Answers to Commonly Asked Questions!
General Questions (Construction questions are farther down the page)
Q: Is a contract required for services?
A: FMTC uses an application for services, rather than a contract. When you sign up/complete an application and get a free drop (the strand of fiber from our fiber distribution network to your house), you are committing to take service from us for 1 year. We would like to remind everyone not to sign any contracts with current providers. Sometimes current providers will see someone is bringing fiber and then try to tie customers into contracts so the customer can’t leave poor service for GREAT fiber Internet now that it is available.
Q: Are there fees to be connected to the fiber network?
A: No, there are no construction fees to have fiber connected to your home. But if you get a free drop you are required to take Internet services from us for at least 1 year. Once you have fiber, you’ll never give it up!
Q: Is everyone in town getting a fiber drop (the strand of fiber from our fiber distribution network to your house) to their house? In other words, is FMTC bringing fiber to everyone?
A: We are building the network in the entire build area, so everyone can get our fiber Internet when they want it. When you sign up and commit to taking service from FMTC you will get a free fiber drop to your home.
Q: Where and when will FMTC be building Fiber internet? (see maps above on Sign up page)
A: In 2024 (phase 1), we will be building in two places - one zone in Red Oak, and one zone in Clarinda. In 2025 (phase 2) & 2026 (phase 3), we will be building in Bedford, Corning, and the remaining areas in Red Oak and Clarinda. See maps above. We are building our fiber network in the entire build zone, so that everyone can get service when they want it. See the notes about about how to get the connection (drop) to your home.
Q: When will FMTC be starting the project and when will the project be done?
A: Construction crews started in May of 2024. ‘24 installations are expected to take place from mid summer to winter. We expect the entire project to be completed in the winter of 2026; as we all know weather can impact construction plans. Installations will happen in each zone when connectivity is available and ready for customers.
Q: How did FMTC determine where and when to build?
A: For ‘24, we developed the plan based on where we could connect the most customers quickly. Final engineering work is still being done for Bedford and Corning. We will consider a number of factors for ‘25, and one will be where is there the most interest in getting FMTC Fiber. Phase 2 plans will be announced in late ‘24.
Q: What services/products will FMTC offer? (See pricing)
A: Internet up to 1Gig (1,000Mb). We also have 250Mb, 500Mb and 750Mb, in addition to phone service. All Internet products are symmetrical (meaning the same speed for upload and download.) All Internet products include the FMTC Connect smartphone app, to control your WiFi experience, and ProtectIQ which operates on the Internet router to protect all your locally connected devices. While the 10Gig product is not yet priced, the fiber network we are building can deliver 10Gig (10,000Mb) per customer - if and when that is needed!
Q: What happens when I sign up?
A: You will get a follow up email from us, and depending on when you sign up some time may pass before construction progresses to the point that we can do customer installations. When the time comes, we will connect fiber to your home from the main fiber at the time of sign up. There will be a $50-$100 installation fee based on the products you subscribe to.
Construction Related Questions
Q: What are all the flags in my yard for?
A: The flags and spray paint markings inform construction crews where current underground facilities are located, so they can be avoided. Please leave all flags in place until the construction crews have completed work in your area. Yes, we know flags can be difficult to mow around, but knowing where your current gas and electrical (and all other utilities) are buried is important for crew safety and to keep your services from being disrupted.
Q: I have an irrigation system or an underground dog fence, do I need to mark them?
A: Yes, if you have installed anything like an irrigation system, an underground dog fence, or electrical power to a shed or detached garage - please mark it. Property owners are the only ones who know where those type of underground items are located, so the property owner is responsible for marking them, so our crews can avoid them.
Q: Why is there a pedestal in my yard, but not in every yard?
A: Pedestals and underground vaults are necessary to allow us to build, install and maintain our fiber network. Networks are designed to have as few as possible, but as many as required. Pedestals, vaults and main line fiber are installed in utility easements specified by the city.
Q: How long will the flags be in place?
A: Normally a week or two. We call in locates at least 2 days before we need the locates to be done, so when we arrive in that area, we can build the network and avoid existing underground facilities.
Q: How long does construction take?
A: Construction in the build zones for ‘24 will start May 6th and are expected to be completed in late September. Installations are likely to continue into the fall and early winter. Weather during the construction season can impact timelines.
