Recent releases
Sept. 8, 2008
Fiber “threading” signals second phase of fiber network construction progress
With nearly 123,000 linear feet of conduit inserted in the ground since July, TDS has started threading fiber optic cables through it; signaling the start of the second phase of TDS’ latest fiber network construction project in Monticello, Minn.
TDS reports network construction continues at a rapid pace with nearly 15,000 feet of conduit entering the ground each week. TDS, and its contractors, have multiple construction crews working to install the new infrastructure now totaling more than 15 miles in a circuitous route.
“Constructing a fiber optic network requires several important steps,” explains Larry Boehm, network implementation and optimization director for TDS.
• First, conduit (orange pipe) must be directionally drilled into the ground to create a comfortable path for the fiber-optic glass strands to travel through;
• Next, fiber-optic strands are pulled through the conduit and connected to electronics in the TDS data center and phone switch, as well as pedestal sites in various local neighborhoods and industrial areas; and
• The final phase will be customer site installations as TDS customers elect to receive new high speed Internet/fiber optic products.
“Our primary goal is to complete the fiber network before Minnesota weather makes drilling difficult. Right now, we’re on track to finish the entire project by year end,” states Boehm. “Our customers have been very cooperative and we greatly appreciate their help.”
The project extends the existing fiber network already in place in many Monticello neighborhoods.
If you have questions about the project or want to view TDS’ progress, visit www.tdstelecom.com/monticellofiber.
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TDS Telecommunications Corp. markets communications services to business and residential customers in 30 states, through its brands TDS Telecom and TDS Metrocom. With nearly 1.2 million access line equivalents in service, TDS Telecommunications Corp. connects customers to phone, broadband,, and digital television service in hundreds of rural, suburban, and small metropolitan communities. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., TDS Telecommunications Corp. employs approximately 2,700 people. Visit www.tdstelecom.com and www.tdsmetro.com for more information.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) (AMEX: TDS, TDS.S), a Fortune 500® company. TDS operates primarily by providing wireless and local telecommunications service through its strategic business units, TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular (AMEX: USM). Headquartered in Chicago, TDS employs approximately 11,800800 people and serves approximately 7.33 million customers in 36 states. Visit www.teldta.com for more information.
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