There’s a lot of work that goes into building a network and getting it ready for orders. Just identifying where to build, getting materials and cordinating crews to get the job done all take time.

Once the network is built out, there are three steps to connecting you to our internet service:

Step 1: Sign up for service

The first step in getting connected toPaulding Putnam’s high-speed fiber internet service is to sign up for service by either completing this online form or calling our office.

Once you complete the online form, our system will compare the address you’ve entered with the addresses that are eligible for fiber service.

Another option is to call our local service team during normal business hours, 7:30am-4pm, Mon-Fri at 800-686-2357.

Step 2: Drop installation

This is currently the longest part of the process for receiving fiber internet service.

A drop installation (or “drop” for short) is when a technician runs fiber internet wires from the pole into your home or business. Fiber lines typically follow electric lines, so a drop may occur overhead or underground. We use a contractor to complete our drop installations.

The drop installation has two phases. The first phase is the drop design, where a member of our co-op outlines the path the fiber will run from the pole to your house. The second phase is the actual installation.

First phase: Drop design

If your drop installation is underground, a tech from Paulding Putnam will first come on to your property to design and mark the location of the drop. We also coordinates with 811, which will mark any public utility lines. Since this work takes place outside your home or business, you do not need to be present for this. A door hanger will be left letting you know they were there to outline your drop path. The doorhanger will include any additional information (if neeeded), phone number and date they visited.

The marking process may include spray paint marks on your lawn, curb edge and up to the side of your house where the enclosure for your network interface device (NID) will be placed on the outside of your house. These markings will wash away over time. Please do not disturb them.

811 does not mark private utility lines such as sprinkler systems, septic systems, invisible fencing, propane gas lines, private electric lines to outbuildings, etc. It’s up to you to mark the private utility lines on your property.

If you have any questions or concerns about the path of the drop installation, please call the number on the door hanger to speak with a representative.

Second phase: Drop construction

Once the drop path has been marked, a contractor will build the path connecting fiber lines on the pole to the outside of your house or business.

We will call you to schedule the drop installation. You do not need to be present for this part of the drop, either. However, it’s important that any pets or livestock that might get in the way of the tech be contained and that any fencing is unlocked to allow the tech access to the exterior of your house or business.

If any complexities arise with your drop, the tech will contact you to discuss them.

You may notice some slight disruptions to your yard like a narrow trench. The drop team will will close any trenches before their work is considered complete. Sometimes they may need to come back and finalize the restoration. Your lawn should return to normal in a few days. If you notice a disruption that doesn’t resolve in a few days, call or email our office.

Step 3: In home installation

After the drop installation is complete, a member of Paulding Putnam’s customer service team will call you to schedule your in-home installation. You can expect a call within within several business days. If you do not hear from us, please call our office at 800-686-2357.

On the day of the install, a fiber service technician will come to your house to place your indoor network terminal and connect you to high-speed fiber internet service. The technician will work with you to determine the best location for the indoor network terminal.

During this part of the process, an entrance hole may need to be drilled from the NID enclosure through the wall to your home. The technician will also go over important details about your service and will make sure you are connected to the PauldingPutnamIQ app.

Once you’re connected to the internet, test it out to make sure all devices and services are working properly.

Please note, though it can take several weeks from the time you’ve placed your service order to the date of your home installation, most installations occur quickly.