February 2022 Fiber Construction Update

February Fiber Construction Update: We are pleased to announce that BARC and its contractors have received a date to complete four railroad crossings necessary to complete construction in the Cornwall East / Irish Creek / Nature Camp / South River project area! Railroad Crossings will take place on February 28, 2022. Fiber splicing and service drops will commence as soon as the fiber is pulled across the railroad tracks. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we have been waiting for permission from the railroad and are excited to be closer to connecting consumers in this project area.

As we begin anew setting goals and objectives for the year ahead, the consistent theme at BARC is rising above challenges and moving toward improvement. Our organizational goals are focused on seeking ways to improve the community we serve. Expanding broadband service to our community is at the top of the list.

We are providing some updates to project areas for 2022 and 2023. You can visit our website www,barcconnects.net to learn more about completed areas in 2021 and previous years. Many areas across Rockbridge County are eligible for service – our website allows you to enter your address and see if your eligible to sign up now for connection.

There are some updates to a few project areas BARC had planned for completion in 2021 that are still ongoing into this year:

• Cornwall East / Irish Creek / Nature Camp / South River: Though BARC received approval for the four railroad crossings necessary to complete construction, the railroad has not yet given us the green light to proceed. We are now in the process working with them to establish a date for each crossing. Fiber splicing and service drops will commence as soon as the fiber is pulled across the railroad tracks. Unfortunately, BARC’s hands are tied until the railroad allows our fiber construction to proceed with these crossings. We will continue to provide updates.

• North Raphine / Augusta County: Construction in this CAF project is being evaluated due to crews encountering dense rock that greatly slowed the construction process. Work is continuing in this area.

There are many areas eligible to sign-up for BARC Connects broadband service. If you are questioning if your area is eligible, you can always visit our website https://shop.barcconnects.net or call us at 800-846-2272 and one of our Customer Service team members will be happy to help you. The below chart provides a status update of 2021 fiber construction areas. While construction is still going on in your area, be sure to take advantage of our residential “free service drop” promotion if you live in an eligible area. Terms and conditions apply – see our website for details.

We also want to provide you with some information on future construction areas for 2023 in the chart below:

We encourage all residents and businesses in eligible areas where construction is underway to sign up for service now so we can have you in our queue as construction is completed. We are also enhancing efforts to keep you updated on the status of your area with pre-construction postcards letting you know what to expect as well as follow-up information on service options and how to sign-up for service. Consumers with eligible addresses should have received information on how to sign up for service. You can always check our website https://www.barcconnects.net to see if your address is eligible for service by selecting “Sign Up Now”.

BARC now offers SmartHome Solutions to enable network parameter and parental controls as well as additional network security. ExperienceIQ offers parental controls and allows you to set boundaries on access to online platforms. ProtectIQ offers an extra layer of security for all connected devices in your home. Each suite is only $5 per month. You can learn more on our website by visiting https://barcconnects.net/SmartHome Solutions.

As a reminder, BARC is no longer offering TV service to new consumers effective April 1, 2021. Information to current TV subscribers will go out in the near future and contain important information – stay tuned!

If you have a commercial account and are interested in BARC Connects services for your business, 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.