Can you request fiber optic internet from the municipality?
Applying for fiber optic internet through the municipality? Find out how residents can do that, what the municipality does with it, and how Open Dutch Fiber can assist.
Can you request fiber optic internet from the municipality?
Do you live in a neighborhood or village where there is no fiber optic yet? Then you might be thinking: can I request it somewhere? Or can I suggest it to someone? The short answer: you cannot make an official request, but you can make sure that your municipality notices the demand.
Nikita Mostovoy, partner manager at Open Dutch Fiber, explains what residents can do, how a municipality deals with this, and when such a signal can really trigger action.
Can you request fiber optic as a resident from the municipality?
Not literally. As a resident, you cannot request a project from Open Dutch Fiber or say, "just lay it here." But you can let them know that you - and maybe your neighbors too - are in need of faster internet. This can be done at:
your municipality or neighborhood manager
the village council or neighborhood association
via a residents' group or petition
"We only work in areas that have been agreed upon in advance with the municipality," explains Nikita. "But if many residents speak up, it can help to put such an area on the map." Did you know that we also need permission from the VvE (Owners' Association) in flats and high-rise buildings? Read more about it in the article. How do I request permission from the homeowners' association for fiber optic installation?
How can you apply for fiber optic internet with the municipality?
Do you want to initiate something yourself at the municipality? Then you can:
Report your interest to the municipality.
Getting others in your neighborhood excited
Sending a request or letter together
Ask if the municipality wants to get in touch with Open Dutch Fiber.
"The more people speak up, the more seriously a municipality takes it," says Nikita. "We are happy to think along."
What does the municipality do with such signals?
If a municipality notices a lot of interest in fiber optic, they can contact network parties such as Open Dutch Fiber. They will then assess whether the installation is technically and financially feasible. "Sometimes a municipality says: we also want to include the rural areas," Nikita explains. "Then we will see if that is feasible within the project."
Municipalities ultimately decide where, when, and with whom they start a project. However, residents can influence that choice. Do you live in a rural area and want to know if you qualify for fiber optic internet? Read more about it in the article. Fiber optic in rural areas: how does it work?
Do the postcode check.
Do you want to know if your home is eligible for fiber optic from Open Dutch Fiber? postcodecheck You can quickly and easily see if your address is already on the schedule. You will immediately see if the installation has already started, or if we will contact you soon. This way, you know exactly what to expect.
About Nikita Mostovoy
partnermanager
This article was written in collaboration with Nikita Mostovoy. Nikita is a partner manager at Open Dutch Fiber and is involved daily in connecting apartments and high-rise buildings to fiber optic networks. He consults with homeowners’ associations, housing corporations, and property managers to ensure that the installation process runs smoothly. His goal: to make fiber optic internet available to everyone, with as little hassle as possible for residents.
