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NOFA 8* - Fiber is coming to you.

FIBER-TO-THE-HOME OVERVIEW

Colo Telephone/Central Iowa Broadband (CIB) is bringing Fiber-to-the-Home technology to more rural areas. This is great news, since it means you’ll have access to faster and more reliable internet and fiber-based phone services.

Not sure what fiber is or what it does? Check out the Fiber FAQ section below to find out more.

Interested in getting fiber services from CIB? Complete the Permission to Bury Fiber Form, and we’ll reach out to you with updates during the fiber construction phase.

Filling out this form does not commit you to becoming a fiber customer. There’s no obligation to sign up for CIB services and no contract.
If you have questions in the meantime, please call us at 641-377-2202 or email support@colotel.org

*This project is supported by funds made available through the State of Iowa, acting by and through the office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO).

FIBER FAQ

What is Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH)?

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) refers to the installation and use of fiber-optic cables to carry digital information directly to homes and businesses. These cables are made up of hundreds of fiber optics, which are long thin strands of pure glass about the size of a human hair.

What are the advantages of fiber over copper lines, fixed wireless and satellite?

Fiber offers strong advantages over other types of networks. They include:

More Bandwidth. Fiber has the capability to transport virtually unlimited bandwidth. This will accommodate today’s increasing demand for high-speed internet connections — the result of multiple users and devices engaged in applications such as streaming. The closer the fiber is to a home or business, the more bandwidth will be available for the end user. Copper lines, fixed wireless and satellite services cannot come close to matching fiber’s bandwidth capabilities. All of this, plus you get unlimited bandwidth and data usage — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More Internet Speed. Because fiber-optic technology uses light instead of electricity to transmit data, the frequencies that are used are much higher and the data capacity is much greater. Light moves extremely fast (186,000 miles per second), enabling internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (one Gigabit) on fiber-optic networks — 100 times faster than a common 10 Mbps residential copper or fixed wireless connection.

Greater Reliability. Fiber-optic cables are less susceptible to glitches than traditional copper wires and can withstand the shock, vibration and interferences from inclement weather – unlike towers and satellites.

Future Flexibility. FTTH is considered “future proof” and offers the flexibility to deliver additional services in the years to come.

Why is CIB investing in this FTTH project?

CIB is excited to reach more rural areas with this next generation of communications technology, since it enables us to provide some of the best internet and phone services available in the area.

What types of services will I be able to get from my fiber connection?

You will be able to sign up for CIB’s high-speed internet service and fiber-based phone service through your fiber connection. Our high-speed internet is ideal for use with your choice of on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video as well as live TV streaming services such as Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and DirectTV Stream.

Is fiber internet faster and more reliable than fixed wireless internet?

Yes. When you choose CIB to be your internet provider, you’ll have access to speeds up to 1 Gig with no “fine print” contracts and no data caps. Plus, unlike wireless towers, our fiber network is buried underground and not impacted by rain, snow and extreme temperatures.

What is Gig speed?

When it comes to internet speeds, you’re probably used to seeing them expressed in Mbps (Megabits per second) — such as 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. Thanks to fiber, get ready to add Gig to your internet speed vocabulary. A Gig (Gigabit) is the equivalent of 1,000 Mbps.

What can I do with a super-fast fiber internet connection?

Stream videos, movies and tv shows seamlessly. Fiber connections enables you to stream high-definition (HD) video content with virtually no delays or buffering.

Easily handle multiple users and devices. With a growing number of internet-connected devices in homes and businesses, each user’s speed can decrease. This won’t be a concern with fast fiber connection, since it offers plenty of bandwidth for everyone.

Download and upload files, photos and videos at incredible speeds. Large files that used to take minutes (or even hours) to download or upload can be done in seconds with a a fast fiber connection.

Will I be able to keep my same phone number when switching to fiber-based phone service?

Yes. We will make it so easy to switch to CIB and enjoy crystal-clear sound and unlimited long distance calling.

Will installation technicians need to enter my home to connect my home to fiber?

Yes. After we’ve completed the FTTH outdoor work, we’ll need to enter your home to complete the construction process and install the equipment necessary for you to receive CIB services. You’ll be notified to schedule an appointment when it’s time for this installation to be done.

Will there be an installation charge to bring fiber to my home or business?

We will be waiving our flat $100 installation charge for 6 months once the project is complete.

However, if you wait to decide to get fiber until after the crews have left your area, there may be a construction charge — estimated at $400-$600. That’s why it’s important to act now. To show your interest in participating in the fiber build, simply fill out the Permission to Bury Fiber Form. There’s no obligation to sign up for CIB services and no contract. If you have questions in the meantime, please call us at 641-377-2202.

Will my yard be disturbed during the fiber build process?

Our goal is to treat your property as if it were our own. We’ll be using underground directional boring techniques to bury the fiber-optic cable with minimal yard disturbance. If you have questions about the work planned for your property, please call us at 641-377-2202.

What equipment will be placed on the exterior and interior of my home or business?

With your permission and approval, a location will be determined to mount a protector box on the exterior of your home of business. This is where we splice and ground our fiber optics. In addition, there will be a device installed in the interior to supply the internet. It contains the electronics that convert a signal of light from the fiber into usable internet and can be placed in different interior locations.

Can having FTTH increase my home’s value?

Yes, according to the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council Americas, FTTH can increase a home’s value by about 3%. This translates into thousands of dollars for a typical home. If you own a rental property, FTTH can also increase the desirability and the amount tenants are willing to pay in rent.

What are the benefits of having FTTH in our community?

When fiber networks come to smaller cities and rural communities, it helps level the playing field and close the urban-rural technology gap. Existing businesses can access the internet speeds and reliability needed to expand e-commerce. Economic development organizations have an easier time attracting new businesses. Telemedicine programs can expand patient access to specialists. And educational opportunities for students, once only found in large schools, can now be delivered to rural classrooms via online education.