Here are some of the build methods the Local Fibre Companies can use. Every property is different so these options aren't all available for each connection. The technician will discuss the best option during the scope appointment.
Aerial cable (overhead line)
- If you currently get phone and broadband through an aerial cable, the new fibre cable can be put in the same way
Buried in a grass verge or garden
- If you’ve got a grass or dirt driveway, the fibre cable can be buried under that. They'll dig a shallow trench and lay the cable inside. If the trench needs to curve around a tree or path, that’s not a problem.
- The installers will restore areas they've disrupted so it looks the same as before.
- You may need to pay for this option if your current installation is above ground.
Buried cable under a driveway or path
- If there is concrete from the road side to your property, they may drill or dig a trench to bury the new fibre cabling.
- The installers may drill a temporary hole at each end of your driveway to pull the fibre cable through.
- If your driveway needs trenching, installers can cut through the top layer to lay cables.
Fixed to a fence, driveway, or retaining wall
- If there's a strong enough surface between your house and the road, your fibre cable can be attached to it. This surface could be the edge of a driveway, retaining wall or a fence. It’s a good option if you don’t want any digging.
- The fibre cable is lightweight, ultraviolet (UV) stable and approximately 7mm in diameter. It's very strong and is very hard to damage.
Via a power pole
- If your Fibre installation needs to be run via a power pole the council may need to carry out work. It can take a few weeks to a few months to get consent for this work, along with traffic management and pole repair. Once this is done, the Local Fibre Company technicians can connect the Fibre network.
- You'll be notified if your property is affected by this.
Non-standard installation
If your installation becomes non-standard, a Spark representative will be in touch. A quote will be supplied for this work. It will need to be approved before the work can begin.
You'll need a non-standard installation if:
- Your house is more than 200m from the Fibre access point on the street
- If you decide to install your Fibre modem in a different place from the Fibre box and need extra wiring
- If there is difficult terrain or structures at the property that are hard to work around
- You may need extra wiring if you want your Fibre box in an unusual place. Some people like to put it in a room that’s hidden away. Others like to wire it up to a TV or computer that isn’t so close to where the fibre cable enters the property. Note that the further away it is, the weaker your connection will be.
The non-standard installation could include:
- Extra fibre cabling
- Converting an overhead cable to an underground cable.
- Connecting a Fibre box to a location that is not easily accessible
Switch from aerial to underground
- If you’ve got an aerial line but want Fibre to go underground, you can chat with Spark. Your Local Fibre Company will do the work but you'll cover the costs. If it’s easier, the technician can show you where the trench needs to go and you can do the work yourself.
- While underground work is getting done, your Fibre order will be on hold. Once done, your technician will come back to finish the installation.
Please note: In some cases where you need a non-standard installation, depending on what you've requested and your local fibre company you may receive a quote for extra costs without a scope appointment.