Many people are considering fiber optic internet due to its reputation for fast connection speeds.
However, those living in apartments may wonder whether they can simply have it installed on their own.
In this article, we will explain the differences between fiber optic and standard internet connections, the installation process, typical costs, and key points to consider when choosing a plan.
We will also cover potential issues that can arise during fiber optic installation, so if you are considering it for your apartment, please read to the end.
Fiber Optic vs. Standard Internet: What's the Difference?
Let's take a closer look at what fiber optic internet actually is and how it differs from standard internet connections.
What Is Fiber Optic Internet? Key Benefits Explained
Fiber optic internet is an internet connection that uses optical fiber cables.
These extremely thin, transparent fibers made from glass or plastic transmit data using the refraction and reflection of light, which is why speeds are exceptionally fast.
The main benefits of fiber optic internet include the following:
・Fast connection speeds
・Stable connection
・Fixed monthly fees
Compared to traditional internet connections, fiber optic allows for the transmission and reception of large amounts of data at very high speeds.
Additionally, since fiber optic uses light signals that are unaffected by electromagnetic interference, it provides a stable connection. With fixed monthly fees, you can use the internet without worrying about variable costs.
In today's world where data usage for streaming videos, online gaming, and video calls has increased dramatically, fiber optic internet is an essential element for a comfortable online experience.
What Are Standard Internet Connections? How Do They Differ from Fiber Optic?
There are several types of internet connections besides fiber optic.
・ADSL
・Mobile Wi-Fi
・Cable TV
ADSL uses telephone lines to connect to the internet, so it can be set up without major construction work — a key advantage.
However, its speeds are slower and less stable than fiber optic, leading to a continuously declining market share, with service scheduled to end completely at the end of March 2024.
No new contracts are being accepted.
Mobile Wi-Fi allows internet access on the go since it uses wireless communication.
However, it tends to be unstable and often has data usage limits, making it unsuitable as a primary connection.
There are also internet connections that use the cables used to deliver cable TV.
Buildings already equipped with cable TV can use this immediately, but it is slower than fiber optic.
In summary, fiber optic and standard internet connections differ significantly in terms of speed and stability.
If you are setting up a new connection, fiber optic is recommended.
Fiber Optic Internet Has Drawbacks Too
While fiber optic internet is faster and more stable than standard connections, it does have some drawbacks.
The main one is that installation work is required to get started.
Typically, fiber optic installation takes about a month from application to completion.
Since you cannot use the internet until the line is activated, it is important to prepare early if you are considering switching.
Also, even after activation, you cannot carry it around freely like mobile Wi-Fi.
Use is limited to your home only.
Furthermore, there are installation costs involved, and contracts typically have a set term — canceling outside the designated month may result in an early termination fee.
Check Your Apartment's Internet Setup
To install fiber optic internet in an apartment or multi-unit building, you need to check the building's existing internet infrastructure beforehand.
While many apartments do have internet facilities, they are not always fiber optic.
Below, we introduce ways to check your apartment's internet setup.
How to Check Your Apartment's Internet Setup
There are three ways to check your apartment's internet environment.
Ask the Management Company or Real Estate Agent
Before signing a lease, ask the real estate agent; after signing, ask the management company about whether optical fiber cables are already installed.
If they are already in place, you may be able to start using the internet simply by signing up with an internet service provider (ISP).
Check the Property Information
Whether it is a rental or a for-sale property, the documents summarizing property details may include information about internet connectivity.
If the property is listed as "internet ready," contracts with the line provider and ISP are already in place, and you can start using the internet immediately.
If it is listed as "internet compatible," the line has been installed up to the common areas of the building.
You would need to arrange installation to your unit and sign up with an ISP to use the internet.
If the property is listed as "no internet," there is no line in the building at all, and you would need to arrange a new contract.
Check for an Optical Outlet
If an optical outlet is already installed in the room, there is a good chance fiber optic internet is available.
An optical outlet is the connection point required to use fiber optic internet.
If one is already installed, you may be able to use it again without additional construction work.
