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Fiber Conversion Process

Fiber Conversion Blog Post Image 1

You may have noticed utility trucks and workers in your neighborhood as BTC Broadband’s internet infrastructure being upgraded in our service area in Bixby. Conversion from the older copper internet lines to a new fiber optic network provides a major upgrade to your browsing with faster speeds, improved reliability and more stable performance. Expanding our fiber network is an ongoing process, and we want to bring fiber connectivity to every home. With each neighborhood installation we complete, we get closer to our goal of providing excellent fiber internet service to our entire community.

Installing brand new fiber lines is a 6-step process that must be completed with minimal disruptions and with care to ensure safety for all. Here are the steps:

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Step 1:
Planning a Safe Route

First things first, we need a game plan. Our top priority is safety, and we begin by trusting our friends at OKIE811 to provide accurate marking of any existing buried lines that are hidden hazards. This also ensures that no other vital services are disrupted during our installation. It’s always a good idea to call OKIE811 72 hours before digging for any size project, and for a large project like laying fiber optic cables, this is a vital step.

Once we are sure of the location of all underground hazards, we map the shortest route possible to lay down the fiber-optic cables. 

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Step 2:
Laying Down New Lines

After we plan the route, we can dig accurately with an optimal path to run the line from our pedestal location to your home for maximum performance.

Every neighborhood and property is different, so we begin construction with extra care to not to disrupt the surrounding landscape any more than is necessary to install the fiber-optic cables. We use specialized equipment, such as plows and bore rigs, to access hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to this equipment, we are able to bury lines quickly.

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Step 3:
Pedestal Placement

The next step involves our team strategically positioning fiber pedestals (PEDS) in the area. These pedestals, usually green in color, connect the buried residential lines to our main network connection. These bring the fiber-optic network to your residence and are a crucial component of the network technology that provides smooth performance.

We usually install these pedestals in the front or rear easements of the residence. On average, each pedestal can provide service to four houses, depending on how the neighborhood is designed.

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Step 4:
Fiber Splicing

The splicing process starts at the Fiber Distribution Terminal (FDT), where we prepare the fiber cables for installation. An FDT is the main serving terminal that will have all the feeder fibers, splitters, and distribution cables.

Like putting puzzle pieces together – we carefully measure and connect multi-directional fiber cables, including the feeder fiber. This feeder fiber is pivotal as it feeds the splitter shelf before breaking out to houses via drop fibers, playing a crucial role in the distribution of services. 

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Step 5:
Splicing Completion

The project is then in the hands of our dedicated splicing team, where precision is paramount in preparing the PEDs. In this meticulous process, the outer layer of the fiber cable is delicately opened to access the inner tubes, and both sides are carefully bonded for minimal loss on the fiber route. Each PED is then assigned a specific fiber, organized on trays for future customers. Our splicing team repeats this process for each new PED, ensuring the interconnected fibers are connected and functioning properly and ready to connect to your home.

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Step 6:
Customer Activation

Once all other phases are complete, it is time to switch your fiber network on! At this point, customers can fully take advantage of the fiber benefits.

Our team performs tests to ensure everything is running smoothly. If any issues pop up, we are on it. We are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and trouble-free transition to your new high-speed internet connection.

The fiber conversion process is not just about cables; it's about bringing you faster, more reliable internet. Stay tuned for updates as we work hard to make it happen! Remember that installation time can vary depending on several factors, but the estimated time is usually around 2 months. 

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When you are ready to get fiber service, reach out to us to get your neighborhood on our fiber conversion schedule!

Call BTC to switch today
(918) 366-8000