February Newsletter 2026

Winter Update from Fort Dodge Fiber

Here’s what’s still happening this winter with Fort Dodge Fiber:

• Site surveys are continuing so we’re fully prepared for spring installations.

• Installations are ongoing for homes and businesses with completed fiber drops.

• MDU (Multi-Dwelling Unit) wiring is underway for select apartments, townhomes, and condominiums—bringing fiber-fast internet to even more neighbors across Fort Dodge.

Live in a Multi-Dwelling Unit and want Fort Dodge Fiber?

Let your landlord or property manager know. Our team is happy to meet with them and create a plan to bring fiber directly to each unit.

Ready to get started?

Call us today to confirm your plan and get on the list for a spring fiber drop: 515-515-5000

Residential: Please confirm using our Residential Form

Commercial: Please confirm using our Commercial Form

Plowing vs. Boring: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between plowing and boring a fiber drop comes down to how the fiber is installed and how much the surface is disturbed.

• Plowing uses a vibrating blade to create a narrow slit in the ground, allowing fiber or conduit to be placed with minimal surface disruption.

• Boring (also called directional drilling) uses specialized equipment to drill a tunnel underground, allowing crews to install fiber beneath driveways, sidewalks, or other obstacles without disturbing the surface.

Why Frozen Ground Is a Problem for Fiber Installation

Installing underground fiber when the ground is frozen is strongly discouraged—and often not possible—for a few key reasons:

• Extremely Hard Ground: Frozen soil can be as hard as concrete, making it nearly impossible for installation equipment to break through.

• Safety & Equipment Risk: The frozen conditions can damage cutting teeth on plows and trenchers or cause steering failures on boring equipment, leading to costly repairs.

• Restoration Concerns: Frozen soil doesn’t compact properly. When it thaws, it can settle unevenly, causing sinkholes, landscaping damage, and other restoration issues.

Be sure to sign up for service updates and outage alerts here: https://fortdodgefiber.instatus.com/

Because We Believe in Supporting Local!

We love highlighting what’s happening right here in our community for our customers. Do you have an upcoming event you’d like featured in our next newsletter?📧 Email the details to rrowe@fortdodgefiber.com

Here are a few things happening this month in Fort Dodge-

🎭 Laugh & Splash Weekend

📍 Crossroads Hotel & Event Center, 1518 3rd Ave N, Fort Dodge🗓 Saturday, February 7🕒 3:00 PMMake it a night out! Call 515-573-7177 to reserve your Laugh & Splash package.Hosted by Five Points Events & The Betterway Project—they handle the fun so you can enjoy the night.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18HKQHtPXL/

 🛍 Vendor Show & Kids Makers Market

📍 Citizens Central, 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge🗓 Saturday, February 7🕘 Adult Vendor Show: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM🕙 Kids Makers Market: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMBring your friends and support both adult- and youth-owned businesses in our community.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/17kE76XJzM/

🐾 Puppy Love (and Kitten Cuddles) Plush Adoption Day

📍 Britt’s Spaw, 725 S 32nd St🗓 Saturday, February 7🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMA Valentine’s-themed kids event supporting Almost Home Animal Shelter. Kids can “adopt” a stuffed puppy or kitten and enjoy a full adoption-day experience—all while giving back.💙 All proceeds benefit Almost Home Animal Shelter.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CHLeQ6JAx/

❄ Winter Market Series

📍 Smitty’s Garden Center🗓 Saturday, February 7🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMShop local vendors and enjoy a cozy winter market experience.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AhmVm46DW/

❤️ Valentine’s Day Dinner Special

📍 Community Tap & Pizza, 2026 5th Ave S🗓 Saturday, February 14🕔 Starting at 5:00 PMReservations recommended—perfect for a Valentine’s night out.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GSuCqhzkq/

🎤 Comedy for a Cause

📍 Crossroads Hotel & Event Center, 1518 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge🗓 Friday, February 28🕖 Doors Open: 7:00 PM🕗 Show Starts: 8:00 PMEnjoy a night of laughter, community, and giving back at this live stand-up comedy event benefiting a local nonprofit.Hosted by Five Points Events & The Betterway Project.🔗 Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GAiDFB6Jf/

Need to make a payment? Have your account number ready and call 888-991-2797. 

Need tech support? Call 515-515-5111 for assistance.

Thank you for being part of our mission to build a faster, more connected Fort Dodge. We appreciate your continued support!