Updates & Information About Internet Installation During Winter & Spring
2022 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 2023, emails and/or letters will be sent out to all members that had a temp drop placed in fall 2022/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 or winter months we often install an above-ground temporary fiber optic line (often dubbed a “temp drop”) so that you have access to high-speed fiber internet. There is a one-time fee of $299 to install a temp drop. 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 then be buried in the ground during the spring/summer months.
What if my property gets a “temp drop”?
If we’re able to successfully place the temporary fiber optic line, we ask that you exercise caution around this wire. While there is no harm in physically touching the cable, recreational vehicles, snowplows, or other equipment can sometimes get caught in this temporary line, potentially causing significant damage, cost, or service delays.
How soon will you be at my doorstep once the ground thaws?
It’s hard to tell. As much as we’d like to get to everyone right away, it’s impossible to do so. In the spring and early summer (March-June), we begin the process of getting back to all of 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 of our above-ground temporary drops (to make them permanent) 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 and we can provide an estimate of when we’ll be there.
What if I don’t want a “temp drop”?
No problem! If you’re able to wait to get fiber buried and services installed until the spring/summer months, that’s great. In exchange for your patience, we’ll offer you a bill credit of $100 to forgo the temp drop.