Fiber Update- December 11, 2018
9:52AM December 13, 2018
A quote that sums up the Jackson Connect fiber-optic
internet undertaking is from Milton Berle- “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build
a door”. The opportunity for our rural
members to have high-speed, fiber-optic internet wasn’t knocking, so Jackson
County REMC created Jackson Connect to provide the same internet speeds that
residents who live in cities and towns are already accustomed to.
Fiber Services Coordinator Melissa Abdulbari had this to
say, “I truly enjoy working for Jackson Connect! Being part of this project and
seeing it grow is something I feel really good about. Knowing this is a need for most people, we
strive to keep this project moving forward.
Everything may not be ‘light speed’ like our internet, but we are
putting forth every effort we can to efficiently deliver an amazing service to
our members.”
In November, Jackson Connect had it’s 1-year construction anniversary,
and a lot has happened over the past year.
There are currently about 600 miles of mainline and distribution fiber
installed. The project, which had an
original timeline of 5 years, is currently ahead of schedule and we are
approaching 500 members connected. “The
first year of construction has been equally challenging and rewarding. To
complete over 500 miles of fiber installation and have nearly 500 customers
connected is impressive,” Matt Persinger, Technology Manager, had to say about
his department’s progress. “I couldn't be prouder of the team of people making
this happen.”
We are growing at a pace that the co-op hasn’t seen in many
years, both in new fiber services and employees, and we’ve continually been
learning, updating, and improving our processes. Mark Smallwood, Facilities
Engineer adds, “Our fiber project will mean so much to so many. To take the
bold step as REMC did to build something from the ground up and be asked to be
part of this journey, to make the pieces fit, is very gratifying.”
Currently, installations are happening in the Brownstown
zone and will soon be available in Pleasant Grove and Cortland Zones. Pre-drop surveys will soon be available in
the Little York West zone. Each and
every one of Jackson County REMC’s members will have the opportunity for
fiber-optic high-speed internet through Jackson Connect.
“Building something like this from the ground up, it’s a big
job, and it’s going well,” said our installers, Chris Crane, Tanner Sutherland
and Aaron Smith. “We haven’t met a member that hasn’t loved the service.”
At the end of 2017, Jackson County REMC had 71
employees. Today, there are 84
employees. The fiber department has 12
employees, 8 of which were new hires in 2018.
Other positions, such as Customer Service Representative, Lineman
Apprentice and Marketing Specialist were also added in 2018 to keep the quality
of member services at the high standard it’s always been, with the increased volume
of member needs.
Heather Stevens, Fiber Services Coordinator, sums up the
sentiment of all employees: “By providing this service we are improving the
quality of living for all of our members and their families, which is extremely
rewarding. I’m curious and excited to
see what the future holds for Jackson County REMC and Jackson Connect.”