Q. What is Central Access?
A. In late 2018, the Board of Trustees of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) approved a plan to construct a fiber network for broadband to rural Alabamians who desperately need this service. This process involved creating a subsidiary (Central Access), wholly owned by CAEC. We are currently constructing a 400-mile core to the cooperative's facilities and as a part of this process, we are also building out to those who are in the initial area and who have already indicated an interest in service by paying a $25 commitment fee. This step will expedite the process of connecting homes to high-speed broadband as we continue to activate services. This will be a multi-year project, but taking this first step now gets us closer to providing broadband to those members who no one else has been willing to serve.
Q. How do I find out if I am eligible for service?
A. You can enter your address above and you will then be shown whether the address falls into one of three areas.
- Initial Core (Phase I)
- Grant area
- Zone requiring activation
Q. I am in the initial core, what does that mean?
A. The mainline construction of this core has been completed and during 2021, we will continue working to activate services. If you fall within this area and register for service, you will be notified when it is time to schedule your in-home installation.
Q. I’m in a grant area, what does that mean?
A. In addition to plans for the core ring, grants have been awarded for several of our communities and those areas have been incorporated into our construction plans. For those located in grant areas, it is important to realize that there are several requirements that have to be met before funds are disbursed and permission is given to begin construction, so please be patient as we navigate through that process. As we begin construction in your area, you will be notified of our progress and next steps.
Q. I am in a zone requiring activation, what does that mean?
A. By entering your address above you can see which zone your address falls into as well as the interest level for our service within your zone. This is key since moving forward, customer demand will determine our construction route and zone activation, so the more people signed-up in an area, the faster that zone will be added to the construction schedule. No community will be left out, and our goal remains to off er service to all CAEC members. You and your neighbors can register on this site.
Q. Is there an installation fee?
A. No, there are no installation charges.
Q. If I am not a member, can I still get service?
A. Based on how close you are to our construction path, you may be eligible for service.
Q. I received my fiber drop, what is this and when can I expect service?
A. To expedite the installation process, Central Access contractors may have already begun the process of running the drop line from the pole to your home. The drop line attaches to a connection box, also known as a NID (Network Interface Device). The NID serves as the access point for the fiber from outside to inside the home.
As we complete the work needed to activate your service (which may involve continued construction), we will send you a notification to schedule your in-home installation at a time that’s convenient for you.
Q. How can I help get the word out to my neighbors about this project?
A. We can host virtual meetings with your neighborhood, church or civic club and we can provide you with printed materials, yard signs or a PDF that you can share that you can request by emailing access@coop.caec.com. You can also follow and share our information on social media or simply send the www.centralaccess.com link to everyone you know and tell them to pre-register.
Q. Will you offer phone services?
A. Yes. Residential, nationwide, unlimited phone service for the continental United States is available for just $19.99/mo.
Q. Will you offer television services?
A. No. The lowest speed we offer is capable of allowing you to take advantage of the many streaming TV options available--opening up a whole new world of entertainment! We can help you choose the service that works best for you, including Roku streaming devices that you can purchase directly from us.
Q. I own a business, are there business services available?
A. Yes. We offer a variety of packages and custom solutions for any business size. Contact us at 1-888-706-4754 to learn more!