Check Your Apartment's Wiring Method
If your apartment supports internet connectivity, also check the wiring method used.
Wiring methods include "optical wiring," "LAN wiring," and "VDSL."
The most common is optical wiring.
With optical wiring, an optical outlet must be installed in each unit.
If no optical outlet is present, installation work will be necessary.
With LAN wiring, optical fiber cable has already been run to the common areas of the building.
From there, each unit is connected via LAN cable, with internet access provided through an installed port.
With VDSL, optical fiber cable is also run to the common areas — similar to LAN wiring — but each unit is connected using telephone line cables from that point.
The Fiber Optic Installation Process
What does the fiber optic installation process look like for an apartment?
Here we explain the steps and contents of the work involved.
What Does Fiber Optic Installation Involve?
The work carried out during fiber optic activation includes the following:
・Running optical fiber from the utility pole
・Installing an optical outlet in the room
・Connecting an ONU or HGW to the optical outlet
Let's look at each step in more detail.
Running Optical Fiber from the Utility Pole
Fiber optic internet connects to the internet using optical fiber cables.
To use it, the utility pole carrying the network connection must be linked to your home via optical fiber.
For detached homes, this involves drilling a hole of about 1 cm in diameter in the wall or routing the cable through existing telephone conduits.
However, in apartments, specialized equipment for connecting to the internet line is almost always installed in the building's common areas.
If the utility pole is already connected to this equipment, no additional pole-to-building installation is required.
Installing an Optical Outlet in the Room
To connect to the internet using the optical fiber running from the utility pole, you need an optical outlet — a dedicated connection point for fiber optic.
Optical outlets come in two types: "integrated" and "separate," and which type is installed is determined by the technician.
If no optical outlet is yet installed in the room, installation work will be carried out.
Connecting an ONU or HGW to the Optical Outlet
An ONU or HGW is the device that connects your computer or smartphone to the internet.
It is sent by mail when you sign up for fiber optic service, and without it, you cannot use fiber optic internet.
However, an ONU can only connect one computer, so if you want to use the internet on multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, or a TV, you will need a separate router.
On the other hand, if the device sent to you is an HGW, you do not need a separate router.
An HGW essentially combines an ONU and a router, so one unit can connect multiple devices to the internet without an additional router.
Preparation Before Fiber Optic Installation
Before the fiber optic installation, confirm the following four points:
・Whether your address is within the service area
・Whether cable installation work is required
・Whether you have obtained permission from the landlord or management company
・Where the equipment will be placed
Service areas vary depending on the fiber optic provider.
If you live outside the service area, you cannot use that provider's service.
If you are within the service area, check whether cable installation work is needed.
If fiber optic cable is already running to your room, you may be able to start using it simply by connecting and configuring the equipment yourself.
However, if installation work is required, it may involve drilling holes in the building for wiring, so you need to obtain permission from the landlord or management company in advance.
Without permission, the work cannot proceed, so it is recommended to check early to keep things moving smoothly.
Once those issues are resolved, decide where to place the fiber optic equipment.
It can only be installed in one location, and moving it later may require additional construction work.
That would take both time and money, so it is important to choose a convenient location from the start.
The Fiber Optic Installation Timeline
Next, let's walk through the process from application to completion of the installation.
Apply for Installation
Apply for the service and installation at the same time, and arrange an installation date.
For fiber optic installation, it is common for the earliest available appointment to be 3 to 4 weeks away.
If you have a specific date by which you want to start using the service, it is recommended to apply as early as possible.
The Installation Appointment
If optical fiber cable has not yet been run to your room, or if an optical outlet has not been installed, you will need to be present on the day of installation.
There is nothing specific you need to do, but you must be there because the technician will need to enter the room.
Installation can sometimes take several hours, so choose a day when you have plenty of time.
Installation Complete
Once the technician's work is finished, connect the equipment sent to you in advance (ONU or HGW) to the optical outlet and configure the settings.
You will set up the internet connection yourself, and the specific steps vary by ISP.
Operators are available to walk you through the process step by step, so even those who are not tech-savvy can complete the setup.
