September Newsletter 2025
- Fort Dodge Fiber
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
🚀 Over 3,500 connections (and counting!)
Fort Dodge Fiber is proud to keep more than 3,500 homes and businesses in our community connected with fast, reliable internet.
💻 Ready to Join?Sign Up → Site Survey → Confirm Your Plan → Fiber Drop → Install → Connected!
🚧 Contractors Are Still Burying Fiber Drops
Our work continues until the ground freezes! Contractors are actively burying fiber drops throughout Fort Dodge to complete connections and deliver fiber directly to homes and businesses.
A quick reminder: After the marking of the buried path with white flags or paint lines, we must wait for other utilities to mark their underground infrastructure before we can return to complete the fiber drop. Thank you for your patience as we work through each neighborhood.
Please note: Staff will not be available during Labor Day weekend. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, September 2 at 8:00 AM.
Understanding Public vs. Private Utilities
Public Utilities
Public utilities are owned and maintained by companies or organizations that provide essential services such as electricity, water, natural gas, communications, and sewer. These utility providers are responsible for locating utilities in the public right-of-way, easements, and in some cases, on private property up to the meter or termination point.
Private Utilities
Private utilities are owned and maintained by the property owner. We have no knowledge of the location of private utilities, so the homeowner is responsible for having the buried private utilities located when they see the white proposed bury path.
Common examples of private utilities include
(but not limited to):
Sprinkler or irrigation systems
Electric/gas lines to detached garages or workshops
Lines to propane tanks or septic systems
Gas lines for grills or outdoor fire pits
Underground pet fences
Power Outage? We've Got Your Back(up)!
Don't let power outages disconnect you. With Fort Dodge Fiber's 8-hour Battery Backup, available for just $4.00/month, your internet and phone will keep you going, even when the lights are out. As long as you're using our Gateway/ONT, this reliable backup option is yours! Don't miss a beat—keep your connection alive. Call our office to add this onto your plan! 515-515-5000. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Residential Billing Schedule
Residential Billing Schedule (Paperless Billing)
1st: Invoice emailed
15th: Payment due / Auto Pay processes
16th: 1.5% late fee added
20th: Account suspended. Please note, service charges will continue to accrue during suspension.
Last day of the month: Service deactivated ($30 reactivation charge)
Note: Deactivation happens on the last day of the month.
REMINDER OF NEW COMMERCIAL BILLING SCHEDULE!
Starting in September, Fort Dodge Fiber has implemented a new billing schedule designed to simplify our process and eliminate confusion caused by the previous NET 45-day cycle.
A more detailed email was sent to all commercial accounts August 1st via mail and email.
We appreciate your attention to this update and look forward to making billing easier and more consistent for everyone.
Commercial Billing Schedule (Paperless Billing)
1st of the Month: Invoice is sent to the email on file
15th of the Month: Automatic payment is processed (if autopay is enabled in the portal).
25th of the Month: Payment is due in full.
Last Day of the Month: A 1.5% late fee is applied to any unpaid balance.
60 Days Past Due: Service will be suspended until payment is received. Please note, service charges will continue to accrue during suspension.
90 Days Past Due: Service will be deactivated and there will be a $30 reconnection fee applied.
Understanding Your First Invoice:
Fort Dodge Fiber invoices a month in advance so you will notice your first invoice is prorated to include the entire future month as well as the days of service in the current month. You will always receive your invoice via email unless you opt in for mailed invoices for $5.00/per mo.
What’s the Difference Between AutoPay and Bill Pay?
AutoPay (Fort Dodge Fiber)
With your authorization, Fort Dodge Fiber withdraws your payment directly from your bank account.
Payments are always taken out on the 15th of the month, so you never have to worry about a late fee.
Payments are initiated by Fort Dodge Fiber, not by you.
Bill Pay (through your bank or credit union)
Payments are initiated by you through your bank.
Unless you set it up as recurring, you’ll need to schedule the payment each month.
Most banks mail us a physical check, which takes time to arrive. Weekends and holidays are not considered business days, so a payment scheduled on a Saturday won’t actually leave your bank until Monday.
Because mail can be delayed, if the check arrives late, a late fee may be applied—and that fee will not be refunded.
In short: AutoPay is the most reliable way to pay—your payment is always on time. Bill Pay depends on the mail and may take longer.
How to Set Up AutoPay
Log In: Access your Customer Portal using the link in your email. (Need it resent? Call our office! 515-515-5000)
Enable AutoPay: Click the “AutoPay” icon, toggle Enable AutoPay, and select Manage Payment Methods.
Add Payment Method: add your payment method (E-Check, Debit, or Credit) and set it as default.
Save AutoPay: Return to AutoPay, select your saved payment method from the drop down menu, and click Save.
👉 Reminder: AutoPay processes payments on the 15th of each month. Don’t forget to update your payment method if your card expires to avoid late fees. DONT FORGET! After adding your payment method, be sure to go back and check Enable AutoPay to complete setup.
📺 Streaming Tips – Say Goodbye to Cable Confusion
Fort Dodge Fiber doesn’t offer traditional TV, but we’re here to help you understand your options. Whether you’re considering YouTube TV, Hulu + Live, or another service, we can point you in the right direction so you’re set up with the right streaming platform for your household.
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!
