Many homeowners are excited about upgrading to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) for its ultra-fast internet speeds, but they often worry about the installation process. Will it require drilling holes? Could it damage walls or landscaping? The good news is that modern FTTH installations are designed to be minimally invasive, and with the right provider, your home will remain just as pristine as before—just with much better internet.
The installation begins with a technician visiting your property to assess the best way to bring the fiber optic cable inside. They’ll check whether the fiber can be routed through existing underground conduits, strung from utility poles, or if a small trench needs to be dug. In most cases, providers prefer using pre-existing pathways to minimize disruption.
If aerial installation is possible, the fiber cable will be suspended from nearby telephone or electrical poles, much like traditional cable lines. For underground installation, technicians use micro-trenching—a method that creates a narrow, shallow groove (about 30 cm deep) to lay the cable without disturbing large sections of your yard. In some cases, directional drilling is used to tunnel beneath driveways or walkways, leaving no visible trace.
Once the fiber reaches your home, the technician will need to bring it inside. This usually involves drilling a very small hole (about 6–10 mm in diameter) near your existing internet entry point, such as where a phone line or cable TV connection enters the house. The hole is then sealed with a waterproof gasket to prevent drafts or moisture. If you’re renting or live in a historic property, some installers offer no-drill alternatives, such as running the fiber through a window seal or using adhesive-mounted conduits that don’t require permanent changes.
Inside your home, the fiber connects to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), a small device that converts the light signal into an internet connection. The ONT is typically placed near your router and requires only a standard power outlet. The technician will then test the connection to ensure you’re getting the promised speeds—often up to 1 Gbps or more—and may help set up your Wi-Fi network for optimal performance.
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is whether FTTH installation will damage their property. The answer is generally no, as long as the work is done professionally. The entry hole for the fiber is tiny—smaller than most drill bits used for hanging shelves—and can easily be patched up if you ever decide to remove the service. Outdoor work is also designed to be as unintrusive as possible, with cables buried discreetly or strung neatly along existing utility lines.
For those still hesitant, there are ways to further minimize impact. You can ask the installer about less invasive routing options, such as running the fiber along baseboards or through crawl spaces. Scheduling the installation during dry weather can also help, as rain can complicate outdoor digging. And if you’re particularly concerned about your landscaping, taking before-and-after photos can provide peace of mind.
In the end, FTTH installation is a small trade-off for a huge upgrade in internet performance. With modern techniques, the process is quick, clean, and leaves almost no visible traces. So if you’ve been holding off on fiber because of installation worries, it might be time to take the plunge—your streaming, gaming, and video calls will thank you.
To check if FTTH is available in your area, you can use tools like BroadbandNow or your local ISP’s coverage map.