Once the setup is done and the connection is working properly, the fiber optic installation is complete.
Typical Costs for Fiber Optic Installation
Installing fiber optic internet involves not only construction costs but also ISP fees, monthly line fees, and contract fees.
Exact costs vary depending on the fiber optic plan you choose, but here are the typical cost estimates for apartment installation.
・Contract fee: around ¥1,000
This varies by provider but is generally around ¥1,000.
It is only charged in the first month.
・Installation cost: approximately ¥15,000 to ¥20,000
The amount varies depending on the scope of the work.
An administrative fee of around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 may also apply.
Some companies offer installment payment options so you can pay the installation cost together with your monthly usage fee, rather than all at once — a good choice if you want to reduce upfront costs.
・Monthly fee: approximately ¥4,500 to ¥6,500
This is the recurring fee for using the fiber optic line each month.
The rate varies depending on your location and plan.
Make sure you fully understand the terms of your contract.
・ISP fee: approximately ¥500 to ¥1,000
In addition to the fiber optic line fee, you will also need to sign up with an ISP to use the internet.
Since this is a monthly recurring cost, compare services and choose one that suits your needs.
If the rental property was previously occupied, you may be able to start using the internet simply by connecting the dedicated equipment sent to you by mail.
In such cases, the contract fee, monthly fee, and ISP fee remain the same, but installation costs are likely to be lower.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Fiber Optic Plan
Next, let's look at key points to keep in mind when selecting a fiber optic plan.
Bundle Discounts with Your Smartphone Can Save You Money
Pairing your fiber optic plan with your smartphone can offer significant savings.
Most mobile carriers offer bundle plans that combine fiber optic internet and smartphone service, which can lower your monthly smartphone bill.
Discounts typically range from ¥500 to ¥1,000.
There are various types of bundle deals beyond simply signing up for both services together.
For example, some discounts only apply if you subscribe to certain optional services, or the eligibility conditions can be complex, so pay close attention.
A particularly common requirement is subscribing to "optical phone" service.
For those who do not have a landline and do not feel they need one, this may seem unnecessary.
However, some carriers and plans allow you to use your smartphone in place of a landline, so if you are considering adding optical phone as an option, be sure to check the details.
If you make phone calls frequently, it could result in meaningful savings on your monthly smartphone bill.
Make the Most of Promotional Campaigns
To get an even better deal on fiber optic, keeping an eye on promotional campaigns is essential.
Fiber optic providers run a wide variety of campaigns, so it pays to take advantage of them.
Cashback campaigns are especially common, with cashback amounts of ¥40,000 to ¥50,000 available.
Occasionally, campaigns offering ¥100,000 in cashback are available as well.
As a result, some people hold off on signing up until a larger cashback offer is available to get the best possible deal.
Even ¥50,000 in cashback is roughly equivalent to a full year's worth of line usage costs, making it an excellent value.
Some providers also run campaigns offering free installation.
However, campaigns may run for a limited time or have a cap on the number of eligible recipients, so act carefully and promptly.
For Better Performance, Choose a Proprietary Network or IPv6-Compatible Line
Fiber optic internet includes two main types: "hikari collabo" (collaborative fiber) and "proprietary networks."
More recently, "IPv6," the latest internet protocol, has also become available.
If you want faster speeds and a more comfortable internet experience, choosing a proprietary network or an IPv6-compatible fiber optic line is recommended.
Let's look at the features of each.
Proprietary Networks
Proprietary networks may still be less well known compared to hikari collabo lines offered by many mobile carriers.
One reason for this lower awareness is that they are only available in limited areas.
However, proprietary networks offer faster speeds than hikari collabo, enabling a stress-free internet experience.
While hikari collabo lines offer speeds of around 200 to 300 Mbps, proprietary networks can reach 400 to 600 Mbps.
Some mobile carriers offer proprietary network plans with bundle discounts, so check what proprietary options are available in your area.
IPv6-Compatible Fiber Optic
In recent years, the rapid spread of internet use has led to a shortage of IP addresses.
