Connecting Our Neighbors, Empowering Our Communities
Fiber Construction
Federated Broadband is currently in the process of completing several buildout projects within our service territory. Our goal is to provide gig-speed fiber optic internet service to all those within Cottonwood, Jackson, and Martin Counties. Fiber optic is the future-proof internet service option and allows our members and patrons choosing to live the rural lifestyle to have the same opportunity as those living in urban environments.
Similar to the electrification of rural communities, expanding fiber optic services also takes time. Federated is working hard to get fiber optic to all as soon as possible while also keeping construction costs low and rates affordable for those that we serve.
Stages of Construction
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PREPARATION
Planning, permits, contractor coordination, and material ordering are the first of many important steps involved in fiber construction. Federated's engineering team will design the work area and coordinate with the appropriate local and state entities. Each property within the project will be asked to complete a Construction Consent form if they are interested in having fiber brought to their home or business.
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MAINLINE CONSTRUCTION
All public underground facilities will be located and marked with various colored flags along the work route. Construction crews with various pieces of equipment and trucks will be seen working on public right-of-way along roadways. Crews will restore areas impacted by construction throughout the project, typically at the end of the work week.
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DROP CONSTRUCTION
Once mainline in your area is complete, another construction crew will bury fiber up to requested structures. This is called a drop. A small utility box called a NID (Network Interface Device) will be placed on the exterior of the building where the fiber drop will be buried too. Only those properties that submitted a Construction Consent form will receive this and future steps.
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FIBER SPLICING
A third crew will follow and splice (fuse fiber cables together) from the pedestal or handhole within the right-of-way to the NID on the building. This connects each property back to Federated's main network for service. Testing will be completed to ensure quality service is available for potential subscribers. This is the final construction step before Federated can connect service.
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HOME INSTALLATION
Once all previous steps are completed, Federated staff will reach out to property contacts by email or phone to inform them the fiber is ready to connect and to schedule an installation with one of our technicians. All equipment required to utilize Federated Broadband services is installed during this appointment and included with the monthly service rate. Additional services and network upgrades are available at an additional cost.
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QUESTIONS
Federated Broadband is excited to be expanding our gig-speed fiber services to more and more properties. For more information regarding your specific buildout project and to sign up, please see below. If you have additional questions or would like to speak with one of our team members, please call our office at (507) 847-3520 option 2 or email info@federatedbroadband.coop.
2026 Expansion Projects
City of Mountain Lake
Stage: Mainline Construction
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Mainline Construction: You will see increased activity as utility locates begin and construction crews begin working on the mainline. Crews began work on the southwest side of town and will work their way east and north over the next several weeks.
Sign Up for a Drop: All properties within the city limits of Mountain Lake are encouraged to submit a Construction Consent form to have a fiber drop brought up to their home or business. During this construction phase there is NO COST to property owners to have the drop placed and there is no commitment to utilizing the service once available.
2025 Expansion Projects
Border-2-Border North Martin County
Stage: Home Installation
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Home Installation: Most drops and splicing have been completed. Property owners should have received an email or phone call to contact the office to schedule a home install if interested in utilizing Federated Broadband for internet service.
Some drops will still needing to be completed for those that submitted Construction Consent forms after October 2025.
Sign Up for a Drop: All properties within this project map are encouraged to submit a Construction Consent form to have a fiber drop brought up to their home or business. During this construction phase there is NO COST to property owners to have the drop placed and there is no commitment to utilizing the service once available.
