Fiber Internet Self-Installation: Setting Up Your Own Connection

By Harry Guinness

If you want fast, fiber internet, you might be able to get it quicker than you think. Some internet service providers now offer a fiber self-install option. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a technician or trying to find a time that suits, you can have everything you need for a fast fiber connection shipped to your door, so you can set it up in your own time.

Self-installing fiber is easy. If you can restart a router, you can almost certainly self-install a fiber connection. Here’s what to consider.

What are the advantages of fiber optic internet installation?

Fiber offers fast, stable and dependable internet service. It’s symmetrical upload and download speeds enable everyone in your family to work from home, stream TV and movies and use the internet without compromise. Gigabit and faster speeds are possible with a fiber connection, which is why it’s future-proof.

Self-installing your fiber optic connection can save you time and money. You don’t have to wait for a technician or pay any install fees your ISP may charge. You can also set your router up where you want it. If you already have a gigabit-capable router, you may also be able to keep using it.

How can I find out if I’m eligible for fiber self-installation?

Don’t worry, with fiber internet self-installation, you don’t have to dig up your garden or bury any cables. You’re not responsible for installing fiber optic cable to your home! To be eligible for self-installation, your ISP needs to already have run fiber to your property. Self-installation is just setting up the last few bits inside your home, so you can get those lightning-fast fiber speeds.

When you sign up for a new fiber optic internet plan, your ISP will let you know if you’re eligible for self-installation. Some also have a handy website tool, so you can check your address. If you have any doubts, reach out to your ISP’s customer support.

What hardware do I need for a fiber self-install?

Because of how the fiber optic internet is installed between your home and your ISP’s infrastructure, you’ll need new hardware to take advantage of the faster speeds. Once you sign up for a fiber plan, your ISP will most likely provide you with the following:

• A router that can handle Gigabit fiber speeds. (For example, Frontier provides Eero, one of the best routers for fiber internet.)
• A power cable and Ethernet cable to connect via RJ45 Ethernet
• Any additional cables and devices your ISP includes.
• Detailed instructions.

Depending on your ISP, all of this will either be shipped to you or be available for collection at a retail store.

While they’re not necessary, standard DIY tools will be useful if you want to mount your router to your wall or run a cable through a shelf or wall.

How to self-install fiber optic internet

Self-installing your own fiber internet connection is easy and only takes a few simple steps:

1. Read the included instructions carefully. If you have any questions, contact your ISP before proceeding.
2. Find your ONT and disconnect your existing internet hardware.
3. Use the included coaxial cable to connect your ONT to your router. Make sure to connect it to the correct ports. If you have a cable TV connection, you may be instructed to use a splitter.
4. Power on your router and wait a few minutest to boot up. Then you can set up your new Wi-Fi network. Most ISPs will have you use an app for this, so just follow the instructions.
5. Connect all your devices to your new internet connection.

Most ISPs have their systems set up so that after you receive the equipment necessary for self-installation, you can set things up and connect to your new fiber optic service right away. If you aren’t sure, ask customer support or check the onboarding documents to find out your service-ready date.

How to get started with Frontier fiber optic internet

If you’re ready to self-install your own superfast fiber optic connection, find out if you can get started right away. Check with us to find out if you’re eligible for a Frontier self-install plan right now. If you are, then get ready to connect to the fiber optic internet of the future.

Product features may have changed and are subject to change.