Tech Talk with Jon Novak

Fiber is by far the most sought-after technology for accessing the internet. It’s fast, dependable, robust, and the only technology that can offer symmetrical speeds (equal for download and upload). However, once it’s announced that a community will get fiber, it can feel like the deployment takes longer than a dial-up connection back in the day. Project Manager Jon Novak takes us through the steps necessary to bring fiber internet to a town.

How does BVT choose which communities get fiber?

Decisions are based on many factors, which include, but are not limited to, geographic location, population, hardships with the current service, and potential grant opportunities. BVT invests approximately $42,000 for each mile of fiber laid, which is why every factor must be weighed and considered.

What happens once a community is selected for fiber deployment?

We immediately begin engineering the project. This includes evaluating the route, determining and ordering supplies and equipment, and hiring contractors. Each of these components can take a minimum of six to eight weeks to complete.

Why does it take so long to get fiber to my house?

Aside from the four to six months needed to complete the engineering phase of the project, we’re at the mercy of contractors’ schedules, vendors’ shipping practices, and weather. Once a contractor is selected, we must wait our turn. We do our best to time the ordering of supplies and equipment to the contractor’s start date, but just like online packages you order, sometimes we must wait for everything to be shipped and delivered. Additionally, no matter what time of year it is, we’re always at the mercy of the weather. Everything from frozen ground to rain and wind can impact our ability to move projects forward.

Why does BVT use contractors?

BVT hires contractors to do the construction of the fiber network primarily due to
manpower. Our team of highly skilled technicians could perform the work; however, their new connection service orders and trouble tickets take a priority. BVT staff do perform the fiber installations themselves.

Meet Jon Novak, BVT Project Manager

Jon joined BVT in 2007 when he moved from Texas to rural Oketo with his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Shayla and Brandon.

As Project Manager, Jon oversees the engineering and buildout of BVT’s fiber-to-the-home projects, ensuring all materials and supplies are available, timelines are met, and contractors complete the work according to BVT’s highest standards.

“My goal is to be behind the scenes,” said Jon when asked about his position. “It’s a great day when the customer doesn’t notice that we’ve been there and gone.”

When asked to elaborate, Jon explained, “It’s my goal to ensure our customers’ lives are not interrupted. I want to leave their space the same way we found it. They shouldn’t have any inconveniences to get the conveniences of fiber internet.”

During a fiber buildout, Jon strives to be flexible with his time, so as not to slow down the project. He laughed that he doesn’t have much spare time with all the BVT projects, but when he does, he enjoys reading and taking his wife camping and boating.

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