety risks for our crew.
Still, we want you to be able to enjoy the fast speeds and reliability of fiber internet without an extended waiting period. That is why during winter and even into early spring, we’ll use a temporary drop to connect you to our service.
What is a temporary drop?
A temporary drop is a fiber internet connection line that we lay on the ground to temporarily provide internet service. Once the weather and ground conditions improve, we return to your property and bury the line.
Our team keeps track of temporary drops so that once the weather has improved, we can return and complete the installation process by burying the fiber line.
When are temporary drops used?
Temporary drops are most often used in the winter. Even when the snow melts, the ground below it may remain frozen. For us to be able to bury your fiber cable, the ground needs to be completely thawed to at least 12 inches underground. Often, we need several days of 40 degree (or higher) weather.
Temporary drops can also be used when the soil is saturated with water. Melting snow and heavy rains of early spring saturate the ground, making it difficult to impossible to get our boring equipment to the area to bury.
Temporary drops in these situations are not only safe, but they minimize potential damage to lawns, flowerbeds and other landscaping.
Are temporary drops safe?
Temporary drops are safe. Fiber optics are made of tiny glass strings that transmit light, which means there’s no risk of electric shock.
While these lines are sturdy, disturbing them can cause damage (and a loss of your internet connection!). We ask you to avoid these lines while using snowplows, lawnmowers, shovels and other equipment.
If you need a temporary drop, the drop installer will let you know during the installation.
We know a temporary drop is an inconvenience. Our team will return as soon as they can to complete the underground drop. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.