Monticello Minnesota Fiber Project Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q. Why is TDS doing this?
A. The future is fiber optics. Monticello residents and community leaders have made it clear they want a highly connected community, so TDS has committed to completing a fiber optic network in Monticello. Today, many city businesses and residences have fiber optic lines and equipment in use on TDS’ network. This latest construction project will make many more city residents and businesses able to connect to a fiber optic network this year.

Q. When will construction start?
A. In July 2008 you will begin to see construction crews working in your community. We’ll be working in sections of 300 homes at a time to install a neighborhood. Up to 12 crews will be working in the community at any given time. These crews are contracted by TDS. Telcom Construction Inc. from Clearwater Minn. is TDS’ contractor and will be hiring and managing many local construction crews. You’ll get a door hanger on your door to notify you when crews will be coming to your neighborhood.

Q. How long will it take?
A. The construction plan has us scheduled to complete the network in late 2008. However, as each neighborhood gets completed those homeowners will be able to begin ordering products that utilize a direct connection to the new network. It will be a process where we “turn up” the service by neighborhood and make new high speed products available for you to select from. You will be notified directly when these products become available.

Q. What do I need to do now?
A. In our first network construction phase, we do encourage you to take a look at your yard and understand the placement of easements and public right-of-way on your property. We encourage home owners with invisible dog fences, security systems, or lawn sprinklers to mark/flag the route so our crews can avoid damaging them. Then all you need to do is respond to the notification and sign up for the new services when they become available.

Q. Will it create a mess in my yard?
A. TDS and its contracted construction crews will be using a directional drilling technique to ensure minimal disruption to property. Directional drilling allows us to reduce the need for digging trenches; however, there will be some holes dug at the entrance and exit points of the directional drilling machine. And occasionally, there may also be a hole excavated to be able to visually see cross points with other utilities to avoid damaging gas and sewer lines at other points in the line. Generally the digging will be limited. A marked line in your yard does not necessarily mean the marked area will be trenched. Marking utility lines helps crews identify and avoid underground facilities.

Q. How do I sign up for the new Fiber service?
A. A. The fiber network is being constructed within the entire city of Monticello in phases. After the network is constructed in your area, you will be asked if you want to select new Internet products that would require your home or business to be connected to the new network. At that time you’ll need to call us to schedule an installation or respond to a mailing or phone call. We will not connect individual homes to the network without a new order from the homeowner.

Q. Has TDS installed a fiber optic network in other communities?
A. Yes. TDS has many years of experience installing fiber optic networks in local communities. Our most recent completion was in the entire community of Farragut, Tenn.

Q. What is "Fiber to the Home" and how is it different than my phone service today?
A. A. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is a fiber optic network used to connect customers to the local telephone or Internet switching center. Fiber-optic cables replace the traditional "copper pair" that currently connects your home to the local telephone company. The new fiber optic network is "future technology" that can provide very high-speed data rates for your long-term technology needs.

Q. What new products should we expect with the new FTTH network?
A. Super high speed Internet service will be the first new product you’ll be offered. Future product details are evolving and some may not yet be available. Materials will be mailed to each home and business as neighborhoods and commercial areas are “turned up” on the network to allow you to select new products.

Q. If I'm currently on a waiting list with the City does that mean I'm automatically going to get a TDS fiber connection to my home?
A. At this time TDS does not have information from the City about any pre-registered citizens. You will need to respond to the marketing materials sent to your home by TDS when your neighborhood has new products available to order. We prefer to make the service available by neighborhood to effectively manage our installation timelines.

<<< Back to the previous page