Winter Drop Bury Update: What to Expect from Mainstream Fiber Networks

As winter approaches across our service areas, we want to take a moment to explain how colder weather impacts fiber drop buries and what customers can expect if their fiber line is temporarily placed across their yard.

At Mainstream Fiber Networks, we believe in being upfront, proactive, and transparent especially when seasonal conditions affect installation timelines.

Why Drop Buries Pause During Winter

Drop buries require digging below the surface to properly and safely place fiber lines. During the winter months, frozen ground makes this work unsafe and impractical. To protect your property and ensure long-term reliability, drop bury work is paused during winter and typically resumes in March or April, once ground conditions improve.

This seasonal pause helps us complete buries the right way—not rushed, and not at the expense of your yard.

Will My Fiber Internet Still Work?

Yes. Your Mainstream Fiber service will work normally while the line is temporarily above ground. The fiber line is built to handle cold temperatures and winter weather.

However, because the line is visible, we recommend taking a few simple precautions to help prevent accidental damage until it can be buried.

How to Care for Your Fiber Line This Winter

To help protect your fiber line during the winter months, please keep the following tips in mind:

• Be mindful of foot traffic and avoid walking directly over the line when possible.
• Do not move or adjust the line. It has been placed intentionally to maintain proper signal quality.
• Use caution when shoveling snow or operating snow blowers near the line.
• Keep pets from chewing or playing with the line, if possible.

Let us know if something doesn’t look right. If the line becomes damaged, loose, or displaced, our local team is ready to help.

What Happens When Spring Arrives?

Once the ground thaws and conditions allow, our crews will resume drop bury work. Customers with temporary drops are automatically added to our bury schedule, so there’s no need to call or submit a request.

We’ll take care of the rest and complete the burial as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Our Commitment to You

We know a temporary line across your yard isn’t ideal, and we appreciate your patience during the winter season. At Mainstream Fiber Networks, we’re committed to doing the job right—providing reliable fiber internet today while protecting your property for the long term.

If you have questions or concerns about your fiber line this winter, our Indiana-based support team is always here to help.

Thank you for choosing Mainstream Fiber Networks.

FAQ 

Why isn’t my fiber line buried yet?

During winter months, frozen ground prevents safe drop bury work. Your fiber line is temporarily placed above ground and will be buried automatically in the spring when conditions allow. Will the temporary fiber line affect my internet speed or reliability?

No. Your fiber service will perform normally while the line is temporarily above ground. The temporary placement does not impact speed or connection quality.

When will my fiber line be buried?

Drop buries typically resume in March or April, once the ground thaws. Customers with temporary drops are automatically scheduled—no action is required.

Can I move or adjust the fiber line myself?

No. Please do not move or adjust the fiber line, as this could affect your service or cause damage. If the line appears out of place, contact our support team.

What should I do if the fiber line is damaged or becomes loose?

If you notice damage or the line has shifted, contact Mainstream Fiber Networks right away. Our local support team will help determine next steps.

Will my yard be restored after the line is buried?

Yes. When drop bury work is completed, our crews take care to minimize disruption and restore your yard as much as possible.