“The registration process is vital for planning an efficient buildout of the Fort Dodge Fiber network,” said Curtis Dean, president of SmartSource Consulting, the firm tasked with spearheading the project. “While engineers have already designed a fiber network that will pass every home or business in Fort Dodge, we need to know which addresses plan to have a fiber service line installed at their home or business. By registering for Fort Dodge Fiber beginning April 1, planners can ensure that they have the materials on hand to install those lines as part of the larger construction project.”

Registering for Fort Dodge Fiber service, however, does not obligate a resident to sign up for services later on, but will help planners to ensure that materials are on hand and to budget for the continued construction process.

“This registration is not a commitment by potential customers to purchase services, rather it is about knowledge,” said Ryan Maehl, assistant city manager. “This knowledge will help Fort Dodge FIber understand, plan, and budget for the upcoming construction project. Unfortunately, registering on April 1 doesn’t trigger a “Connect Me Today” feature, but it does aid in the efficient project process as we move closer and closer to being an internet service provider for our citizens.”

The opening of the registration process on April 1 is the first of four steps that residents will take in order to be connected to Fort Dodge Fiber services. The second step is anticipated later in the summer in which a site evaluation will be done in which a technician will visit with residents to determine the best location for the fiber line to their home or business. The third step is anticipated in the fall in which registrants will be invited to sign up for the services and products that they would like. Finally, in 2023, Fort Dodge Fiber services will begin being installed into homes and businesses.

“Knowledge and information is power and the more we know and the earlier we know it, helps us against issues facing all current construction projects,” said Maehl. “Those issues are the lack of staffing and supply chain problems, both of which create project delays. We continue to be agile and flexible with this project. We purchased $3.5 million of fiber ahead of construction and are navigating equipment and vehicle purchases with proactive timelines. This registration step is just another means to keep on time, on track, and on budget. Registration is the best means for residents and business owners to assist in the project at this time.”

Dean also noted that by registering, even if a resident, landlord, or business is unsure if they will sign up for services in the fall, they will be helping to plan for materials and the larger construction project.

“It is much more cost effective to install those lines while construction crews are already in Fort Dodge, so property owners can have the line installed at no charge if they register,” said Dean. “If you wait, there may be a charge to install that line after the primary construction is completed.”

The city’s new municipal broadband utility will also hit numerous project milestones in the coming months. Construction bids to build the network are due on April 5 and will be considered by the city on April 11. The city is also in the process of building a team to operate the utility including a director, customer experience manager, and network engineer.

“Fort Dodge Fiber is moving forward with the speed and trajectory that we hoped for with the project,” said Maehl. “We are finalizing details in the design, receiving bids for the construction, and will break ground this summer. Facility renovation planning and execution is the theme of the month of March. The critical operations of Fort Dodge Fiber is taking shape and is the biggest priority to keep deployment on time as all outside plant equipment will connect to this area in City Hall.”

In preparation for the installation of key network equipment, Maehl also noted that the city has begun the process of remodeling space that will serve as the hub of the broadband network as well as working to identify a facility to renovate for the new customer service center.

The Fort Dodge Fiber project, said Dean, is currently on track to have customers connected during 2023 and 2024, though that target is dependent on weather and equipment availability.