We are excited to be able to bring fast, reliable Internet to your community and are committed to keeping you informed. To learn more about what to expect while we build our fiber network in your area, you’ve come to the right place!
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Our Fiber Construction and Installation Process
STEP ONE:
Engineering, Easements and Permits
We start by laying out the network internally, considering easements and rights-of-way for your neighborhood. Then we work with city and county officials to acquire the right permits and to get their guidance on how they want the work done. Once a plan is approved by the city, we partner with local contractors to begin the construction process.
STEP TWO:
Identifying Utilities
Before our contractor begins working, they will call Kansas 811 (Dig Safe) to mark all public utilities. You will need to mark private utilities.
- Public Utilities: Utility companies mark the location of utility lines up to the user’s service connection or meter but not past it. Lines beyond this point are considered to be part of the customer’s property, so they usually aren’t marked by public locating services.
- Private Utilities: You will need to mark all private utilities within the easement on your property. Private utilities include; Lawn sprinkler systems, Invisible dog fences, Private water lines, Landscape lighting, Private electrical lines (power to outbuildings, yard/landscape lighting, etc.) Click here to watch a video for help in marking your private utilities. This can be done when you see public utilities being marked or flagged in your neighborhood.
STEP THREE:
Construction
At this stage, we’re ready to build our 100% fiber network. IdeaTek works with experienced construction partners who specialize in the construction of fiber optic infrastructure. To learn more about the details of our contractors and the underground fiber construction process, click here.
Before they begin the project, our contractors will place door hangers around the neighborhood – signaling the construction process will begin in the next few days.
We will also send a letter a few weeks before we begin building to let you know that construction will soon occur in your neighbor. The letter will will include the name of the contractor, plus information on the type of construction that will occur, how to market private utilities and our contact information.
We install our fiber network either by burying the fiber or hanging it on utility poles.
When you see our splicing technicians working, you will know that your city’s project is close to completion. If you have already signed up for our service, you will receive an email when your area is connected. Our team will reach out to schedule your install – or you can call us to ensure you get on the calendar quickly.
For pricing and to learn more, visit ideatek.com/residential.
Underground
Aerial
STEP FOUR:
Completion and Clean Up
STEP FIVE:
Internet Freedom
Private Property Access
Our franchises, which are issued by state or local government, give us the right to build our network in public rights-of-ways and easements. Public right of way is property dedicated to the city for public infrastructure like roadways, storm sewers, sidewalks and street lights.
The state also allows utility provider to use the public right of way for their facilities, like electricity, water, gas and internet.
Please make all Public Utility Easements accessible to our contractors. This includes your front yard, backyard and alleyways. Also, if you have a locked gate, you will need to make arrangements to give contractors access.
Note: Not all properties have utility easements in the same location.
Private Utility Easements
You will need to mark all private utilities within the easement on your property. This can be done when you see public utilities being marked or flagged in your neighborhood.
Types of private utilities:
- Lawn sprinkler systems
- Invisible dog fences
- Private water lines
- Landscape lighting
- Private electrical lines (power to outbuildings, yard/landscape lighting, etc.)
FAQs
It takes several months to plan and execute a fiber build. Once construction starts, it typically takes four to six months to complete a project in its entirety.
Even under the best circumstances, sometimes elements slow us down, including supply chain issues. The weather is also out of our control. We still work outside when the weather doesn’t cooperate, but sometimes it is just impossible.
We want to make sure you are taken care of. Please call us at 855-433-2835 or email help@ideatek.com.
We are always exploring where to go next. We build based on interest. Make sure to have your friends and neighbors sign up at hookmeup.ideatek.com.
Along the way, our contractors will install pedestals and vaults that serve as both splice points for taking the fibers to individual homes and access points for technicians if they need to repair or replace anything in the future. The city typically determines where to place these access points as part of the permit.
We will send construction letters to each residence in our build. The letters will include a map showing the locations of underground boring. Sometimes we do need to bore in aerial fiber construction areas, and we will notify you if we do so. Maps will also show locations of vaults and pedestals that are part of our construction process.
Typically, we start within a week of sending information to residents.
We recommend you mark private utilities once you get a door hanger and see public utilities being marked on the property.
Mark private utilities within your easement – or 10 feet into your property.
You can use flags, paint — anything that will show where these utilities are located.
Headquartered in Buhler, Kan., Ideatek is a broadband service provider with the mission of “fighting for INTERNET FREEDOM™.” IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy scalable, long-term fiber optic infrastructures, bridging the broadband gap in rural communities. IdeaTek has long been a state and national advocate for broadband equity policy and has built nearly 4,500 miles of fiber throughout Kansas. They were recently named to Inc. 5000’s list of fastest growing companies for the seventh time.
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