It takes time to build a blazing fast fiber network and we want you to be informed every step of the way, from preregistration to live service in your home.
Launched in 2016 by your local electric cooperative, DMEA, Elevate Fiber is being built from the ground up. Our goal? To provide access to the best broadband service around to each and every community within DMEA’s service territory, even those in the most remote areas.
To help us determine our construction plan, we’re asking people like you to preregister (there’s that weird word again, check out what it means below) at join.elevatefiber.com. Simply put, we’re building our fiber network first in the areas that show the most interest.
Zones: We’ve divided our service territory into zones, 50 to be exact. Each of these zones needs a set number of people to preregister, or sign up in advance for service, before we will build our network. You can see the status of each zone in our project and how close a zone is to reaching its signup goal at join.elevatefiber.com—just click on the zones tab.
Preregistration: This is just our fancy word for expressing interest. Our service isn’t available everywhere yet, but we want to hear from you anyway. When you preregister, you’re not committing to a contract or ordering service. You’re simply telling us you want our service when it becomes available. When construction begins in your zone, we’ll reach out to confirm details and complete your signup.
Stay updated: Yep, you guessed it. You can find the latest and greatest updates about our construction timeline, where service is available, and more at join.elevatefiber.com and on our Facebook page.
Design: Our team of engineers map out the most efficient and reliable way to bring fiber to your area. In general, our lines follow the same path as DMEA’s power lines.
Make ready construction: This includes important work like tree trimming, trenching for underground conduit, installing the main fiber pathway, and installing important fiber equipment at points throughout the community.
Service agreement: Near the end of the pre-construction phase, we reach out to confirm your service details and have you sign your service agreement.
Testing: Data (the internet) is transported on fiber lines using light waves. Before we connect your home, we test our fiber lines to make sure the path is clear for light to travel. Yep, Elevate internet truly travels at the speed of light.
Locates: Workers from other utilities and contractors must accurately locate buried electric, gas, water, and other telecom lines. This adds a few days to our process because locates must be complete before we can put new lines in the ground.
Fiber to the home: Once locates are complete, we can build the fiber out from our main line to your home. At this time, we’ll also connect the fiber to the side of your home and install a small gray box called the demarc box.
Schedule your appointment: A customer service representative will reach out to you when your home is ready for installation. Typically, installation takes about two weeks from the time you sign your contract.
Equipment: Our install tech will run fiber from the demarc box directly into your home and connect it to a WiFi router and modem. Don’t worry, we provide the router, there are no equipment rental fees, and the WiFi router is included in your one-time $100 installation fee.
WiFi network: While on site, our install tech will get your WiFi network up and running, test the range, walk you through signing on to your network, and make sure you are 100% comfortable with your new service before they leave.
24/7 tech support: We know nothing in life is guaranteed, internet included. So, we’re ready to help you through any issue you might experience with your service. Our 24/7 tech support can be reached any time, day, or night.
Call us: Gives us a ring at 877-687-3632 to report issues, ask questions, or, ya know, tell us how we helped you love the internet again.
Email us: We can’t solve tech issues over email, but we can answer a whole host of other questions like questions about billing, new products, service transfers, and more. Send us a note by emailing [email protected].
Construction and Equipment Details
Please know that the preregistration goal is only one factor in determining build plans and timelines for your community. Once a community meets its set goal and is approved for construction, we will communicate a build timeline to all those interested in service.
Construction will begin by building the network in the community, followed by bringing fiber to actual homes and businesses. Once we have the fiber to the home or business, we will schedule an appointment to install internet service inside.
Installation will include all wiring and a powerful WiFi router. From the first step until service is installed, you can expect the construction process to take 4 months.
Elevate Fiber’s cable will, for the most part, follow DMEA’s power lines. Therefore, if your electric service is overhead, your fiber service will also run overhead. If your electric service is underground, Elevate will bury a fiber cable approximately 10” to 12” deep.
Yes. There is a one-time, upfront installation fee of $100.