When you sign up for GFiber, we’ll ask you to schedule your installation appointment. If you select an install appointment, in most cases, before you can have your GFiber internet installed in your home, we perform what we call a “fiber drop.” This involves attaching a small box called a Network Interface Unit (NIU) on an outside wall of your home. Then, we install a fiber cable that connects the fiber cables from our existing network to that box outside your home.
In some cases, the NIU is already installed on the side of the home. If your residence falls into this category, we will skip this step.
(Sometimes, if former residents of your home or building had GFiber internet, this NIU device will already be on the outside of the building, which will allow us to skip this step.)
If you don't already have one of these devices installed on the outside of your home, here’s what you can expect during this stage of the process.
Drop/NIU installation
We install GFiber on the outside of your home
GFiber installation specialists bring fiber cables from our existing network to the side of each home that will have GFiber internet service.
Since you won’t need to be home for this part of the installation, we don’t set up appointments for it. However, when our installers arrive at your home, they’ll knock or ring your doorbell to let you know they’re working on your property. If you’re not home, they’ll still install the fiber drop.
Our installers attach the NIU (box) to the side of your house, typically next to your existing utilities. The box is roughly 6-7 inches tall by 7-8 inches wide, and 2 inches deep. If there are utility poles where you live, they’ll usually follow the existing electrical drop path and bring fiber from the pole to the box. If existing utilities are underground on your property, the installers will generally bury the fiber cable underground by digging a trench through your yard from our existing network to the NIU.
To see what to expect during this stage of construction, check out this video.
Learn more about preparing for your in-home installation.
GFiber in-home installation
If you're having a professional installation, your technician will give you a call up to 24 hours before your appointment start time. They’ll install a Fiber Jack inside your home that connects to our fiber optic lines from outside of your home. Then, they’ll install any other devices that come with your GFiber service plan, show you how to use them, and make sure everything is working smoothly.
Self-install
If you're eligible for self-install, you can either pick up your self-install kit at a GFiber Space or we’ll mail one to you. First time installing your own internet? We’ve broken it down into simple steps for you to follow. Check out this guide to find out how.
As soon as your in-home installation is complete, you can start enjoying GFiber!
Learn more about preparing for your in-home installation.