Clearwater County is building new fibre infrastructure to improve long-term internet reliability and performance, especially in rural and hard-to-serve areas.
Fibre internet uses light carried through small glass strands buried underground. This allows data to travel quickly and reliably over long distances and supports growing internet needs over time.
What Fibre Infrastructure Looks Like
Fibre infrastructure is installed underground, usually along road allowances and existing rights-of-way. Once in place, fibre cables become permanent infrastructure, similar to water or power lines.
Because fibre is underground:
- It is protected from weather
- Performance is consistent over long distances
- Capacity can increase over time without replacing the cables
How Fibre Is Built in Rural Areas
Building fibre in rural areas requires careful planning due to longer distances between properties, varying terrain, and seasonal construction windows.
For these reasons, fibre infrastructure is built in stages. This approach helps ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.
How the Fibre Network Is Being Built
Many residents have already seen construction activity along main roads and corridors across Clearwater County. This work is an important early step in building the fibre network.
Step 1: Installing Conduit Along Roads
The first stage involves installing underground conduit along road allowances. The conduit protects the fibre and allows it to be installed and maintained without repeated digging in the future.
Once the conduit is in place, fibre lines are installed inside it using specialized equipment that moves the fibre through the conduit using air pressure.
Step 2: Fibre Placed and Ready at Properties
As fibre is installed, a capped connection point is created near each eligible property along the road. This means the fibre is already in place and ready for connection when a property owner chooses to proceed.
Step 3: Fibre Connect (Optional for Property Owners)
The next stage is the Fibre Connect program. This allows property owners to bring fibre from the road access point to their home, farm, ranch or business.
Participation in Fibre Connect is optional and gives property owners control over when and how they connect their property. More details about connecting your property are available on the Fibre Connect Program page. [insert link]
Step 4: Internet Service
Once Fibre Connect is complete, internet service providers can deliver service to the property through the Clearwater County Broadband network.
No additional construction is required by internet service providers. Property owners can choose from approved providers and select the service that best fits their needs.
