How Long Does It Take To Install Fiber Optic Internet?

Average wait time between ordering and the scheduled installation:

• AT&T — Same-day installations are available in some areas. In others, installations occur within two days of ordering, up to a couple of weeks.
• GFiber (Google) — For homes that are not wired to have GFiber, next-day installation is available, but it can take up to two or three days. For homes that are not already wired for GFiber, it can take between a week and about ten days, since GFiber exclusively uses their own lines to provide service.
• Xfinity — Varies, depending on technician availability in your area.
• EPB Fiber Optics — A few days up to a couple of weeks, depending on availability.

Average duration of the home installation window:

• AT&T — Four to six hours.
• GFiber (Google) — Up to two hours.
• Xfinity — Three to four hours.
• EPB — Two to five hours.

Here’s what you can expect during a home installation:

1. Site Assessment and Planning (1-2 hours)

• A technician visits your home to assess the best route for laying the fiber cables.
• Depending on your location and provider, the fiber cables may be buried underground or attached to existing utility poles.
  
  

2. Mounting the Outdoor Equipment (1-2 hours)

• A technician will mount an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) box on the outside of your home, typically near your electric meter. Some providers install the ONT inside your home.
  
• In some cases, this step is done before the main installation without needing you to be home. However, if access to a fenced area, indoor room, or a location with pets is required, the technician will coordinate a time that’s convenient for you.
  
  

3. Running Fiber to the ONT (1-3 hours)

• The technician then connects the fiber line to the ONT.
  
• For homes with underground utilities, this step may involve trenching to bury the fiber line. If utility poles are used, the fiber is typically run along the same path as existing power or telephone lines.
  
  

4. Installing Indoor Equipment (1–4 hours)

• The technician will connect the ONT to designated indoor locations for internet, TV or phone service. This may involve strategically drilling holes in your walls, which the technician should discuss with you beforehand.
  
• The technician may also set up a Wi-Fi router or gateway and ensure all connections are properly configured. An Ethernet cable may be provided.
  
  

5. Testing and Activation (30 minutes to an hour)

• The technician conducts internet speed tests to verify the signal strength and data transfer speeds, ensuring that your connection meets the expected performance standards. Learn how internet speed tests work.
  
• Once your connection is tested and verified, you’ll have access to high-speed home internet.
  
  

6. Final Touches and Clean-Up (30 minutes to an hour)

• After completing the installation, the technician will clean up the work areas and restore them to their original condition. They’ll also answer any questions you have.
  
• With EPB Fiber Optics internet, your EPB Tech ProsSM may offer additional complementary services, such as transferring your email contacts and connecting your devices, to ensure a smooth transition to your new internet service.
  

By following these steps, your home will be equipped with state-of-the-art internet technology, ready to support all your online activities, from streaming and gaming to remote work and smart home devices.

1. Urban vs. Rural Location:

One of the most significant factors affecting installation time is whether you live in an urban or rural area. Urban areas often have established infrastructure, including existing utility poles and easier access to buildings, which can expedite the installation process.

However, high demand and the complexity of densely populated neighborhoods can sometimes lead to scheduling delays.

According to the Pew Research Center, high-speed internet is often unavailable in rural areas, often due to the high costs associated with installing fiber optic infrastructure over large areas that have smaller populations.

Rural areas may lack existing infrastructure, requiring more extensive work such as trenching and running new lines. The longer distances between homes can also extend the time needed for installation.

2. Existing Infrastructure:

The presence of existing fiber infrastructure can dramatically affect how quickly your installation can be completed. If your area or home already has fiber lines installed, the process can be much quicker, as technicians can simply connect your home to the network.

In areas or homes without existing fiber, installation may take longer due to the need for additional construction, such as laying new cables and securing permits.

3. Weather Conditions:

Weather plays a critical role in the timeline of fiber optic installations. Clear, dry conditions allow technicians to work efficiently, minimizing delays.

Rain, snow, severe storms or extreme heat can slow down or even temporarily halt the installation process, especially if outdoor work like trenching or aerial installations is required.

4. Permitting and Regulatory Requirements:

In some cases, the installation may be delayed due to permitting and regulatory requirements. If your installation requires digging, local regulations may require permits, which can take time to obtain.

In certain areas, especially those with strict zoning or historic preservation laws, additional approvals may be needed before work can begin.

By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate the installation timeline and plan accordingly. While some elements are beyond your control, knowing what to expect can help ensure a smoother process.

Flexible Timeframes for Different Scenarios

Quick Installations:

If your area already has fiber infrastructure in place, your installation could be completed in just a few hours. These situations are more common in urban (or suburban) settings where everything is ready to go, and all that’s needed is a quick connection.

Your installation may also be quick if you move into a home that’s pre-wired for fiber optic internet. This is why having your home pre-wired for fiber can be a selling point if you put your home on the market.

Standard Installations:

For many homes, installation can take up to two weeks. This gives technicians time to schedule the visit, complete any minor or outdoor work needed and ensure everything is in place for the installation appointment.

Complex Installations:

If you live in a more rural area or your home doesn’t have existing fiber lines, the process could take several weeks. In these cases, technicians might need to do more extensive work, like trenching or getting permits, which can extend the timeline.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It’s a good idea to plan ahead based on your service provider’s assessment of your property. While some installations can be done quickly, others may require more time due to the specific conditions of your location.

Understanding this range of timeframes can help you set realistic expectations and ensure that your transition to high-speed fiber optic internet is as smooth as possible.