BARC Connects April 2022 Fiber Construction Update

Mother Nature has been keeping us all on our toes with mixed weather across the region as springtime in Virginia always offers a few surprises. Though BARC has seen many surprises during broadband construction, progress continues on network expansion to world-class internet service for the region.

We have a few specific updates for delayed and new project areas below:

• North Raphine / Augusta County: Construction in this CAF project continues to be evaluated as crews encounter dense rock. BARC has been reviewing several options for this area with its contractors due to cost factors and time delays impacting the project. The BARC Board of Directors is reviewing this information with cooperative leadership to determine next steps.

• Millboro Springs Distribution (Bath County): Your area is now eligible to sign up for service! BARC distributed information through USPS to eligible consumers – if you did not receive a notice, please check your address on our website, http://shop.barcconnects.net or call Customer Service at 800-846-2272.

• Warm Springs Distribution (Bath County): Contractors have begun work in this area clearing ROW and are in the beginning stages of mainline fiber construction. Information related to the construction process is in the mail and soon eligible consumers will receive additional materials on available services and how to sign up for connection!

• Cornwall East / Vesuvius (Rockbridge County): BARC continues to have delays in this project area due to permitting holdups through the Blue Ridge Parkway. BARC has been working to obtain permission to cross through the parkway for over 2 years. This area is currently on hold as we work with external partners to overcome the permit issues. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeframe available as to when this work will move forward.

• Botetourt County: As we stated in March, this fiber construction project is still in the very early stages of the process. This project is in partnership with Dominion Energy and BARC will provide last-mile fiber utilizing Dominion’s middle-mile fiber. As we get closer to construction, eligible consumers will receive information on the project and how to sign up for service. We do not anticipate connecting consumers in this area until 2023.

As of April 2022, BARC has passed over 10,000 eligible premises offering world-class internet service over broadband. There are many areas where construction is complete in Rockbridge and Bath counties. If you are curious about eligibility for your address, please visit our website https://www.barcconnects.net/ and select “Sign Up Now”, or call us at 800-846-2272 and one of our Customer Service team members will be happy to help you.

BARC Connects has multiple service offerings to meet consumer needs. We offer multiple broadband internet packages designed to fit consumer needs and budgets starting as low as $60 per month. Dedicated fiber service to your home including WiFi and no data caps gives consumers the freedom to access the world.

As a reminder, BARC will discontinue offering TV service through BARC Connects on June 30, 2022. You are allowed to discontinue your TV service at any time without penalty prior to that date. We appreciate the understanding of our TV subscribers.

Calling all Business Owners: If you have a business need for BARC Connects service, please contact Billy Reid, Director of Business Development for assistance at 800-846-2272.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, our crews, or anything related to BARC services, please contact us at 800-846-2272 or via email at support@barcconnects.net. You can always stay up to date on our progress by visiting https://www.barcconnects.net/news or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BARCElectricCooperative

Our mission remains to improve the quality of life in our communities. We look forward to bringing you world-class broadband service and appreciate your patience.