What's Different?
Just as a we can't plant trees in the winter because the ground is frozen, Waterloo Fiber also can't bury fiber in the ground until Spring. So when we install broadband service after the winter freeze, a temporary fiber line is placed above ground until temperatures rise and the ground thaws. This is called a "temporary drop" or "temp drop". Here, we'll explain how that process works and what you can expect!
The Process
First, a Waterloo Fiber technician will run a fiber line from the Vault (located in the easement of your property - this is the "box" you see). This is an up-close view of how the fiber connects to the Vault or Hand Hole via the Network Access Point (NAP).
NAPs are essentially the optical enclosure where we splice in each customer’s fiber optic drop. Each NAP is assigned to a specific customer address.
NAPs are essentially the optical enclosure where we splice in each customer’s fiber optic drop. Each NAP is assigned to a specific customer address.
Next, the fiber optic line is strung across the yard and connected to the box on the side of the house. Our customer support team will contact you to schedule installation, and once that is complete, your service will be live!
If you’ve recently moved and know the residence has had Waterloo Fiber service in the past, you’re in luck! The fiber is probably already buried and there’s no need for a temporary line.
If you’ve recently moved and know the residence has had Waterloo Fiber service in the past, you’re in luck! The fiber is probably already buried and there’s no need for a temporary line.
When It's Time to Bury the Line
Once the weather has been consistently warm for several weeks (over 60 degrees) and the ground is fully thawed, we can begin to bury lines that were left above ground over the winter.
With conditions right, our team can come out to perform a what's called a "locate" for your utilities, where we identify and mark the positions of existing underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and sewer lines, before any digging or excavation begins. This step is necessary in order to avoid underground utility damage. The time it takes for this part of the process will vary by location.
With conditions right, our team can come out to perform a what's called a "locate" for your utilities, where we identify and mark the positions of existing underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and sewer lines, before any digging or excavation begins. This step is necessary in order to avoid underground utility damage. The time it takes for this part of the process will vary by location.
Please note that our customer service team will contact you when it's time to bury your cable, but you do not need to be present when our crews put the cable in the ground.
There will be a brief interruption to your service as the line is buried, so please let us know if you work from home so that we can give you a heads up. This interruption may reset devices connected to your internet.
There will be a brief interruption to your service as the line is buried, so please let us know if you work from home so that we can give you a heads up. This interruption may reset devices connected to your internet.
Contacting Our Local Customer Support Team
When the temperatures begin to rise, so do calls to our support team. Here are some of the most common questions we receive about winter fiber installation.
Q: What is a temporary drop?
A: A temporary drop, or a temp drop, is a fiber cable line that provides a fiber internet connection during the winter/spring when the ground is too hard and frozen to dig.
Q: Is a temp drop safe?
A: Yes! Temp drops are safe to use. Fiber cables don't transmit electricity, so there is no risk of electric shock. That being said, we do recommend that you avoid the line while doing yard work or clearing snow to avoid damage to the fiber.
Q: What if the temp drop line has to cross an alley, main sidewalk, or driveway?
A: In this case, a temporary drop may not be possible. Our team will address situations like these on a case-by-case basis.
Q: When will my fiber line be buried?
A: This depends on numerous factors, including weather, crew availability, soil condition, and more. Customer service will contact you when your line is ready to be buried!
Q: What happens if my fiber line gets damaged?
A: Please contact our customer support team if your fiber line is damaged for replacement. Our phone number is 319-291-0175.
Q: What is a temporary drop?
A: A temporary drop, or a temp drop, is a fiber cable line that provides a fiber internet connection during the winter/spring when the ground is too hard and frozen to dig.
Q: Is a temp drop safe?
A: Yes! Temp drops are safe to use. Fiber cables don't transmit electricity, so there is no risk of electric shock. That being said, we do recommend that you avoid the line while doing yard work or clearing snow to avoid damage to the fiber.
Q: What if the temp drop line has to cross an alley, main sidewalk, or driveway?
A: In this case, a temporary drop may not be possible. Our team will address situations like these on a case-by-case basis.
Q: When will my fiber line be buried?
A: This depends on numerous factors, including weather, crew availability, soil condition, and more. Customer service will contact you when your line is ready to be buried!
Q: What happens if my fiber line gets damaged?
A: Please contact our customer support team if your fiber line is damaged for replacement. Our phone number is 319-291-0175.
waterloofiber.com | 319-291-0175 | 402 E 4th Street, Waterloo, IA 50703
