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Why is Central Rural Electric Cooperative getting into fiber internet?
The graphic above shows the five main reasons Central is expanding its fiber network throughout its entire service area.
Central began steps to increase our smart grid capabilities 10 years ago when we worked with our power provider, KAMO, to install fiber at all of our substations. This led to numerous advances in our distribution system operations, which means that we are better equipped to performed predictive analysis. This means we are able to increase system uptime, while also decreasing outage duration.
The Central board of trustees has decided to move forward with expanding fiber communications throughout our entire service area in an effort to increase connectivity in the field. Members will benefit from a smarter electric gird and the potential of modern rate designs, but also the capability of fiber internet services being offered to the home from the full system buildout.
When will fiber internet be ready for home installations?
Mainline construction began in late October 2020 in the Stroud, Stillwater and Perkins areas. The entire project will take 5-7 years to complete, and the first member connections are projected to begin summer 2021.
How long will it be before I get fiber internet?
We will be working as quickly as possible to build-out a fiber network that has connectivity across our entire system. The entire project will take 5-7 years to complete, and construction began in the Stroud, Stillwater and Perkins areas in late October 2020.
When can I sign up?
You can sign up for updates on the homepage of CentranetFiber.com. As soon as fiber becomes available in an area, we will notify the members living in that area.
Can I get bundled billing with my CREC electric?
Unfortunately, bundled billing will not be available. Centranet bills will be due on the 1st or 15th of the month.
What about terms and fees?
There will be a $100 installation fee for residential subscribers. If service is canceled, the subscriber must return the equipment or be subject to a $250 equipment return fee. If the equipment is returned, then the fee is waived.
Will the fiber project affect my CREC electric rates?
Central has created a limited liability company, Centranet LLC, that will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central. Operating under a split business model will mean that those who take fiber service are not subsidized by those who do not.
Is it unlimited data? Can I stream with it?
Yes, it will be unlimited data! We know you have enough to worry about without being concerned about any data limits so take this one off your list!
Absolutely, you can stream with our service, and if it makes your life more enjoyable to do so, we recommend it!
When will it be available in my area?
The entire fiber buildout for all of Central’s service area is a 5-7 year project. We promise to work as quickly as possible to bring fiber to every Central member. Be sure to register here for the latest updates and to express your interest.
Does it include TV service?
No. Centranet will not offer video (TV) service. However, there are services available like YouTube TV and Sling that allow you to use your Centranet fiber service to stream television.
Does it include phone service?
Coming soon! Fiber technology allows for VoIP (voice over internet protocol) phone service. Phone service will not be launched at the same time as the internet service, however, it will be coming soon!
How will it be delivered to my house? Is it wireless to my house?
No! You get your own fiber optic cable all the way to your home or business. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) is the type of system Central is building to ensure increased connectivity in the field and for our members, reliable, fast internet service. Unlike wireless, cable, satellite, and DSL internet, fiber optic connections provide over 1,000 times as much bandwidth as copper and can travel more than 100 times further without losing signal strength. Fiber optics use the speed of light to transport data, which means that it is fast! Central’s network will be 100% fiber.