Broadband

The City of Rexburg is embarking on an upgrade to its communication infrastructure by installing over 20 miles of fiber optic cable throughout the city in order to link city facilities and assets. This new fiber optic communication infrastructure will allow the city to securely monitor and access buildings, security cameras, and other remote assets in real time. This ability will allow the City to be more efficient in delivering services, reduce down times and allow City employees to be more productive. This backbone will serve as the base of the entire network and is designed for redundancy to the internet and doesn't fail if fiber lines accidentally get cut. The network is also being "future-proofed" so that the infrastructure will be able to handle demand as we grow as a community.

Once the backbone is completed, Residents and Businesses will be able to use the fiber network for high-speed internet services through a variety of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that utilize the fiber network, much like how UPS, USPS, FedEx, and other delivery companies use public roads. The City of Rexburg built this infrastructure network to allow open-access for ISPs to provide their services.

Be watching in the coming months for more information.

How the fiber installation process works

Crews are working in the area, installing a fiber-optic network for the City of Rexburg (to be known as Lightbridge Community Broadband), part of the Rexburg Municipal Fiber Ring. You’ll see utility locations in your area marking all underground utilities. These locate marks will dissipate and fade away over time. Both the locator flags and marks are vital in protecting existing facilities.

Fiber optic cable will primarily be installed using two methods: directional boring, and open trenching. Directional boring is used because it has the least impact on existing landscaping and hardscape (driveways, asphalt, sidewalks, etc.) Open trenching will most likely be utilized in areas that have not been developed such as fields or empty lots.

Periodically handholes, or utility boxes, will be installed along the fiber route. These are to allow for access to the fiber. These handholes will be installed underground with their lids at the finished grade (at ground level). These handholes are very sturdy; they can handle the weight of a vehicle.

The contractors will repair damage caused by installing the cable along the fiber route. The contractor will bore under paved driveways and other hard surfaces. Damage will be repaired as soon as the conduit is laid and the fiber is pulled. We’ll work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding during this process.

If you have any questions during the construction process please contact: Silver Star Communications at 208-372-1212 or visit https://lightbridgefiber.net/