An IP address is essentially the internet equivalent of a postal address, assigned to devices like smartphones and computers.
Because devices cannot connect to the internet without an IP address, IPv6 was developed to solve this problem.
IPv6 supports "IPoE," a new method of connecting to the internet.
Connecting via IPoE results in faster speeds and more stable connectivity.
Some fiber optic plans support IPv6.
In particular, if you frequently play online games or stream high-definition video, it is worth checking out IPv6-compatible fiber optic options.
Potential Issues During Fiber Optic Installation
Problems can sometimes occur during fiber optic installation.
It is a good idea to be aware of potential issues in advance.
Installation Does Not Go Smoothly
Installation delays are quite common with fiber optic.
These are typically caused by insufficient preparation on the customer's part or errors made by the technician.
While there is little you can do about the latter, thorough preparation on your end can help the process go more smoothly.
The key preparation step is deciding in advance where you want the optical outlet installed.
The router and ONU will also be placed in that area, so factor that into your decision.
If you later want to move the optical outlet, you will need to arrange another installation appointment and pay an additional fee.
Installation Costs Are Higher Than Expected
Some customers are surprised to find the installation costs higher than anticipated.
A key characteristic of fiber optic installation pricing is that work carried out outside standard weekday daytime hours incurs additional charges.
Surcharges apply on weekends and public holidays, as well as for evening work (5:00 PM to 10:00 PM) and late-night or early-morning work (10:00 PM to 8:30 AM).
If you need installation outside of standard weekday hours, be sure to ask about any additional fees when getting a quote.
Also note that even if you qualify for a free installation campaign, surcharges may still apply and may not be covered by the campaign.
Damage to Property or Belongings
Since fiber optic installation involves work inside your home, there is a risk of damage to the room's fixtures or your belongings.
Incidents where technicians accidentally scratch or damage property are not uncommon.
One of the most frequent cases involves tools falling from a ladder and damaging the floor or walls.
No technician does this intentionally, but mistakes can happen.
If your property or belongings are damaged, contact the company and ask about compensation.
Most companies carry installation insurance, so you should be able to receive compensation if an incident occurs.
Do not simply accept the loss — contact the company and explain what happened.
Also, if any of your belongings are movable, it is a good idea to relocate anything that might get in the way of the work to another area.
Even if you can receive compensation, some items cannot be replaced once damaged.
Taking reasonable precautions is therefore important.
Tidy up the area properly before the technician arrives.
Watch Out for Fraudulent Operators
After fiber optic installation is complete, you may receive a call from someone claiming to represent your current provider, urging you to change your contract.
A telltale sign is that they offer "lower rates and faster speeds than what you currently have."
There are many cases where people followed the instructions and unknowingly switched providers.
If you receive a call about your fiber optic service, do not act immediately — verify that the caller is genuinely from your current provider before taking any action.
Things to Keep in Mind When Arranging Fiber Optic Installation
Even if signing up for fiber optic is straightforward, there are several important points to be aware of during the installation process.
Overlooking these can lead to problems, so make sure to review them carefully.
Areas Without Fiber Optic Coverage
Whether fiber optic installation is possible depends on whether optical fiber cable is available in the area.
Areas without optical fiber infrastructure — particularly mountainous or rural regions — cannot have fiber optic installed.
If the distance between the property and the nearest exchange is too great, installation may also not be possible.
Additionally, if the building's structure prevents optical fiber cable from being run through it, installation cannot proceed.
While you can check in advance to some extent, the final determination of whether installation is feasible can only be made on the day of the appointment.
Obtain Permission from the Management Company or Landlord
You must obtain permission from the management company or landlord before proceeding with fiber optic installation.
This is because work may need to be carried out in common areas, or holes may need to be drilled in walls.
Proceeding without permission can cause disputes, and you may also face significant move-out fees.
Some rental agreements also require you to have the fiber optic line removed when you move out.
It is reassuring to confirm in advance whether removal will be required upon moving out.
Removal costs vary by provider but are typically between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000.
