Custer Area
Additional portions of the Custer exchange (rural), including areas north of Custer and second year of a two-year project for areas west of Custer are scheduled for FTTH upgrades in 2024.
Contractors:
Wiring Contractor – Travis Electric Inc.
Engineering Consultant – Heberly & Associates
Construction Contractor – North Central Service
Overview Video Cutover Video
Update Contact Information
February 5, 2024
Golden West will bring fiber optic technology
to remainder of Custer Exchange
Golden West will continue to expand its fiber network in rural Custer, including the Custer North and Custer West areas. Fiber optic technology allows for greater bandwidth and speeds, offering a more reliable and secure connection to the world for all telecommunications services including internet and phone.
The Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project will convert subscribers from copper cable to long, thin strands of glass called optical fibers, like a strand of hair. These fibers use pulses of light to transmit data and are immune to environmental factors such as electrical currents and water. The multi-year process of upgrading all Golden West customers involves burying about 14,000 miles of fiber-optic cable.
“Fiber optic technology helps brighten the future of the communities and customers we serve,” says General Manager and CEO Denny Law. “Broadband allows telemedicine to reach every corner, plugs rural classrooms and students into the world, and handles the needs of farm fields pulsing with data.”
When these project areas are completed, the entire Custer exchange will be connected to the fiber optic network. Every subscriber who will be upgraded will receive a personal letter in the mail from Golden West soon. Potential new subscribers in these areas should contact Golden West.
Golden West will host an informational open house for subscribers who are part of this year’s construction project. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Library Pine Room at 447 Crook St. in Custer. Those in attendance can learn more about the project from Golden West representatives and talk with contractors who will assist with the local project. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments and register for door prizes.
Three contractors will complete the projects in the rural areas of Custer on behalf of Golden West. North Central Service (NCS) will handle construction, and Heberly & Associates will cover easements, permits, and inspections. Travis Electric will serve as the wiring contractor. Golden West will take care of customer service.
FTTH is a multi-stage project that can take up to a year depending on factors such as weather. Current customers will be transitioned to the new fiber optic technology after construction is complete late in 2024 or early in 2025. At that time, customers will be able to subscribe to Golden West’s faster internet speeds.
Currently more than three-quarters of the Golden West service territory is served by fiber. The cooperative is committed to upgrading its entire service territory to fiber within the next three to four years. In addition to rural Custer, Golden West will also complete fiber optic upgrade projects this year in rural Hot Springs, and in areas around Witten and Wood where all necessary rights of way have been secured.
Visit goldenwest.com/FTTH for an overview of the project now and throughout the year. For those who are unable to attend the open house or for things that may come up afterwards, the page also offers the option to submit questions and to fill out a form for a chance to win valuable prizes. Please contact Golden West with any additional questions, concerns, or comments by calling 1-855-888-7777, option 3, and ask for the Engineering Department.
FTTH PROJECT UPDATE
January 16, 2025
Custer
- Fiber splicers are working throughout the project area.
- When the fibers have been spliced and tested, Golden West technicians will complete the necessary wiring in the Custer Golden West office.
- Customers will be notified by letter before Travis Electric begins scheduling installations.
January 9, 2025
Custer
- Fiber splicers are working throughout the project area.
- When the fibers have been spliced and tested, Golden West technicians will complete the necessary wiring in the Custer Golden West office.
- Customers will be notified by letter before Travis Electric begins scheduling installations.
January 2, 2025
Custer
- North Central Service has completed construction.
- Crews will return in the spring to complete cleanup.
- Splicers are connecting the new fibers.
- When the fibers have been spliced and tested, Golden West technicians will complete the necessary wiring in the Custer Golden West office.
- Customers will be notified by letter before Travis Electric begins scheduling installations.
December 19, 2024
Custer
- North Central Service will be working on Custer Limestone Road and DeHaven Drive north of Custer. When they are finished plowing they will work on cleanup.
- West of Custer, a crew will finish plowing lines to customer premises on Jewell Road.
- Splicers will be working on a cabinet west of Pringle.
- A crew will be constructing lines to customer homes on Custer Limestone Road.
- Crews will be off through the end of the year for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
