Roanoke Electric Co-ops is continuing to make great strides in closing the longstanding digital divide that exists in its service territory. The co-op is encouraging member-owners who are interested in signing up for internet service to do so before June 30 to save $175 with free service installation.
“Plans are still underway to resume our Roanoke Connect broadband construction in October,” said Marshall Cherry, chief operating officer of the co-op. “Once we resume construction, the upgraded high-speed internet service and equipment will be deployed and offer a faster and more robust ‘fiber-to-the-premises’ communications network throughout the region.”
Member-owners who are interested in the service can sign up for the service at roanokeconnect.com.
“Not only will member-owners be able to waive the installation fee through June 30, on the site, you can also track when the service will be offered in your area,” Cherry said.
Meanwhile, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-op has installed 20 hot spots throughout its service territory so community members can access a free Wi-Fi connection.
“ Our change in strategy to bring fiber to the home has delayed our deployment of broadband but we realize the need is now for internet services. To help people apply for jobs, unemployment, telehealth services and long distance learning we installed 20 free hot spots locations throughout our service areas.,” said Kirby Jordan, the co-op’s vice-president of member services, marketing and public relations. The hot spots can be found in Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Northampton and Halifax counties. The full list can be accessed here.