Posted: Oct 29, 2009
By: Woody Rehberg
Dry weather may be bad news for farmers, gardeners, lawns or the Satilla River, but it is great news for our crews plowing cable throughout the county.
Our cable contractor, Fiber Optic Communications, has now placed approximately 400 route miles of fiber optic cable in our service area. In fact, BTC estimates that by July 2010, all of our "backbone" network should be in place. There are a few exceptions of roads that are currently scheduled to be paved, but they will follow as soon as all right-of-way is cleared.
In early October, you may have noticed three large satellite dishes being constructed behind the BTC Business Office. Thanks to the City of Nahunta's approval of the construction plan submitted by BTC, we now have the equipment necessary to acquire our television programming from satellites in orbit that we'll offer over our new Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. There is still a lot of testing to do, more equipment to install and employees to train, but this was an exciting step.
IPTV will offer many new benefits, like bundled savings with your other services. Because it comes to you on the fiber, it is not susceptible to "rain fade" like small satellite dishes. It will also feature a local station dedicated to providing news, sports & community entertainment similar to what you've been seeing lately on BTConline.net. (Nice new look, by the way, right?)
But, IPTV must be delivered on our fiber-to-the-home network, so we need to get you converted!
We have now converted almost 900 residences to the new fiber system, but we have a long way to go and we appreciate your patience. We are working as fast as possible, but we need your help! If you are in an area where our crews have been working, look for a door hanger or check your voicemail for technicians trying to schedule your conversion appointment. Please respond promptly. There is no charge for this service and it is absolutely necessary to maintain your current services. If you already have the new Optical Network Terminal (ONT) mounted to your home, you could be next!
As a special incentive, new customers can receive free installation of BTC Hi-Speed Internet service on the day of your conversion. With speeds up to 50 Mbps or prices as low as $24.95, we believe our Internet service is unbeaten in quality, price or service in Brantley County.
Please watch for our crews as you drive through Brantley County neighborhoods and, for your safety as well as theirs, drive with caution giving them plenty of room.
If you plan to dig, even if it's just a mailbox post hole, please dial 8-1-1 and allow someone to come mark all of your underground utility facilities. It's free and can save a lot of hassle.
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