|  Nortex Communications is always working to provide a network of advanced telecommunications services. Beginning in 2003, the cable systems in Lake Kiowa, Collinsville, Lindsay and finally Saint Jo (acquired in 2006) were rebuilt to provide better video service and advanced broadband services. This year, the communities of Muenster and Valley View are being rebuilt with fiber-to-the-home technology.
This major project which will take several months to complete and will bring fiber optics to every home in the communities. Fiber optics will replace two existing networks both of which are aging and in need of upgrades. The existing coaxial cable network delivers the cable television signal to the home and the existing copper network delivers voice services and digital subscriber line (DSL). Fiber optic lines are made of hair-thin glass threads that carry laser-generated pulses of light to each home that will combine all services on one line and will also expand the bandwidth to a home by a minimum 10 times, allowing for additional services and faster Internet speeds. Nortex has always been on the cutting edge of technology with the services they provide. The aging plant, increased competition and a desire to position the system for future technology were major factors in the decision to upgrade with fiber optics. It will set the foundation for services such as video on demand, a service that has been requested for some time plus additional high definition channels.  Customers who are connected by fiber to the home will still be able to pick up their land-line phone and hear the same dial tone and their cable television will look the same with the exception of a clearer and sharper picture. However, the new system should be more reliable, require less maintenance, allow for new services, higher Internet speed and should be a major selling point for attracting new business in the future for the community.
Fiber will be placed along utility right-of-ways, through alley ways using underground construction. Crews will generally use directional boring construction which means they will dig a vertical hole, place a bit in the hole and drill a horizontal line to the next connection. This type of construction minimizes the disruption to the community and individual’s homes and yards. Final completion of fiber to the home will require two visits to each customer: one to place the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) which will house the fiber for the telephone, cable TV and Internet plus the backup power box and the second visit will be to connect the existing house wire and to turn up the fiber for the customer. Some of the downsides to placing fiber to the home will be the construction through the yard as the fiber is buried to the home, also the ONT requires a battery backup inside the home and there will be brief disruptions of service to the home during installation. Construction crews will be placing door hangers informing customers that they are in the area. Newspaper articles will begin appearing in the Muenster Enterprise and updates will be added to Nortex Communications local Channel 2 during the project. Every effort will be made to locate other services such as water and sewer lines. Should any of these be affected, the company will make repairs as quickly as possible If you have questions or would like additional information regarding fiber to the home, call the business office between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at 940-759-2251. About Us Nortex Communications serves the communities of Muenster, Saint Jo, Forestburg, Lindsay, Valley View, Myra, Rosston, Lake Kiowa and Collinsville with telephone, long distance, cable television, Internet and wireless communications. | 