Scheduling an Installation Date Can Take Time
Fiber optic installation appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning installation typically takes place 1 to 2 months after applying.
Getting the specific date you want is also not guaranteed.
If you need internet access right after moving in, it is important to plan ahead.
Booking your appointment with as much lead time as possible is strongly recommended.
Your Presence Is Required During Installation
Since fiber optic installation involves work inside the room, someone must be present during the appointment.
If you have been waiting many days for the scheduled date and then find yourself unable to attend, the wait will only extend further.
That said, some providers allow someone other than the contract holder to be present, so if you genuinely cannot make it, arrange for someone else to be there.
It is worth confirming in advance who is authorized to be present so the process goes smoothly.
Cases Where Installation Was Approved — and Where It Was Not
To install fiber optic in an apartment, you need to obtain advance permission from the landlord, building owner, or management company.
In some cases permission is granted; in others, it is not.
Understanding the specific differences between cases where permission is and is not granted can be helpful when negotiating.
Cases Where Permission Was Granted
Let's first look at cases where permission was granted.
Provided a Clear and Thorough Explanation
When tenants clearly explained the scope of the work and why they need fiber optic internet, many landlords were willing to grant permission once they understood the situation.
In some cases, the fiber optic installation representative will speak directly with the landlord to explain the work, so if you find it difficult to explain on your own, it is worth asking whether this is an option.
Had an Established Relationship with the Landlord
If you regularly greet the landlord, follow building etiquette, or have a friendly enough rapport to chat casually, landlords are more likely to agree.
Most landlords want to accommodate their tenants' needs where possible, so building a good relationship on a day-to-day basis matters.
Explained That Work Would Be Affected
Many people genuinely cannot work without an internet connection.
In particular, those who bring work home or work remotely need a reliable connection speed to function effectively.
Without the ability to work, income can be affected, which can in turn lead to missed rent payments.
Since that would also affect the landlord's income, many landlords are inclined to agree when this reasoning is explained.
Mentioned the Possibility of Moving Out
Indicating that you would consider moving out if permission is not granted can also be an effective approach.
However, this risks damaging your relationship with the landlord, so treat it as a last resort.
One caveat: this approach tends to have little effect if the property is in a desirable location where new tenants are easy to find.
It may be more effective for less popular areas or older buildings.
Cases Where Permission Was Not Granted
Now let's look at cases where permission was denied.
Drilling Was Required
Landlords who might approve installation without drilling often refuse when drilling is required.
Technicians try to avoid drilling wherever possible, but some buildings have structures that make it unavoidable.
If permission to drill is not granted, fiber optic simply cannot be installed.
Large Apartment Buildings
In large apartment buildings with many units, approval is rarely given.
The reasoning is typically that accommodating every individual tenant's request is not feasible.
This tendency becomes more pronounced the larger the building, so it is advisable to find out in advance which internet connections are available.
Insufficient Explanation
If you cannot clearly explain why you need fiber optic and what the installation involves, permission may be denied.
While tenants are entitled to make requests, the decision ultimately rests with the landlord.
Given the risks involved for the landlord, you need to demonstrate a genuine and serious approach to the conversation.
In this article, we have covered the installation process, costs, and key points for introducing fiber optic internet to an apartment.
There are many differences between fiber optic and standard internet connections.
For those who prioritize connection speed in particular, fiber optic is an essential choice.
However, since many apartments already have an internet connection of some kind, landlords may not always see the need for a change.
When seeking permission, aim to communicate your needs as specifically and clearly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fiber Optic Installation in Apartments
Q1. How much does it cost to install fiber optic in an apartment?
Running the cable to the common areas can cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, while in-unit wiring typically costs around ¥10,000 to ¥30,000. Approval from the building management association may also be required.
Q2. How long does fiber optic installation take?
From application to activation, it typically takes 2 weeks to 2 months. During busy periods such as moving season, it can take more than 3 months.
Q3. Why is my fiber optic connection slow in my apartment?
If your building uses VDSL wiring, speeds are limited because telephone lines are used from the common areas to each unit. Switching to optical wiring can be an effective solution.
