frequently asked questions

Common Questions About Fiber In Your Community

Get answers to common questions about our fiber internet service, installation process, and construction details.

WHY CHOOSE FIBER INTERNET?

What is fiber internet?

Fiber internet uses advanced fiber-optic technology to deliver ultra-fast internet speeds directly to your home. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber optic lines transmit data using pulses of light, resulting in faster, more reliable internet service.

How fast is fiber internet compared to traditional services?

Fiber internet offers reliable speeds, with fast upload and download speeds. This is significantly faster than traditional cable or DSL services, allowing for:
• Instant video streaming in 4K quality
• Lightning-fast file uploads and downloads
• Seamless video conferencing
• Better online gaming experience

Why is fiber coming to your area?

High-speed internet has become a basic, essential service. Yet, many people residing in rural, remote and Indigenous communities lack access to fast, reliable and affordable internet. The Canadian and Alberta governments are committed to full connectivity by 2027 so that everyone can access and connect to opportunities around the world. Slave Lake Communications has partnered with both the Federal and Provincial government to make this happen in the Slave Lake Region.

CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION

Where will fiber be built?

We aim to build fiber infrastructure everywhere, but we have defined clear boundaries for each project. If you’re curious if we are coming to your location, please complete the form to request a drop and we will let you know if you qualify.

Will fiber construction cause disruptions?

Yes, construction can get messy. We build year-round, which means winter construction is slower and requires extra care. In the spring, wet and soft ground can cause temporary messes, but we remediate all areas affected by our work.

What are the flags I see before construction starts?

Flags mark important underground utilities such as gas and electricity. Do not move or remove these flags, as they help keep both the construction crew and your utilities safe.

What is a Right-of-Way (ROW)?

Our fiber lines are typically built in utility corridors, also known as Right-of-Way areas, which can be in road ditches, back alleys, backyards, or front yards near curbs and sidewalks.

PROPERTY & PERMISSIONS

Do I need to give permission for fiber installation on my property?

Yes, property owners must sign an access agreement before we can connect their home. You can start this process by completing the form to request a drop to your home. If you qualify in the service area, we will bring fiber to your home WITHOUT any required services. So if you’d like to get the services ASAP or just want to run it to your home for future considerations, now is the time to get the line ran to your home, for no charge to you. Fill out the form to request a drop to your home to get the process started.

How does remediation work after construction?

After digging for fiber installation, we restore affected areas. We wait for the soil to settle before setting the ground to final grade and planting new grass seed to restore lawns to their previous state.

What's involved in the installation process?

The installation process typically involves:

1. Property assessment and planning
2. Underground fiber cable installation
3. Connection to your home
4. Interior equipment setup (optional based on your current need for services)

Our technicians will guide you through each step and ensure minimal disruption to your property.

SERVICE & SUPPORT

How reliable is fiber internet?

Fiber internet is extremely reliable because:

• It's not affected by weather conditions
• Doesn't suffer from electromagnetic interference
• Has minimal signal degradation over distance
• Requires less maintenance than traditional copper lines

What happens if there's an outage?

As a local provider, our technical support team is nearby and ready to respond quickly to any service interruptions. We monitor our network 24/7 and prioritize maintaining continuous service for our customers.