CAEC Broadband Project Update

8:34AM November 13, 2018

-        What will be the monthly cost to customers?

 o   The initial cost estimate is $59.99/month for residential internet service.

-        What speed will be offered?

 o   At a minimum, speeds will exceed the FCC definition of broadband, which is 25 Mbps downstream/3Mbps upstream. Most average speeds will be up to 200 Mbps up and down (no data caps). Up to 1Gbps will be available at a higher cost. Additional options will be available for business customers.

-        What's the projected startup time?

 o   We expect construction to begin no later than June 2019.

-        When will I get high speed internet at my home?

 o   Phase I of the broadband project includes the build-out of a 365-mile fiber core that will connect our 24 substations and six offices, and includes additional fiber to serve beyond our needs. Phase I also includes working toward serving those members in the 4,000 ft. area around our core ring, which includes nearly 10,000 homes and businesses.

 o   As this Phase takes off, and the model is proven, we can move to Phase II of the project, which involves installing infrastructure past that initial 4,000 ft. and on to even more customers. We need to reach the goal of a 35% take rate from those within this first phase in order to move forward. This will be a multi-year project, but taking this first step right now gets us closer to providing broadband to those members who no one has been willing to serve.

-        How far out will service be available?

 o   In the coming months, you will be able to visit https://www.caecaccess.com/front_end/zones  to determine if your address is included in Phase I of the project.

-        Will this create jobs for the co-op or will this be contracted out?

 o   We will begin the search to hire a professional with an internet service background to help manage the business.

 o   Initially, a combination of CAEC employees and contractors will be used for various processes.

-        If I am not a member, can I still get service?

 o   Based on how close you are to our construction path, you may be eligible for service.

-        What happens to the $25 I paid for participating in the survey?

 o   As construction moves forward, member interest will help determine which communities get connected next.

 o   Paying the $25 for the survey has already placed you on the pre-registration list for service and will also count toward helping us to determine demand in your community.

 o   This amount will take the place of any future connection fees.

 o   While Phase II has not begun, we are already accepting pre-registration for the areas outside of the Phase I construction zone.

-        How can I help get the word out to my neighbors about this project?

 o   Invite us out to a neighborhood, church or civic club meeting!

 o   We can also provide you with printed materials or a PDF that you can share.

 o   Send the www.caecaccess.coop link to everyone you know and tell them to pre-register.