Frequently Asked Questions

We no longer offer FiberNet email addresses, but we highly recommend the use of Gmail, Yahoo or any of the other free, web-based email services.

FiberNet offers state of the art symmetrical download and upload. What this means for you is that you will truly get what you ask for without any disruption at peak internet use time and there are no limits on data transfer up to your desired speed.

Speed tests measure the speed between your computer and the internet. They can be a helpful tool, but please remember there are a variety of factors that can affect the results of the test. FiberNet will always provision your account for the speed you select but the speeds you achieve will be impacted by the capabilities of your devices, operating system, browser, etc.

Please follow these steps for best results on a speed test:

+ Connect your device directly into your router or FiberCenter. Speed tests can be run without directly connecting but maximum wireless speeds are slower than direct connect speeds.
+ Limit the number of devices and applications using the Internet connection.
+ Disconnect from any virtual private networks.
+ Click here to test your speed.

General industry standards set acceptable speed test results at 80% of allotted bandwidth. Gig wired speeds up to 940/880 Mb with average speeds between 750-940 Mb download and 750-880 Mb upload. If the results of the speed test are within 80% of your Internet package and you want better performance, please contact us to upgrade your internet service.

Yes, an Internet Protection Plan is available for $4.95 per month.

This plan is an insurance policy providing professional technical services on wiring and Arvig equipment for your Arvig service(s), in the event of one of life’s little surprises.

Managed WiFi offers a better, more reliable wireless experience. It’s not just wireless service—it’s a network FiberNet manages for you. You enjoy the benefits of mobile connectivity without the tech issues and trouble. We’ll update your router, assist in configuring your network for a consistent signal and help you connect your devices. Read this article (which takes less than 3 minutes) for more information.

Your wireless devices are only as good as the network that connects them. A reliable network depends on the best conditions for a strong signal, ideal speeds and a trouble-free online experience. That can be tricky to achieve, but that’s why Arvig offers Managed WiFi. See the Features & Benefits of our Manage Your WiFi app!

Any electronic device is susceptible to data loss—whether by system failure, hacking or viruses. Arvig understands it’s today’s reality, and we believe in one solution for secure, automatic, online backup: Carbonite. Think of this cloud-based solution as a virtual archive, with the ability to view and share your photos and files safely from any computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.

Avast is an award-winning antivirus software that protects against a wide variety of malicious software including ransomware and malware, plus it monitors your apps for suspicious activity and blocks intruders with an advanced firewall.

FiberNet television subscriptions include a Local Broadcast Fee and a Sports Surcharge.

This fee was created to partially offset the overall cost for FiberNet to retransmit programs created by broadcast television stations like NBC, ABC, CBS and others. These broadcasters charge FiberNet and other cable service providers significant fees to retransmit their signal over our cable lines to our customers. These retransmission fees are the largest cost in our business. The fees are growing at four times the rate of inflation, faster than FiberNet and other cable companies can absorb. The Local Broadcast Fee helps FiberNet maintain these channels in our line-up.

This surcharge is similar to the Local Broadcast Fee. It offsets the rapidly rising cost for FiberNet to broadcast sports-related programming.

The fees and surcharges are the direct result of sky rocketing programming costs. Local broadcast signals were historically available at little to no cost, but recent extreme fee increases from broadcasters have necessitated that most cable companies introduce fees to offset a portion of the overall cost. Similar significant price increases have affected sports programming costs.

All fees and surcharges are listed individually beneath the heading “Current Month Activity” on your monthly bill.

No, these are not taxes or fees imposed by the government. They are separate from cable television franchise fees and taxes FiberNet must pay to the local, state, and federal government. These surcharges are an action taken by FiberNet to recover a portion of the dramatically increasing costs of local broadcast television and sports programming.

The majority of cable companies now add surcharges to partially or fully cover the retransmission costs from local broadcast stations and the costs of sports programming. Those who have not added this type of surcharge will likely begin to do so as rates continue to rise.

Broadcast television stations distribute their signals over the air using a free spectrum granted to them by the federal government. The government then allows the same broadcast television stations to charge cable and satellite companies for the signals. If FiberNet doesn’t agree to pay, broadcasters can force us to drop their channels, thereby adversely impacting our customers.

