City IT Director Says Municipal Fiber Rollout "Absolutely Rocking", Reports Overwhelmingly Positive Customer Response

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. DECORAH — The Decorah Communications Utility Board reported rapid progress on the city's municipal fiber buildout Tuesday evening, with IT Director Chopper Albert saying West Union Trenching's construction is ahead of schedule, home inspections are moving quickly and customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. Albert said crews are now two weeks into active construction and "things are absolutely rocking," with work progressing across multiple zones of the city. The update came as the city continues work on a multiyear broadband expansion project expected to deliver fiber internet service throughout Decorah. Albert also said drilling work at the Decorah Public Library was completed Tuesday with fewer complications than expected. The work established conduit connections into the library's main handhold area and should eliminate the need for further major disruptions at the site. Construction activity has also intensified because multiple crews are now working simultaneously in Decorah. Albert noted that two drop crews and an additional support crew are currently active in the city. One of the project's most sensitive areas remains near the Heivly Street corridor, where crews are working around infrastructure that carries emergency communications and cellular traffic. Utility officials described the area as "extremely critical" because it supports 911 calls, emergency radio traffic and cellular service connections. The major cutover for that section of the project is scheduled for May 27 after local schools and Luther College requested that work not interfere with graduation activities. Board members also received updates on customer outreach and residential inspections. Albert said inspections in Zone 2 in the Flats are roughly 70% complete, with only one homeowner declining service access so far. The city has adopted a three-option approach for residents who do not want fiber installed immediately. Property owners can allow a standard installation, allow conduit to be brought near the home without entering the structure, or refuse installation and leave capped conduit near the right of way for possible future connection. Albert said homeowners who refuse installation now could face future connection costs estimated at around $3,000 if they later choose to join the network. Despite a handful of objections, Albert reported that most interactions with residents have been positive and that some initially hesitant homeowners changed their minds after meeting with installation representatives. The board also discussed construction pacing and financial oversight as the project expands. City Clerk Keri Sand said the city has drawn about $178,000 from bond financing so far, largely for early drop-related work, while larger construction invoices are expected as trenching and mainline installation accelerate. The overall construction contract for the broadband buildout is valued at approximately $10.6 million. City officials plan to begin weekly coordination meetings with contractors and inspectors as construction ramps up further over the coming months. The city has also launched a website for Decorah Fiber powered by AcenTek with pricing information available. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.