Utopia Fiber

Common FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Residential FAQs

What is UTOPIA Fiber?
UTOPIA (Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency) Fiber is a group of 11 Utah cities that joined together in 2004 to build, deploy and operate a fiber to the home (FTTH) network to every business and household within their communities. Using an active Ethernet infrastructure and operating at the wholesale level, we support open access and promote competition in all telecommunications services.
What are fiber optics?
Optic fibers are hair-thin, flexible strands of glass through which light beams can travel. The strand functions as a waveguide, or “light pipe” to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber. Fiber can handle basically an infinite amount of speed, allowing us to offer high speeds at a low cost. The incumbent telecom providers rely, at least in part, on copper wire technology, which limit their ability to provide faster speeds.
What are the benefits of fiber optics?
  • The fastest internet on the planet. Residential lines enjoy speeds of up to 1 Gbps, while business lines can reach up to 100 Gbps!
  • Consistent, parallel speeds. That means when you sign up for a 250/250 connection, you’ll get 250 Mbps upload and download—increasingly important in our cloud-computing, on-line world.
  • A dedicated line. You don’t share your line with other subscribers, so you’ll enjoy all the bandwidth you need.
  • “Future proof.” Fiber optics can handle immense amounts of data, which means it can power applications we haven’t even thought of yet.

For more information on the benefits of UTOPIA Fiber, check out our handy infographic.

How is UTOPIA Fiber different?

Visit the UTOPIA Fiber Difference page to learn what sets us apart.

What ISP’s can I use with the UTOPIA Fiber Network? Which one do you recommend?

All our ISP’s are local and include:

  • Advanced Stream
  • Beehive Broadband
  • Brigham.net
  • Centracom
  • ConnectFast
  • Fibernet
  • Infowest
  • Intellipop
  • Miles Broadband
  • Rise Broadband
  • Senawave
  • Sumo Fiber
  • Veracity Networks
  • Voonami
  • XMission

Because our network is open, Comcast (Xfinity) and CenturyLink are welcome to join, but have elected not to participate at this time. To see the full list and learn more about the local providers we partner with, visit our ISP Page.

We work with all of our ISP’s and remain neutral on recommending one over the other. To help in your search, we have a page on our website with each provider’s Google ratings and reviews. You can view the page here.

Will my ISP have any contract terms?

This depends on the ISP you choose as well as which products you decide to go with. You will need to contact your ISP directly for their exact Terms & Conditions, but you can see basic terms of service here.

Why do I have to pick an ISP? Don't you provide internet service?

UTOPIA Fiber is a community-owned fiber optic network created by a group of Utah cities that supports open-access and promotes competition in all telecommunication services. Because we are an open-access municipal broadband network, we do not (and cannot) provide Internet services. Instead, we provide the fiber and infrastructure and allow customers to choose from a variety of net-neutral service providers on our network. With UTOPIA Fiber, you’re never locked into just one Internet Service Provider (ISP). You can get a fiber optic connection while still choosing the ISP and services you want. There are currently 15 residential ISP’s on our network, you can view them here.

How do I switch service providers?
You can switch by contacting a service provider directly or by contacting UTOPIA Fiber at 801.613.3880. Keep in mind, each time you switch providers, you could be subject to a $35 provider change fee.
Where is UTOPIA Fiber?

UTOPIA Fiber is building its high-speed fiber optic network in a growing number of Utah communities. UTOPIA Fiber cities:

  • Brigham City
  • Cedar Hills
  • Centerville
  • Clearfield
  • Layton
  • Lindon
  • Midvale
  • Morgan City
  • Murray
  • Orem
  • Payson
  • Perry
  • Pleasant Grove
  • Santa Clara
  • Syracuse
  • Tremonton
  • West Haven
  • West Point
  • West Valley City
  • Woodland Hills

For maps of availability, click here

How much is a monthly bill?

Most service providers charge approximately $35 per month for 250/250 Mbps and around $50 for 1 Gbps. UTOPIA Fiber charges $30 per month for our fiber and infrastructure. The average total cost of a 250/250 Mbps data connection is $65 per month and $80 for 1 Gbps. Click here for our ISP pricing. Keep in mind, there are no taxes, install fees, or upfront costs.

Do you have any install fees or other costs I should be aware of?
Sure don’t! There are no install fees, upfront costs, taxes, etc.
Why do I have 2 separate bills?
This can be confusing to new customers, and we understand it’s not what you’re used to. There are two separate bills due to the fact that UTOPIA Fiber is not an internet service provider. Because of this, you will pay one bill to your ISP (approximately $35 depending on which plan you pick) for your internet speeds, and $30 to UTOPIA Fiber to lease our fiber and infrastructure. Two separate bills, two separate payments.
I’ve signed up for service, how long until I’m connected to UTOPIA Fiber?
Your contract for installation and services will be processed within 1 business day. Once paperwork has been processed, a customer service representative will call to schedule your install. For an underground installation, you will be scheduled at least 9 business days out to provide enough time for blue stakes and our conduit crews to have everything prepared. For an overhead installation, depending on availability you could be scheduled as soon as the next day.
Can my services be transferred to another home?
The fiber line we install into your home stays with the home; therefore, your fiber line cannot be moved. You’ll just need to cancel your current services with no penalties. If the home you are moving into is available for services, you can sign up again.
I signed up for a 1-Year Lease Agreement. What happens if I cancel early?
As of September 3, 2019, we no longer offer a 1-Year Lease Agreement. Everybody who signed any type of 1-year contract before that time will automatically be switched to a month-to-month agreement. This means if you cancel during your 1-year contract terms, there is no longer any penalty to you.
Will any of my month-to-month payments go towards purchasing the fiber connection in the future?
Unfortunately, no. We no longer offer the option to purchase the fiber connection.
Will you put a lien on my home?
Nope!
What is a UTOPIA Fiber home installation like?

Click here to learn more about the installation process.

I’m not getting the speeds I signed up for. What do I do?

Head on over to our Troubleshooting Page to help you determine and resolve any issues you may be experiencing. Keep in mind, UTOPIA Fiber does not provide the internet, just the actual fiber line, infrastructure and equipment, so you may need to reach out to your specific ISP and they will be able to walk you through some other troubleshooting tips.

When will UTOPIA Fiber be available in my neighborhood?

You can see a list of all build-out timelines as well as maps of availability for all our member cities here: Build-Out Timelines

I live in an HOA, can I still get service?

This depends on the HOA. Since these are private roads, we cannot build or service the homes in that area unless the HOA board allows us to. Please fill out the form here and our team will reach out to the HOA directly.

Why isn't UTOPIA Fiber in my city?

This is the number one question we answer from community members. We would love to be in any community that desires UTOPIA Fiber connectivity. However, it is up to your city if they’d like us to build there or not. UTOPIA Fiber is owned and operated by a cooperative of cities and requires city support in order for us to build.

There are many factors to consider when deciding to complete infrastructure in certain areas. First and foremost, we have to install the backbone of our network. The cost requirements of implementing new fiber optic lines are expensive and therefore, every mile of our network has to be planned. We work alongside city leaders to review infrastructure including roads, underground and overhead utility paths, permits, and more. This is a joint effort. Not only do we have to be prepared, but our member cities have to be ready to design and build a brand-new network that can support thousands of miles of fiber optic cables.

For us to expand to your city, we encourage you to contact your city leaders or city council as they will be the ones to decide if we build there or not. You can also fill out your information at www.givemeutopiafiber.com. This helps us show each city how much demand is in their area.