Dear Members:
Beginning in January 2022, we are increasing prices for our internet services. Prices for fixed wireless and fiber monthly service plans will increase by $5 per month. We’ve increased download speeds for many plans as well. You can see our residential plans and pricing here, and see our business plans and pricing here.
This is the first price increase for internet members since we began providing service more than 15 years ago. It is necessary both as a result of increasing costs to provide services, and to help support the buildout of a fiber-to-the-home network throughout our community, which will provide all members with better internet service.
This change was evaluated carefully over the past few years. In 2019 we surveyed members and asked whether the co-op should raise prices for internet service to build fiber-to-the-home. Of the respondents who had an opinion on the matter, 77% said yes.
Since that survey, we have developed a fiber build project plan, completed a pilot project in the Trout Creek Ridge area, and begun the process of upgrading and adding to our core network equipment. We’ve also begun to build fiber in some areas. We now have nearly 600 members on fiber internet service.
The fiber to the home build may take several years to complete; rest assured we will work diligently to complete it efficiently. One of our largest challenges is materials: With similar builds going on across the United States and significant supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic and other factors, lead times for some items are now being measured in months or years instead of weeks.
We know that many of you would like to be the next member who is connected to fiber. We appreciate your patience as we work through the process of getting this build completed.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you,
Libby Calnon
General Manager