August 11 is 811 Day! Installing underground fiber takes a few extra steps to ensure safety and accuracy for the drop installation to your home or business. Before we can begin, we’re required to call 811 (Call Before You Dig) to have all existing underground utilities marked (like gas, electric, and water). This helps prevent damage to your property and ensures everyone’s safety. After that, specialized crews are scheduled to complete the underground work using a method called direct burial to safely install fiber on your property.
- Weather: Weather and ground conditions play the most critical role in the underground process timeline. Rain, frozen ground, or excessive moisture can delay our work, as we can only proceed when it’s safe and feasible for crews to dig.
- Call 811: Before we can do any underground digging, an 811 call must be made to mark all underground utility lines. Please note: Private underground lines such as irrigation systems, electric dog fences, private well water or septic lines are not marked through 811 and are the responsibility of the individual homeowner to mark and locate.
- Obstructions and Hardscaping: Driveways, sidewalks, retaining walls, and unique landscaping may require boring or additional planning with our Ignite team to determine the most appealing path or method for the underground fiber to your home. More complicated drop paths can lead to further delays.
- Permitting, Property Access, and HOA Approval: Some neighborhoods or city regulations may require special permits or approvals before underground work can even begin. If you are impacted by HOA limitations, we would welcome your assistance in advocating for Ignite services to be supported and installed in your neighborhood.
- Specialized Crews and Equipment: Underground drops are often completed by a separate construction crew and special equipment, which may not be immediately available depending on existing demands for underground jobs, special projects, and other variables.
- Process: If your home or business has existing conduit installed that can be used for communication lines, please be sure to let our team know at the time of signup. This could save significant time and will ensure the least possible disruption to your property. If we are unable to utilize the extra conduit due to damage or other factors, we will be required to proceed with the 811 call and direct-bury process.
If you have specific questions, concerns, or need assistance regarding the installation of fiber to your home, feel free to email Ignite Broadband Support.