Prior to construction in your neighbourhood, a F3 Networks representative will visit your home to ask if you are interested in a fibre cable to your home. If you are interested, they will have a form for you to sign so that they can establish a list of those properties that are interested in having the installation completed. The initial form does not authorize the construction crews to install anything on your property.

If you indicated to F3 Networks you are interested in a fibre line installation, a second F3 Networks representative will visit your home shortly before construction in your neighbourhood to go over the specifics of the location that the fibre service line will be installed on your property. After you work through the specifics with the F3 Networks representative, there will be a form to sign giving your authorization to the F3 Networks contractor to install the fibre line on your property as per the agreed upon location.

The sequence of construction in your neighbourhood may vary a bit but will generally follow the steps listed below.

Prior to any construction, all existing utilities will be marked with flags or spray paint to ensure the new F3 Networks line does not conflict with any existing utilities. The proposed route of the new line will also be marked. Adjustments may be made to avoid existing trees, flower beds, sidewalks, etc. where possible.

A hydrovac will work its way through the neighbourhood creating localized excavations in front of each lot as well as where existing utilities are in close proximity to the proposed F3 Networks fibre line.

Each localized excavation will be covered with plywood, stakes and ribbon for safety.

Following the hydrovac activities, a directional drill will install the conduits that will house the fibre lines. The drill will generally set up at one end of a block, and drill to the centre, or end of the block, depending on the soil conditions, existing utilities, and whether the roadway is straight or curved. After the initial drilling, the orange conduits will be pulled underground with a conduit left for each home.

Lot Servicing

Following the installation of the conduit on City property, a small coil of conduit will be left at the property line of each lot. The conduit will be located in a small circular green container that will be installed flush with the ground. If you decide to have the fibre line brought into your home, this green container will be removed when the contractor comes back to do the work on your property. If you decide not to have the fibre line brought into your home, the green container will remain in place. Depending on the neighbourhood and location of existing utilities, a small trench may be installed between the main conduit and the green container. Topsoil and grass seed will be placed in any disturbed area.

Work on private property will generally occur after the installation of the main conduit install, but in some cases may be installed first. The contractor will make every effort to minimize disturbance to private property. A coil of orange conduit may be temporarily left for connection to the conduit on City property.

Service Boxes

One service box will be installed per roughly 8 homes and serves as a connection point for the various fibre lines. The service boxes will be installed within the City right-of-way, between the sidewalk and the property line and will be installed flush with the ground surface.

The City of Red Deer is broken into Fibre Service Areas (FSA's) based on neighbourhood. View the map to determine which FSA your home falls under: F3 Fibre Service Areas Map (pdf)

Anticipated construction dates for 2025 are as follows:
(information from F3/AFL based on their projection of work)

During construction activities, the contractor will have temporary laydown areas to house equipment and materials. Low traffic areas will be used, where possible.

At the entrance to neighbourhoods or on major City roadways, excavation and conduit installation may occur as these areas are the source of the fibre service. Lane and/or sidewalk closure may occur for a short duration during construction.

After the initial topsoil and seeding, the contractor may return and use a method called Hydroseeding to restore any disturbed areas. If you believe this has been missed, contact F3 at the number above on this page.