The "Speed of Light" Is Coming to YOU
Posted on December 22nd, 2021
As we begin a new calendar year, the speed of light is coming to you! Maybe not the kind you immediately think of, unless you’re thinking about high-speed internet and fiber optics through Connect2First, a wholly owned subsidiary of the cooperative. We have launched an internet and phone service for you – our members; however, we ask you to be patient. When the co-op takes on a project, we’re determined to do it right. We’re working as quickly as possible to get this service to every member who wants high-speed, reliable internet and phone service. But keep in mind, we’re building a system from scratch and that doesn’t happen overnight.
A friend once paraphrased a scripture to me. As God said, “Let there be light, and poof! You could see for miles.” Please keep in mind that we’re human and not as fast as the Lord. We’re building an entirely new system and that takes time. In fact, some of the buildout will continue through 2025. We’re currently a little over 1,700 miles into the 7,000-mile project and have more than 1,300 connections completed.
Our service is fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), which means that it’s not a fixed wireless system that transmits a signal from a tower to your home. Those types of systems sometimes encounter problems in Arkansas because of the weather, terrain, trees and mountains.
We hope you sign up for this service, but even if you don’t, you will benefit from this project as a co-op member. The fiber backbone, which was constructed to connect our 46 substations, five offices and one operations center, is again improving the quality of life with better substation control and communications, meter technology upgrades and system automation.
We’re asking for your help with local, state and federal officials to support Connect2First. As many of you know, state and federal dollars have been distributed to fund infrastructure projects such as water, sewer and broadband. We need to communicate the message that Connect2First deserves its portion of the pie. If you would like to help, please go to connect2first.net and send us a message on our contact us page. We will contact you with ways you can help.
Happy New Year from the Board of Directors to you – our members. We’re excited about 2022 and the “speed of light” coming to you!
Sincerely,
Rick Love, Chairman
P.S. We will contact you when we are in your area.
