News : Site Survey Sign-ups At 484, Blue Zone Hits 31%

In one week and one day, 484 Vinton residents have requested a site survey of their property in preparation for being Fiber Ready. On Monday, June 3rd, a newly reconfigured iVinton website, was launched to provide information about Vinton’s fiber-to-the-premises project and an opportunity to sign-up for a site survey. The purpose of the site survey is to identify the best location for a duct from the right-of-way to the home or business and is a required first step in connecting properties to the new fiber-optic communications system.

Vinton Municipal Utilities board member Kim Meyer helped launch the iVinton website with a video that has reached more than 8,000 people on the iVinton Facebook page and has been shared 70 times. In addition to sharing information and allowing for site survey requests through the website, a printed iVinton site survey request form will be included in June utility bills.

The community of Vinton is divided into six zones. Construction is planned to begin first in the zone having the highest number of homes or businesses that have requested a Fiber Ready site survey. At present, the Blue Zone is in the lead with 31% of the residents signing up for the site survey. The other zones are close behind with 27% sign-ups in the next closest zone. Residents can see how their zone is doing and who has already signed up by visiting the iVinton site and clicking on “request a site survey,” or by clicking on the link above.

During the next few weeks, technicians will call those who have requested a site survey to set up an appointment. During the site survey, technicians will identify the best location for the duct at your address and the best location inside your home or business for equipment like Wi-Fi routers, TV receivers, DVR equipment, etc.

The iVinton project began with a vote in 2015 authorizing the establishment of a municipal communications utility. Voters overwhelmingly supported the project, with 88% voting in favor of the new utility. Since 2015 the general manager of the Vinton Municipal Electric Utility, volunteers, VMEU board members, and a variety of consultants have worked to begin offering services in 2019.