Currently the majority of local television stations require significant payment from any cable provider to retransmit their programming. It is a portion of their charges that are reflected in the Local Broadcast Fee.

No, our contracts prohibit us from disclosing information contained in agreements with individual stations. This includes the fees they charge FiberNet.

This is the direct result of how broadcasters sell their channels to FiberNet and other cable providers. First, they require cable companies to pay a fee for every household that receives a channel, regardless of whether anyone in the household watches the channel. In addition, the content creators and TV networks set rules and guidelines for how FiberNet sells their shows and channels to customers. They specify which channels must be sold together, where the channels are positioned, and how the channels are placed in packages. This often means carrying less popular and less viewed networks in the more popular cable packages.

Retransmission consent refers to a part of the 1992 United States Television Protection and Competition Act that requires cable operators to obtain permission from broadcasters before carrying their programming. Without written consent of the local broadcast stations, cable companies are not allowed to carry the signals. Unfortunately, the local broadcast television stations are increasingly imposing huge demands for cash that drive up a cable company’s cost of doing business, and this pricing ultimately affects customers.

Make your voice heard! Broadcasters, politicians, and other viewers need to hear your opinion. Your best option is to write to your US Congressmen and US Senators to let them know your views. They created these regulations, and they can change them!

Absolutely! Our representatives are able to work with your current provider to ensure a seamless transition to FiberNet. The FCC has mandated that all phone numbers can be retained by the customer and serviced by the local carrier of their choice, whether landline or wireless.

Porting is the option for customers to bring their existing phone number over to the carrier of their choice. The FCC regulates the Local Number Portability process to ensure that there are no unfair barriers to customers porting their numbers. You have the freedom to choose based on quality of service and value – no strings attached.

Carriers do have costs associated with the local number portability process, and there are some that assess a portability charge. FiberNet does not charge the customer to port their current number in, nor do they charge a monthly fee for keeping a ported number.

Yes. Click here to see a full list of area codes and exchanges.

Click here to learn how to activate and deactivate calling features. Instructions are also available in your local telephone directory.

Electrical power is required for FiberNet phone service to work in areas using a Fiber to the Home (FTTH). If there is a commercial power outage, the service will not process calls, including those to 911 if you do not have a battery backup. Click here to read our Battery Backup Policy and installation instructions.

Yes, a Phone Protection Plan is available for $2.95 per month.

This plan is an insurance policy providing professional technical services on wiring and Arvig equipment for your Arvig service(s), in the event of one of life’s little surprises.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new 3-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. In order for 988 to work in Minnesota area codes 218 and 952, 10-digit local dialing has to first be implemented. Click here for more information.

We hope you like the new site as much as we do! Click here for a quick description of the important links on our home page.

Vacation Plans allow you to suspend your account(s) temporarily while you’re away. While service is suspended, reduced seasonal charges may apply.

Communication services including ultra-fast internet, telephone and television services.

FiberNet is proving a true 100% fiber optic system. This means existing DSL and cable modem internet services will appear to be standing still. Fiber optics transmits data at a greater distance and is best-in-class when it comes to quality and reliability.

A community-owned and operated communications company. Community operation means better and more personal attentive service to customers.

The backbone system is a 100% fiber optic data line installed to provide ultra-fast internet services to the business community within Monticello.

FiberNet does not charge for service calls that result from a FiberNet equipment failure or network-related problem. However, other issues, including but not limited to, damaged equipment, broken connections, or other 3rd party causes will have Trip and Time charges applied to the next month’s bill. The technician will inform you of any potential charges before completing the work.

Our local technicians are available for support 24/7/365. If we are not able to resolve your issue over the phone, one of our technicians will be dispatched for the next business day.

Your hometown customer support representatives are available Monday-Friday from 10am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm.

Whether the project is large or small, if you are using machine-powered equipment or just a shovel and rake to plant a garden, get your work area marked. Contacting Gopher State One Call in advance helps you and your loved ones dig safely while avoiding costly damages to underground facilities. For more information, visit gopherstateonecall.org.