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Understanding the Fiber Installation Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

Signing up for Maverix Fiber brings you closer to reliable, high-speed internet. The next stage is getting the fiber to your home!

Our field technicians plan a route to run the fiber from the street to the side/front of your home. The fiber is buried in your yard, which we describe as "future-proofing." Burying the fiber prevents unexpected damage to your internet to ensure you continue receiving uninterrupted service.

While our technicians handle all the necessary work of digging, burying, and restoring your yard after completing construction to the best of their ability, please ensure your private lines are marked appropriately before we start construction to avoid unnecessary damage during the installation.

Construction Expectations

We take great care to minimize disruptions during construction, but some temporary inconveniences may occur:

  • Pre-Construction Communication: Residents will receive notifications such as letters or postcards detailing upcoming work.

  • Temporary Road & Sidewalk Impact: Some construction areas may be temporarily restricted.

  • Utility Marking: Underground utilities will be marked with paint or flags.

  • Signage & Traffic Management: Temporary no-parking signs may be placed, and any necessary traffic control measures will be implemented.

  • Restoration: Any impacted landscaping, sidewalks, or roads will be restored following construction.

The fiber drop is the segment of fiber that connects your home’s Network Interface Device (NID) to the mainline conduit along the road. This connection ensures your home receives a direct fiber link for optimal internet performance.


Preparing for Construction

If you’ve ordered Maverix Fiber for your home, it’s your responsibility to locate and mark any private utilities, such as sprinkler systems, septic tanks, and invisible fencing. Additionally, we ask that you inform us of their locations during your Home Site Survey to help prevent any accidental damage. For more details, refer to our guide on Marking Private Utilities for Maverix Fiber Installation.

Public Right-of-Way (ROW) Construction

The public right-of-way (ROW) refers to the land alongside public roads, easements, and designated utility corridors where essential services like electricity, water, and fiber internet are installed. Depending on your location, the ROW may include sidewalks in suburban areas or exist as roadside utility space in rural settings. This ensures fiber can be deployed efficiently while minimizing impact on private property.

Construction in the ROW follows strict local regulations and permitting processes. You may notice:

  • Utility markers, equipment, or temporary fencing.

  • Crews conducting minor excavation to install fiber conduit.

  • Temporary disruptions such as narrowed lanes or restricted pedestrian access.

If you're unsure where the ROW extends on your property, check with your local county or township office.

Utility Locates

To prevent accidental damage during construction, 811 utility locates are required before digging begins. Maverix submits a locate request through 811, which notifies utility providers to mark underground lines within 10 days using standardized color codes:

These markings fade over time, so please notify Maverix if they become unclear before construction begins.

If you have private utilities—such as sprinkler systems, septic tanks, or invisible fencing—it is your responsibility to mark their locations and inform us during the Home Site Survey to prevent accidental damage.


Construction Methods

Maverix uses several construction methods to deploy fiber with minimal impact:

  • Vibratory Plowing: A technique used in yards to place fiber with minimal surface disturbance.

  • Directional Boring: A method that installs underground conduit without disturbing the surface, ideal for roads and driveways.

  • Micro-Trenching: A low-impact method that involves cutting a small trench in pavement or roads to lay fiber.


Fiber Installation Process

Home Site Survey

Once the mainline construction is complete, we coordinate a Home Site Survey to determine the best path for bringing fiber to your residence. A Maverix technician will visit your property to:

  • Identify the optimal path to run fiber from the street to your home.

  • Avoid existing utilities and obstacles like sprinkler systems, septic tanks, and invisible fences.

  • Discuss the placement of the exterior Network Interface Device (NID) to ensure a seamless installation inside your home.

Fiber Drop Installation

After the site survey, we install a fiber drop, the line that connects your home to the mainline network. This process includes:

  • Private Utility Marking: Homeowners must mark private utilities before installation.

  • Yard Excavation: Depending on the conditions of your property, we will either use a vibratory plow or directional bore to install the fiber line from the street to your home.

  • Exterior NID Installation: A small, weatherproof box is installed on the exterior of your home to house the fiber connection.

  • Temporary Surface Restoration: We restore your lawn and pavement as much as possible immediately after work is completed, with additional restoration scheduled as needed.

Interior Home Installation

Once the fiber drop is installed, a Maverix technician will complete the interior installation, which involves:

  • Running fiber from the exterior NID to an interior wall plate.

  • Installing an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) inside your home to convert the fiber signal into a usable internet connection.

  • Testing the fiber connection to ensure everything is functioning properly.

  • Offering optional setup assistance for a Maverix-provided modem or help with your own router.

After installation is complete, you will receive an activation notice prompting you to finalize your account setup online.


Equipment Installed

Fiber Optic Conduit

A durable protective tube that houses the fiber optic cables, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

Handholes

Underground access points placed along the fiber network for maintenance and future expansions.

Network Interface Device (NID)

A small, weatherproof box installed on the exterior of your home where the fiber drop terminates before entering your home.

Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

The device installed inside your home that converts fiber signals into internet service, allowing you to connect to your router.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long does the installation process take?

    The overall construction timeline varies by neighborhood. The home installation appointment itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

  • Will my yard be disturbed during installation?

    Yes, some minor digging is required to bury the fiber line, but our team will restore the area as much as possible after construction.

  • Do I need to be home for the installation?

    You do not need to be home for exterior construction, but you must be available for the interior installation appointment.

  • When should I cancel my current internet service?

    We recommend waiting until Maverix service is activated to ensure a seamless transition.

  • Can I choose where the fiber enters my home?

    Yes, during the Home Site Survey, our technician will work with you to determine the most suitable entry point for fiber installation.

Get Ready for Blazing-Fast Internet!

Once your fiber installation is complete, you'll enjoy the fastest and most reliable internet available. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Maverix Customer Support, and we'll be happy to assist!


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