2023 Temp Drops…

At this time of year, a certain adage comes to mind: “There are two seasons in Minnesota… winter and construction.” And since the ground will soon be frozen and our plows tucked away, that means winter is on its way. Here’s some information about temporary internet installations during the late fall and winter months…

Our first step to getting your home, cabin, or business connected to high-speed fiber internet to install the aboveground temporary fiber optic line (aka. “temp drop”). If we can successfully place the temporary fiber optic line to your home, we ask that you exercise caution around this wire. While there is no harm in physically touching the cable, we ask that you are cautious when moving around your property.

In spring 2024, emails and/or letters will be sent out to all members who had a temp drop placed in fall 2023/winter 2023. Updates will continue to be shared on this webpage.

Once your temp drop is scheduled to be buried, you may see equipment and personnel from CTC, Elite Underground, Eric’s Excavating, and/or Ramstad Technologies on your property.

For more information, read the FAQ below or check out our Frequently Asked Questions document.

If you have questions about the process or your services with CTC, please contact us at any time at 218-454-1234.

We appreciate your patience as we work to get you connected to our services!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wait until summer to get internet access?
Hopefully not! In the fall and winter months, we often install an above-ground temporary fiber optic line (aka “temp drop”) so your business or household will have access to high-speed fiber internet. There is a one-time fee of $299 to install a temp drop. PLEASE NOTE: A CTC technician will attempt to install the line but if there is a chance that doing so could cause harm to CTC’s equipment, employees, or to you, we will be unable to do so. If installing a temp drop is possible, those temporary lines will be buried in the ground during the spring/summer months.

What if my property gets a “temp drop”?
If you are able to get a temp drop, we ask you to exercise caution around the wire. There is no harm in touching the wire, but snowplows, recreational vehicles, or other equipment can sometimes get caught in the line, potentially causing significant damage, cost, or service delays.

How soon will you be at my doorstep once the ground thaws?
Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell. We’d like to get everyone done right away, but it is impossible to do so. In the spring/early summer, once the ground thaws, we will begin the process of going back to all the homes, cabins, and commercial properties that we connected with a temp drop during the fall and winter months.

How long does it take to install the permanent cables?
The process of burying all the above-ground temp drops can take up to three months after our construction season begins. If we have not been to your property to bury the line by July 15th, please call us at 218-454-1234 so we can get an estimate of when we will be able to complete your location.

What if I don’t want a “temp drop”?
That’s okay! If you’re able to wait to get fiber buried and services installed until the warmer months, that is great! In exchange for your patience, we will offer a $100 bill credit to forgo the temp drop.

If you have questions about the process or your services with CTC, please contact us or stop by our Baxter or Crosby office. We appreciate your patience as we work around our four seasons!