Free fiber connection in an apartment: when is installation free of charge?
If you hear that your apartment building is getting fiber, that's good news. Many residents then wonder: will it cost me anything? In almost all apartment buildings, the fiber connection is completely free. But how does it work exactly, and how do you know if your building is already scheduled? To find the answers, we spoke with Teresa Moriana, Team Lead Relationship Management at Open Dutch Fiber. She works with homeowners' associations, landlords, and residents on a daily basis and knows better than anyone when the connection is free and how the process works.
When is a fiber connection in an apartment free of charge?
For almost all apartments where Open Dutch Fiber installs fiber, a simple rule applies: the connection is free of charge for residents. This means that ODF:
● lays the cable to the building;
● installs the cable to each home;
● installs the fiber point (FTU) in the home;
● and does all this at no cost to residents.
According to Teresa, this makes sense: “The connection is part of the network we are building. Residents do not have to pay for it, as long as we can include the building in our planning.”
Read also the article: Switching to fiber: how does it work and when is it a smart move?
When is a fiber connection in an apartment not free of charge?
In exceptional situations, a fiber connection may not be free of charge. This mainly occurs when a building is not included in Open Dutch Fiber's installation plan, but an individual resident still wants to have fiber installed. In that case, it involves custom work and costs for fiber may be incurred.
It is also possible that additional work is required that falls outside the scope of standard installation. This could include major modifications to the home or building, or situations in which residents do not grant access to necessary areas. Teresa explains: “The connection is free as long as we can include the building as a whole in our planning. If that is not possible and someone still wants an individual connection, we will look at what is technically possible and what costs are involved.”
In practice, this rarely happens. In most apartments, the connection is free of charge, as long as there is sufficient cooperation from the homeowners' association, landlord, and residents. That is why it is important that residents work together and agree to the construction throughout the entire building.
How do you know if fiber are already available in your apartment building?
In apartment buildings, fiber are not installed per apartment, but per building. That is why many residents do not know exactly whether their apartment building is already scheduled for installation or whether preparations have yet to begin. Open Dutch Fiber first connects the entire building in consultation with the homeowners' association or landlord. Only then are the apartments connected.
Want to know where your building is in the process? With the zip code check on the ODF website, you can see in a few seconds whether fiber is already available, whether installation is underway, or whether your apartment will be connected later. This gives you quick clarity, without having to wait for letters or announcements.
Teresa sees that this answers a lot of questions: “The postal code check gives residents immediate insight into the status of their building. That provides peace of mind and clarity.”
Are you curious about how an apartment building gets fiber step by step and which parties are involved? Then read the article: How does an apartment building get fiber? An expert explains.
Are you obliged to switch to fiber internet?
Some residents think that a free connection means they have to take out a fiber subscription immediately. That is not the case. The connection is non-binding. You decide for yourself whether you want to switch now, later, or not at all. Teresa has noticed that residents appreciate this:
“The connection is simply there until someone wants to use it. You are not committed to anything.”
Read the article: Internet-only: how to choose the best and cheapest subscription
Check whether your apartment will get a free fiber connection
Want to know if your apartment is already connected? You can find out in a few seconds with the zip code check. You'll immediately see when your building is scheduled to be connected, whether the connection is free, and when you can choose a subscription. That way, you know right away where you stand, with no surprises and no costs.
About Teresa Moriana
Teamlead Relationship Management
This article was written in collaboration with Teresa Moriana. Teresa Moriana is Team Lead Relationship Management at Open Dutch Fiber. She guides property owners, managers, and residents throughout the entire fiber process. From initial approval to connection in the homes, Teresa ensures that everyone knows exactly what is happening.
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