# Getting Fiber Internet Installed: A Step-by-Step Guide So you've decided to get fiber internet—excellent choice! But now comes the practical part: getting it installed. If you're like most Kenyans, you probably have questions. How long does it take? Will they dig up your compound? Do you need to be home? Let's walk through the entire process together.

Before Installation: What You Need to Know

### Is Fiber Available in Your Area? This is the first question. Fiber internet requires physical infrastructure—actual cables running underground or on poles. In Kenya, coverage is expanding rapidly, but not every location has fiber yet. Areas like Athi River, Syokimau, Kitengela, and other major towns along key routes now have good fiber coverage. However, if you're in a very remote area, you might need to check availability first. Pro tip: Don't assume fiber isn't available just because your neighbors don't have it. Technology moves fast in Kenya. Call and ask—you might be pleasantly surprised. ### What It Costs Let's be straight about costs because transparency matters: Connection Fee: Many providers charge a one-time installation fee, typically ranging from KES 2,500 to KES 5,000. However, promotions often waive this fee, especially for longer-term commitments. Monthly Subscription: This is your ongoing cost, ranging from KES 1,000 to KES 4,000+ depending on your chosen speed. Router: Some packages include a router; others require you to buy or rent one (KES 2,000-5,000 for purchase, KES 300-500/month for rental). Deposit: Some providers ask for a refundable deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months' subscription. ### Preparing Your Home Document Requirements: - Copy of your ID or passport - Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy agreement) - If you're renting, you might need landlord consent Physical Preparation: - Decide where you want the router placed (ideally central to your home) - Ensure there's a power outlet nearby - If you're in an apartment, check with building management about installation procedures

The Installation Process: Day by Day

### Step 1: Site Survey (30 minutes - 2 hours) Before actual installation, a technician visits your premises to: - Verify fiber availability in your exact location - Measure the distance from the nearest fiber access point to your premises - Identify the best route for the cable - Determine if any special equipment is needed - Give you an accurate quote and timeline This survey is usually free. The technician will ask about your preferred router location and explain the installation process specific to your setup. What to expect: In areas with existing infrastructure like most of Athi River, the survey confirms what's possible. In newer areas, it determines feasibility. ### Step 2: Scheduling Installation Once the survey is complete and you've accepted the quote, installation is scheduled. In urban and peri-urban areas, this typically happens within: - Same week: If infrastructure is already in place - 1-2 weeks: If minor infrastructure work is needed - 3-4 weeks: If significant infrastructure development is required You'll be given a specific date and approximate time window (usually morning or afternoon). ### Step 3: The Actual Installation Day Duration: 2-4 hours for a typical home installation What happens: Outside Work (1-2 hours): The technicians will: 1. Locate the nearest fiber access point: This could be a fiber cabinet on the street or a pole with fiber cables. 2. Run the fiber cable: The cable is run from this access point to your home. How this is done depends on your setup: - Aerial installation: Cable runs along existing poles or building exterior - Underground: Cable is buried (usually in existing ducts or shallow trenches) - Through walls: Sometimes a small hole needs to be drilled 3. Protect the cable: The fiber cable is secured using clips or run through protective conduits. Inside Work (1-2 hours): 1. Bring cable inside: Through a small hole (usually near your window or door frame) 2. Install terminal box: This small box (about the size of a smartphone) is mounted on your wall where the fiber cable terminates. 3. Set up the router: The router is connected to this terminal box and configured. 4. Test everything: The technicians verify that everything works, check speeds, and show you how to use the system. What about damage to your property? This is a common worry. Good providers are careful: - Drilling is minimal (usually one small hole for cable entry) - If trenching is needed in your compound, it's shallow (10-20cm deep) and properly refilled - Cable along walls is neatly secured with clips - Professional technicians protect your floors with protective material during installation ### Step 4: Connection and Testing Once everything is physically installed: 1. Activation: Your connection is activated on the provider's system 2. WiFi setup: Technicians configure your WiFi network name and password 3. Speed test: They verify you're getting the speeds you paid for 4. Device connection: They help connect your devices (phone, laptop, TV) 5. Brief tutorial: You get shown basic troubleshooting and how to restart the router

Common Questions Answered

Do I need to be home during installation? Yes, or someone over 18 needs to be present. Installation requires access to your home's interior and decisions about cable routing. What if it rains on installation day? Light rain usually won't stop installation, but heavy rain might. Outdoor work becomes difficult, and the provider will reschedule. Can I move the router after installation? The router should stay near the terminal box since they're connected by a cable. However, if you need it moved later, technicians can extend the cable (usually for a small fee). What if I'm renting? Most landlords are okay with fiber installation since it increases property value. Get written consent to avoid issues. The installation is non-destructive and can be removed when you move. Will my compound be dug up? Not necessarily. Many installations use existing infrastructure (poles, building exteriors). If trenching is needed, it's minimal and your compound is restored to its original state.

After Installation: The First Few Days

### Getting Used to Fiber If you're coming from mobile data or older internet technology, the first few days with fiber feel amazing: - Videos load instantly instead of buffering - Multiple devices work smoothly - Video calls are clear and stable - Downloads that took hours now take minutes ### Router Placement Tips Do: - Place router centrally for best coverage - Keep it elevated (on a shelf, not the floor) - Keep it away from thick walls and metal objects - Ensure good ventilation around it Don't: - Hide it in a cupboard (weakens signal) - Place it near microwave or other electronics that cause interference - Block its ventilation slots ### Basic Troubleshooting Your technician will show you, but here are the basics: If internet stops working: 1. Check if router lights are on (power issue?) 2. Restart router (unplug for 30 seconds, plug back) 3. Check if it's a general area issue (call provider) 4. Verify your account is active (payment up to date?) Most issues resolve with a simple router restart.

What Makes a Good Installation

A professional installation should include: ✅ Neat cable management (no cables dangling everywhere) ✅ Proper weatherproofing of outdoor connections ✅ Thorough testing before technicians leave ✅ Clear explanation of how everything works ✅ Contact information for support ✅ Any necessary documentation or warranty cards Don't let technicians leave until: - You've tested the internet yourself - You know your WiFi name and password - You have support contact numbers - You understand basic troubleshooting

The Long-Term View

Maintenance: Fiber requires minimal maintenance. Unlike copper cables that degrade, fiber is remarkably durable. Upgrades: Want faster speeds later? Usually, it's just a package change—no reinstallation needed. Moving house: Most providers offer relocation services, moving your connection to your new address.

Making It Smooth

To ensure your installation goes well: 1. Be available: Don't schedule installation when you're busy 2. Communicate clearly: If you have specific requirements, mention them during the survey 3. Ask questions: Professional technicians are happy to explain 4. Test thoroughly: Before technicians leave, connect all your important devices 5. Keep contact information: Save support numbers in your phone

Is It Worth the Effort?

You might think this sounds like a lot of steps and waiting. Here's the reality: yes, there's a process, but it's a one-time thing. Once installed, you have reliable, fast internet for years to come. Think about how many hours you currently spend: - Waiting for videos to buffer - Buying data bundles weekly - Dealing with unstable connections during important video calls - Missing deadlines because files won't upload All those frustrations disappear with properly installed fiber internet.

Ready to Get Started?

Getting fiber installed isn't as complicated as it might seem. With proper planning and a reliable provider, you go from initial contact to having working fiber internet in your home within 1-2 weeks. The hardest part? Making the decision to switch. The installation itself? That's the easy part. Welcome to the future of internet connectivity in Kenya. Welcome to fiber.