Fiber to the Home 2020
Fiber to the Home 2020
As we begin 2020, we’re proud to say that almost 65 percent of Golden West’s service territory has been upgraded through Fiber to the Home (FTTH). Of course, this means we’ve still got about 35 percent remaining. Rest assured that we won’t stop until we've finished the job, and the process continues with FTTH 2020.
Open Houses for 2020 FTTH Communities
| Community | Date | Location |
| Hot Springs - Phase II - Town | Feb. 4th | Mueller Civic Center |
| Dell Rapids - Rural | Feb. 10th | American Legion - Dell Rapids |
| Springfield - Town | Feb. 13th | Springfield Community Center |
| Plankinton - Town & Rural | TBD | TBD |
| Reliance/Lower Brule Exchange | Feb. 25th | American Legion - Reliance |
Update Your Contact Information
Listing your preferred email address and phone number on your Golden West account will help expedite communications throughout the FTTH process. Please call 1-855-888-7777 and one of our Member Service Representatives will be happy to update your contact information. Keep in mind that only the person(s) listed on the account can make these types of updates.
As a reminder, Golden West abides by Customer Proprietary Network Information rules. We do not share account information without permission from the account holder.
More Information
Installations in these areas will result in 2,000 more subscribers with fiber.
Golden West has long been committed to meeting the need of broadband Internet for all. A recent order by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will help us continue our infrastructure expansion beyond 2020. The order promotes and sustains funding for broadband installation, further guaranteeing high-quality broadband services in rural America.
Fiber infrastructure not only significantly increases the speed of delivery for broadband Internet, it also offers a more reliable and more secure connection to the world for all telecommunications services – phone, cable TV and Internet.
Customers in the 2020 communities may have already seen Golden West contractors and technicians out and about preparing for the construction phase of FTTH. These folks are hanging clamshells, surveying, marking utility lines, etc. If you have any questions about the project or a contractor working in your area, please visit call 1-855-888-7777 and ask for the Engineering Department.
Construction Overview - What to Expect
1. The “clamshell,” which has just been hung on the outside of your home, is the point to which Golden West’s construction contractor will bury a fiber optic cable.
2. The same contractor will also complete the inside wiring portions of the project. If the inside wiring was not completed when the clamshell was hung, they will contact you to make another appointment.
3. A construction contractor will dig a small trench across your yard to bury the cable to your home/business. Once the fiber optic cable is buried to the clamshell, the contractors will repair the lawn.
4. When the first three steps are finished, Golden West will contact you for an appointment to “cut over” your services to fiber optics.
5. By the end of the project, Golden West and our contractors will finish site clean-up. Our goal is to return your yard to its original state.
Clamshell on Outside of Home
Optical Network Terminal Inside of Home
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the project be finished?
A: The entire community project will take roughly a year, however you should only see construction in your neighborhood for a few months. You may be cutover to Fiber sooner, depending on in which part of the project your home or business is located. Golden West and our Contractors will send you updates by mail, as well as call you to schedule appointments.
Q: Will my bill change because of FTTH?
A: Your bill will not change due to FTTH. Fiber is a long-term investment in your community and part of Golden West's process to upgrade our entire network.
Q: What are the benefits of FTTH?
A: Greater bandwidth- Fiber provides more bandwidth than copper cables. This means you can use more data and devices at once with fewer problems.
Speed and Distance- Once you're on fiber, you'll be able to receive Golden West's fastest Internet speeds (if you want them), now and in the future.
Long-Term Capability- Fiber optics is called "future proof" because of its ability to handle new and emerging technology.
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?
A: Contact Golden West Member Services by calling 1-855-888-7777.