Orange fiber optic cable in the sidewalk: what does it mean?

Last updated: September 16, 2026

The street was dug up, the excavators are gone, but right in front of your door, a bright orange cable is still sticking out of the ground. Sometimes the contractor then disappears for months. What exactly does this mean, who is responsible, and what can you do yourself?

Thin orange fiber optic cable sticking out of the sidewalk

Illustration of a typical fiber optic cable sticking out of the ground.

Cable is there, but when will my internet work?

Short answer: A cable in the street does not automatically mean your connection is ready to use. The home connection and further technical delivery still need to be completed.

Therefore, check:

Which network is being installed at your home?
Is the home connection already scheduled?
Have you already ordered a subscription?
What date does the network operator/provider give?
Has that date passed? Then contact the party managing the connection status.

This is how the installation usually goes

The exact method differs per network and project, but usually, the construction work is carried out in different steps. A visible cable near your home generally means that part of the street work has been completed, but the home connection still needs to be finalized. Curious about the full A to Z process? View the comprehensive installation guide.

Preparation

Survey and planning.

Excavation

Cables under the sidewalk.

The Orange Cable

Cable acts as a marker.

Home Connection

Drilling and mounting.

What is this cable and can I cut it?

The orange cable you see is part of the fiber optic connection towards the home.

Important: Do not touch this cable, do not bend it, and absolutely do not cut it. Fiber optics are extremely fragile. Damage caused by yourself can lead to high repair costs billed by the network operator.

Why does nothing happen afterwards (sometimes)?

A common complaint (according to consumer forums) is that the street is ready, but the home connection takes a long time. A possible cause of the waiting time is that different tasks are carried out by different teams or contractors. The schedule of the street excavation and the final home connection therefore do not always align.

What can you do yourself?

First check with the network operator who is carrying out the installation. Have you already ordered a subscription? Then you can also ask your provider for the current connection status.

KPN Netwerk (or Glaspoort): Check the status directly on the KPN Netwerk zip code check. No date listed? You can contact them directly.
Open Dutch Fiber (ODF): Check your address on the ODF website. Communication often runs via your provider (e.g., Odido) or the local contractor.
GlasDraad: In parts of Landelijk Noord, you can check the status and contact them via the GlasDraad website.

Temporary internet

Has the switching service already canceled your old internet, but the fiber hasn't been connected yet? In some situations, your internet provider can offer a temporary mobile solution (an 'emergency package'). This is not a legal right, but ask actively at the customer service of your provider. KPN, for example, sometimes sends a temporary 4G modem, and Odido can sometimes provide data vouchers.

Need immediate internet? If you don't want to wait until your fiber optic connection is ready, you can also look into temporary internet via 4G or 5G. An example is Klik & Klaar from Odido, where internet is delivered via the mobile network and the subscription is cancellable monthly. Check the current terms and availability before ordering.