The foundation of the HiLight network is its fiber optic backbone. This backbone was constructed in partnership with the Hillsboro School District (HSD). 

In addition to providing the connection source for all HSD schools and facilities, the backbone will feed five fiber huts that will serve as nerve centers of the HiLight network’s Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) distribution system serving residences, multi-unit properties, and businesses throughout the community.

Construction of the HiLight FTTH distribution network is expected to continue for the next several years to reach all neighborhoods in Hillsboro. Construction of the distribution system will be accomplished in phases, organized around five fiber huts.

The first areas to be completed were the neighborhoods surrounding Shute Park in Southwest Hillsboro. The developing South Hillsboro area, where home building activity allows for HiLight fiber optic lines to be placed while trenches are open, requiring less digging and disruption, will also be among the initial areas where service will become available.

While there will be exceptions, generally you can expect that if other utilities are located underground in an area, then the HiLight fiber optic lines will also be placed underground in the public utility easement (or PUE). If other communications or power utilities are aerial, you can generally expect that the HiLight fiber lines will also be placed overhead. HiLight construction activity will be identified by signs placed at the worksite.

The distribution network construction will extend the HiLight fiber optic lines from the fiber huts to the area outside each Hillsboro residence and business. Once activated, the system will be ready for the final leg — installing the fiber optic lines to and within each subscribing home or business, and delivering service!

Construction of the Southwest Hillsboro phase was completed at the end of 2021. Areas east of SW 10th Avenue and north of TV Highway, as well as parts of South Hillsboro, were completed in 2022 and the early part of 2023. Neighborhoods south of TV Highway will be the focus of construction in 2023, with completion expected in mid-2024. Other phases of Hillsboro will be completed in the years ahead.

A Note About the Public Utility Easement: Throughout the City, a Public Utility Easement (PUE) generally exists on each homeowners property 8.5 feet from edge of the sidewalk. (There are areas where there is not a sidewalk, yet these PUEs are still present).These easements exist as public pathways for the placement of underground franchised utilities and services. Most commonly, these easements run in front of a property, but they may also exist in the back or side of a property.

Within these easements, the construction of the HiLight distribution network will occur. The contractors engaged to complete this construction will be responsible to repair any damage or restore any landscaping disrupted by their work in the public easement. 

For multi-unit dwelling (MDU) properties, additional steps are required. 

While the HiLight fiber optic distribution system will be constructed to the exterior of each apartment, condominium, and other MDU property, in order to make service available to tenants of these properties, the owner will need to grant HiLight permission and access, with the signing of a Right-Of-Entry (ROE) agreement.

Once an ROE is signed, HiLight will coordinate with the property ownership/management to pre- or post-wire a fiber optic line directly to each unit of the property. This will equip each unit and allow each MDU resident to access and subscribe to HiLight internet and voice services, once activated.

Fiber is secure. Fiber optics is one of the most secure technologies for delivering sensitive data.

Fiber is future-proof. Fiber systems are readily updateable and expandable.

Fiber is more reliable. With fewer active devices to fail, there are fewer service interruptions. Fiber is immune from temperature changes, severe weather, and electromagnetic interference.

Fiber requires less maintenance. With fewer components in the system design, there is less to maintain and less to fail.

Fiber is simple to install and less intrusive. Fiber optic lines are smaller, flexible, sturdy, and easier to hide.

Fiber increases property value. Once installed, fiber-equipped homes enjoy added value. 

Fiber can deliver faster speeds. Super-fast symmetrical gigabit speeds are delivered up and down.

Fiber has greater bandwidth and capacity. More data is carried over longer distances to serve more devices.

HiLight is fast. Really fast. HiLight offers blazing fast internet speeds to both residents and businesses in Hillsboro.

HiLight is affordable. HiLight delivers its super-fast speeds at low rates and with local customer support from real people here in Hillsboro.  HiLight also offers Bridge service to help economically-challenged households get connected.

HiLight is simple. HiLight offers a few options for internet service, as well as digital voice service. That’s it! Not a lot to sort through. No confusing packages. No tricks or gimmicks. Straightforward.

HiLight is clear. HiLight’s rates are the rates you pay. No additional fees and taxes. No limited-time promotional introductory prices that soon expire.

HiLight is unlimited. No data caps or throttling of your internet. Unlimited local and nationwide long distance (including Canada) with digital voice.

HiLight is service focused. We put a premium on delivering outstanding user experiences.

HiLight is forward looking. The HiLight infrastructure is built to support future community opportunities that foster business and enhance the livability of Hillsboro. This includes providing a foundation for dozens of potential “Smart City” initiatives.

HiLight is local. HiLight is designed to serve Hillsboro, with a commitment to improving the lives of community residents. The revenue from user fees stays here in our community.

HiLight is built for you. We do everything with Hillsboro residents in mind; whether it is the quality of our service, our pricing, or our commitment to equity for all.