September 7, 2020 Home
There is general agreement that access to the internet is essential for the lives of almost everyone. This was true before the coronavirus, and it is even more true now. School in Hancock County is partly online, much medical communication is done on line, and people are working online at home. PVEC Member Voices supports providing high speed internet service to all members of the Powell Valley Electric Cooperative.
Point-Broadband and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative have been told by the court to work out an agreement and continue with their installation operations as in the past. This is good news for everyone. It makes little sense to spend time and money on a court case.
PVEC Member Voices has heard from dozens of people since the ad in the last issue of the Shopper. There are two major concerns.
1) WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO GET HIGH SPEED INTERNET?
2) MY NEIGHBORS HAVE HIGH SPEED INTERNET. WHY CAN’T WE GET IT? WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO DISCONNECT IN ORDER TO GET SERVICE?
Among those calling were: parents with children in school, parents that are home schooling, senior citizens who have to drive to Morristown or Kingsport to consult with doctors rather than doing so online, a vet who has to drive to VA facilities in Knoxville or Johnson City for issues that could be solved on line.
For sure, compared to one year ago, more of us do have high speed connection. This does not help those who don’t. Do internet service providers PVEC Fiber, Point Broadband, and Scott Telephone have plans to expand their networks?? If so, when and where? This information should be available to all.
WHAT TO DO? Call these internet service providers (again). Ask when you might be hooked up. Contact State Representative Gary Hicks and State Senator Frank Niceley and tell them your concern. Contact Diana Harshbarger or Blair Walsingham who are running for Congress to replace retiring Phil Roe.
Everyone needs to learn more about our electric cooperative. For more information, go to pve.coop.
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