Fiber Construction
Frequently asked questions
- I thought we had fiber already?
Our last upgrade featured an HFC network which means a hybrid network. This means that the “backbone” of the network is fiber, but the fiber wasn’t ran directly into our customer’s homes.
- Why is fiber better?
Fiber optic networks operate by transferring data over glass fiber optic cables using light signals. Since the data is being transferred at lightspeed it is the fastest, most reliable way to surf the web. And because it travels at lightspeed there won’t ever be a faster connection!
- What if I'm already a customer?
If you’re already a Tel-Star customer, once we convert your neighborhood to FTTH, we will upgrade you to this network free of charge! You will receive mailers and email alerts once the FTTH network is available. After that, go online or call to set up an install to change over to the new network. It’s a fast & easy process!
- How long will you be in my yard?
Our technicians will have your fiber network up and connected within just an hour or two of arriving, however your fiber drop line that services your network will be left exposed for a brief period, approximately 4-6 weeks. However, our certified customer service experts will submit a dig ticket to JULIE and be sure to inform our bury crew of any and all special needs a customer may have for their line.
- What about the other utilities in my yard? How will you know where they are to not hit them?
Our team will submit a dig ticket to Julie per Illinois Law, however Julie will only mark Public utilities. Our technicians will provide you with a survey during your initial appointment to fill out and help us understand what private utilities are on your property so that our construction crews can be aware.
It is the customer’s responsibility to mark the path of those private utilities alongside the public markings from Julie members (such as underground dog fences).
- How long until the new network is ready?
We already have a few of our neighborhoods converted over to fiber-to-the-home, but we will roll this out in every single area we service over the next 3-5 years! We will send updates and post on Facebook about our progress.