FIBERHOODS

Join forces with your neighbors to bring broadband to your neck of the woods! This cost sharing model has been successful for many neighborhoods; is yours next?

Better Together

A Fiberhood is a group of neighbors - formal or informal - who work together to split the cost of Middle Mile infrastructure (shared fiber in the road). Each homeowner pays their own Last Mile cost (trenching cost from the road to the house).

This model works for several reasons:

Equitable - Everyone shares the cost of making their neighborhood broadband-ready
Efficient - When everyone is on board, a contractor can focus their crews on your area until everyone is connected - limiting any inconvenience caused by construction to one timeframe
Enhance property value - homes with fiber not only sell faster, but studies have shown that they can fetch a 5% higher resale price

Fiber Group Organizer - FGO

You (or someone you nominate) will be the main point of contact between Rock Island and your group. As the organizer, you’ll: - Poll neighbors to gauge interest - Direct them to complete a Service Request Form to join the project - Coordinate communication and meetings - Help finalize project design and group approvals - Support fundraising for the Middle Mile We’ll provide tools, support, and estimates at every stage.

Build Process

Desktop Estimate: Rock Island provides an initial Middle Mile design and rough cost estimate. Refine Design & Estimate: With enough interest, we’ll create a firm estimate for your group’s Middle Mile build. Fund the Middle Mile: Once your group agrees and pays, we schedule construction. Build the Middle Mile: Construction typically takes 1–4 months, depending on terrain and scope. Get Last Mile Estimates: After or during the Middle Mile build, we work with each homeowner to plan and price their Last Mile connection. Build the Last Mile: Once a homeowner approves and funds their Last Mile, we schedule their connection. Connect & Enjoy! We install the NID (Network Interface Device), run the patch cable, set up your router, and you’re live on the fiber network—with speeds up to 2,000Mbps!