Frontier Fiber Installation: What to Expect & Tips

Getting Frontier Fiber installed is straightforward once you know what to expect. Whether you're switching from another provider or getting fiber for the first time, this guide covers everything from scheduling your appointment to optimizing your setup on day one. Questions before your appointment? Call Frontier at 1-855-981-6281.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Complete these tasks before your installation appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1. Confirm fiber availability at your address — Frontier Fiber isn't everywhere yet. Verify availability and choose a plan before scheduling
2. Choose your ONT location — The technician will mount the ONT where the fiber line enters your home. Common locations include garages, utility closets, and basements. Pick a spot near where you want your main router
3. Clear access to the exterior — The technician needs to reach the utility box or pole where your fiber line originates. Trim bushes, move lawn equipment, and ensure a clear path
4. Clear the interior path — If fiber needs to route through walls, move furniture away from the entry point and router location
5. Secure pets — Technicians will be in and out of your home. Keep pets contained in a separate room
6. Plan to be home — An adult (18+) must be present for the entire installation

What Happens During Installation

Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of a typical Frontier Fiber installation:

Phase 1: Exterior Fiber Run (30-90 minutes)

• The technician locates the nearest fiber distribution point (usually a utility box or pole)
• They run fiber optic cable from that point to your home, either aerially (on existing poles) or underground
• For underground runs, a small conduit may be trenched — the technician will discuss the route with you
• The fiber enters your home through an existing utility point or a small drilled hole

Phase 2: ONT Installation (20-40 minutes)

• The ONT is mounted on a wall near where the fiber enters
• The technician connects the fiber cable to the ONT and powers it on
• They verify the fiber signal is strong and the ONT is communicating with Frontier's network
• The ONT has a battery backup that keeps phone service running during power outages (data service requires external power)

Phase 3: Router Setup (15-30 minutes)

• The router connects to the ONT via an Ethernet cable
• The technician configures your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
• They test speeds on a connected device to verify your plan is provisioned correctly
• If you ordered Frontier's eero mesh system, they'll set up the primary unit and any satellites

Phase 4: Walkthrough and Testing (10-15 minutes)

• The technician walks you through the equipment and shows you the indicator lights
• They demonstrate how to restart the ONT and router if needed
• You'll test the connection on your own devices
• The technician provides documentation with your Wi-Fi credentials and support numbers

Self-Installation Option

In some areas where the fiber line is already run to the home (common in apartments, condos, and previously serviced addresses), Frontier offers a self-install kit. The kit includes:

• A pre-configured router
• An Ethernet cable
• Setup instructions
• A Quick Start guide with your account details

Self-installation involves plugging the router into the existing ONT Ethernet port, powering it on, and following the app-guided setup process. It takes about 15-20 minutes. If you run into issues, call 1-855-981-6281 for step-by-step phone support.

Tips for the Best Installation Experience

• Request a morning appointment — Morning slots tend to stay on schedule. Afternoon appointments are more likely to be delayed by earlier jobs running over
• Ask about ONT placement options — If you want the ONT in a specific location (garage vs. utility closet), discuss it with the technician at the start
• Request a wired speed test — Before the technician leaves, ask them to run a speed test on a wired connection to verify you're getting your plan speeds
• Take photos of the setup — Photograph the ONT indicator lights when everything is working normally. This makes it easier to identify issues later
• Keep the ONT accessible — Don't hide it behind furniture or in a sealed box. You may need to restart it or a technician may need access
• Consider hardwiring key devices — If your router is near your TV, gaming console, or desktop computer, use Ethernet cables for the best speeds. The technician can help route cables during installation

After Installation

Once your Frontier Fiber is installed and running:

• Download the My Frontier app to manage your account, pay bills, and run speed tests
• If you have eero, download the eero app for mesh management and device monitoring
• Run speed tests from several rooms to identify any Wi-Fi dead zones early
• Set up your Wi-Fi password on all devices — use WPA3 security if your devices support it
• Consider setting up a guest network for visitors to keep your main network secure

Related guides: Frontier Fiber Overview | Equipment Return | Fix Slow Speeds | Billing Help