Calhoun fiber project enters phase two
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Calhoun’s fiber project entered phase two this week, with fiber cables, like the orange ones pictured, being laid throughout the county. (Submitted photo)
A truck pulling a spool of orange fiber cables makes its way through Calhoun County. Phase two of the fiber. (Submitted photo)
By Austin Andre
Phase one of the Hardin Connect Illinois project has been completed and phase two commenced this week.
Illinois Electric Cooperative, (IEC) started phase two which consists of laying fiber internet service cables throughout Calhoun County. This next phase began on Tuesday, June 7, following the completion of phase one.
IEC representative, Contina Savage, provided information on the phases.
“Phase one consisted of a detailed mapping campaign and extensive layouts for the fiber cables,” she said. “Over 421 miles of wire will be laid throughout the county in this multi-year project.”
This is all meant to improve the internet connection speed and quality for residents. Fiber internet is much faster than DSL or Satellite internet service and contains more bandwidth. Wire has already been laid in Hardin.
Phase one was completed for the city earlier this month, and splicing is scheduled to begin soon. Once finished, the connection installation will start for the areas mapped in phase one.
Along with the significant amount of construction to be completed, easements are critical to the project. According to IEC, easements can delay construction significantly. They ask those who have not yet signed an easement, to do so and encourage their neighbors to sign one as well.
“Along with Hardin, we continue our construction buildout in the county in locations based on our easements and the make-ready construction to our existing electric distribution system,” read a post on the Calhoun Fiber Facebook page.
The project is set to be fully completed by 2027. Additional information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on www.calhounfiber.com or you can call IEC at 1-800-468-4732. Residents who have not met with Calhoun Fiber for an initial in-person appointment at their home or business, and live within the Hardin village limits, are also encouraged to call.
