March 2022 Fiber Construction Update

Fingers are crossed that the wintry weather is behind us, and we are turning the corner into springtime! Flowers are beginning to bloom across the region and our broadband projects are moving along in full swing.

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

• Cornwall East / Irish Creek / Nature Camp / South River (Rockbridge County): The delayed railroad crossings for this area were completed and installations are taking place. We want to thank all consumers in this area for your patience and we are so happy to finally get you connected!

• 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 as we continue to evaluate.

• 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.

We also want to clarify information regarding projects in Cornwall East. There are two project areas in Cornwall East – one is the Irish Creek / Nature Camp / South River area where installs are now taking place. The second is in a non-BARC electric service area that includes Vesuvius – this area is in partnership with Dominion Energy and is currently delayed. We do not have a timeframe yet to provide to potential consumers as to when this construction will move forward but will provide updates as they become available.

There are many areas eligible to sign-up for BARC Connects broadband service in Rockbridge and Bath counties. If you are questioning if your area is eligible, you can always visit our website http://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 2022 fiber construction areas. While construction is still going on in your area, be sure to take advantage of our residential “free service drop” promotion. Terms and conditions apply – see our website for details.

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”.

With network security and parental controls needed more than ever, let us help you with our SmartHome Solutions! BARC’s app suites provide extra peace of mind for your family and home. 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://www.barcconnects.net/smart-home-solutions/

BARC has distributed information to current TV subscribers regarding the divestment of service. ,strong>All TV service through BARC Connects will end 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.

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.