HFN crews are actively working in the first upgrade zone.

The Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) upgrade is bringing a brand new, next-generation fiber internet system to Issaquah Highlands. This marks one of our most transformative projects in over a decade, bringing brand-new fiber infrastructure to every corner of the community and connecting neighborhoods one phase at a time.

Work is currently underway in the first upgrade zone. Interest has been extremely high, and many neighbors have already asked to join the first phase of the upgrade. We’re working through this zone steadily, although not everyone who expressed interest has been scheduled yet.

The reason is simple: the same technicians installing the new network are also the ones who support the community every day. They do it all, from fixing outages and troubleshooting problems to handling repairs and responding to requests. Even while working on the network upgrade, they continue to keep the neighborhood running seamlessly.

As a result, daily installations are limited. The team is working hard to upgrade the network while maintaining reliable service for the current system. Even so, each completed installation moves the new system forward, and we remain focused on upgrading every household as quickly as possible.

If you live in the first upgrade zone and signed up early, you may still be waiting as we work through the homes ahead of yours. For homes outside this area, we will contact you as soon as your phase begins.

Skip the Line

For residents who want to experience the new network sooner, HFN offers an optional Skip the Line choice for anyone who would rather not wait for their zone to open.

How It Works:

• There is a one-time fee of $150.
• We will move your home to the next available installation appointment, which is roughly a month out at this time.
• This option is ideal for neighbors who want early access before crews reach their part of the community.
• It does not shift existing appointments that are already scheduled.
• If you want to skip the line, visit the HFN website here.
• Simply enter your address. The form will then show the option to Skip the Line.

Your Perks at a Glance

This upgrade is all about giving the community a stronger, faster and more capable network. The goal is to meet today’s internet needs while preparing the system for tomorrow.

Faster Speeds

While you can upgrade to a different speed tier at any time, once your home is on the upgraded network, your speeds will automatically increase as follows:

• 10 Mbps becomes 25 Mbps
• 100 Mbps becomes 250 Mbps
• 1 Gbps becomes 2.5 Gbps

More Capacity for Daily Life

The majority of homes use several devices at the same time. Phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, cameras, speakers and smart home equipment are all using bandwidth. The new network increases overall capacity, allowing everyone in a household to use the internet at once without interference or lag. The 2.5 Gbps tier is ideal for families where everyone in the household is active on the internet.

Prepared for Future Growth

The upgraded system supports 2.5 Gbps today and can scale up to 50 Gbps. In other words, the network is ready to grow alongside the community and adapt to whatever comes next in the world of online technology.

HFN crews finished placing all backbone fiber in fall 2025, a huge milestone in this multi-year project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I signed up to be notified. Why have I not heard anything?

A: If you are in the first upgrade zone, you are still in the queue as we schedule and complete installations in that area. Not everyone has been contacted yet because installation appointments are limited. As mentioned earlier, the same technicians who install the new network are also the ones who support the community each day. We will reach your home as we continue working through the list of installation requests.

If you are outside the first zone, your phase has not started yet. You will hear from us once we reach your neighborhood. Anyone who wants to move sooner can choose to Skip the Line.

Q: Why do I need a router?

A: For the integrity of the new network and your in-home Wi-Fi system, every household needs a router available at the time of installation. A router is required so that your upgraded connection can be activated and tested during your appointment.

You may use your own router or choose HFN’s Wi-Fi Plus Router, which offers enhanced connectivity features. The Wi-Fi Plus option includes a Wi-Fi 7 router with 24/7 remote support and access to a mobile app. The app allows you to monitor and control your home
network from your phone, set parental controls, create guest networks and manage connected devices from anywhere.

To learn more about Wi-Fi Plus, visit the HFN website here. During your appointment, technicians will review your setup, walk you through placement and equipment needs, and make sure your home is fully connected to the new network.

Q: When will my area be upgraded?

A: The short answer is that we don’t really know yet. The upgrade process began in the Dahlia Park, Grand View Park and Magnolia Park areas due to specific technological and infrastructural factors. We expect that it will take us most of the first quarter of 2026 to finish upgrades in this area.

We will then reassess the needs of the network to select our next area for upgrades. If any infrastructure or technological issues arise, those will take priority. Otherwise, we will evaluate areas that have expressed the most interest in upgrading to select the next expansion area.

Q: How long will the project take?

A: The upgrade will take several years from start to finish. Every neighborhood will transition to the new network in phases, and the work needed in each area is different. Some parts of the community require brand new fiber installed in the ground. Other areas only need new equipment. As a result, the timeline will vary from one neighborhood to the next.

We are moving through the community one section at a time, doing the work carefully while ensuring the current network continues to run smoothly for everyone. It’s a lengthy project, but progress is made every day, and each completed phase brings us closer to a fully upgraded
network for everyone.

Jeremy Fallt is the HFN general manager and a Westridge resident.

As published in the winter 2026 issue of Community Connect magazine >>>