Is your home getting fiber and does the cable need to be laid through your garden? Then you may be wondering what exactly will happen. Will your garden be dug up? How long will it take? And what do you need to prepare yourself? We asked Jeroen Dangremond, Customer Operations Manager at Open Dutch Fiber. He explains how the installation works and what you can expect.
Why does the fiber cable run through the garden?
In many neighborhoods, the fiber cable runs from the street to the home. For houses with a front garden or back path, this means that the easiest way for the cable to enter the home is through the garden. This is often the shortest and most logical route.
According to Jeroen, this is why the garden is often part of the installation process: “The cable must run as straight as possible from the street to the home. In many cases, the garden is the best place for this.” Using this route keeps the network stable, reduces the amount of digging required, and allows the connection to be made quickly.
Also read the article: Free fiber connection in an apartment: when is installation free of charge?
How does ODF lay the fiber cable through the garden?
Installation always starts outside. The fiber cable runs from the street to your home. In most gardens, this is done with a small underground borehole. This keeps the garden as intact as possible. According to Jeroen, this is a conscious decision: "We always try to work underground so that residents are inconvenienced as little as possible.
Often, you can't even see where we've been afterwards." In some cases, a narrow trench has to be dug, for example if the ground is not suitable for drilling. Even then, the disruption is kept to a minimum and everything is neatly restored.
What can you prepare yourself?
You don't need to do much to prepare your garden for installation. The only important thing is that the technician has easy access to your home. So make sure that:
● paths are clear;
● overhanging plants can be temporarily moved aside;
● there is space where the cable enters the house.
Inside, we place the FTU (the fiber point) near the meter cupboard or another logical location within the standard installation. Jeroen emphasizes that residents don't need to stress about preparations: “If we see that something isn't practical, we solve it on the spot. We always look for the best route.”
Also read the article: Fiber connection in the meter box: what you need to know
How long does installation in the garden take?
The installation itself usually does not take long. In many cases, the drilling or trenching is completed within an hour, depending on the length of the garden and the subsoil. The technician then continues with the connection indoors. In general, most homes are fully connected to the fiber network within one day.
Also read the article: How long does it take to install fiber in your home?
How does ODF limit disruption in the garden?
A frequently asked question is whether the garden will remain tidy. The short answer: yes. ODF uses techniques that disturb the ground as little as possible. And if digging is necessary, everything is neatly put back in place. Jeroen says: “Our goal is for residents to be able to use their garden again afterwards, without any hassle.”
See which providers deliver to your area
Curious to know when fiber will be installed in your area? Enter your address in the zip code check and you will immediately get a clear overview of the schedule. This way, you know exactly what to expect and when your home will be connected.
About Jeroen Dangremond
Manager Customer Operations
This article was written in collaboration with Jeroen Dangremond. Jeroen is the customer operations manager at Open Dutch Fiber. He ensures that the connection of homes runs smoothly, with minimal inconvenience to residents. His goal: a quick and careful installation of fiber, so that everyone can enjoy a seamless online experience.
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