What does combating food insecurity and broadband connectivity have in common? According to Surry Marketplace owner, Andy White, it’s a collaborative effort! When White moved to Surry County seven years ago, he soon discovered two challenges of life in rural America: food scarcity and broadband access. 

RURALBAND is excited to announce that it continues to break ground in expanding its fiber optic solution in Sussex County. RURALBAND is now accepting applications for the following areas: Gray Road, Grigg Road, Owen Road, Henry Road, Harrell Road, Mason Road, Lebanon Church Road, Proctor Road, Grizzard Road, Blue Star Highway, and all locations in the Town of Jarratt that are in Sussex County (excluding Greensville County).

Staff from Prince George Electric Cooperative and RURALBAND recently attended the Senior Citizens of Eastern Sussex meeting to educate attendees on ways broadband connectivity can enhance their quality of life.

There’s still time to take advantage of a $75 credit on your first month’s bill when you complete a RURALBAND application! Members who complete the application by Oct. 31, 2024, will receive a $75 credit on their first month’s bill.

September was a great month for broadband! As RURALBAND celebrated a successful year in reaching its 5,000th service installation milestone in September, the co-op’s President & CEO Sarat Yellepeddi also joined many industry professionals and legislators from Virginia, Maryland and neighboring states gathered at the fourth annual Rural Fiber Expo.

Did you know the average household with internet access owns about 17 connected devices? That figure covers a wide range of electronics, including smart phones, computers, streaming devices, smart speakers, home assistants and more. Given our increasing reliance on internet-connected technologies, the likelihood of new cyber threats is ever-present.

RURALBAND crews continue to move the needle on the distribution construction in Sussex County. RURALBAND has opened a new zone for the following additional areas: Comans Well Road, Loco School Road, Winfield Road, Briggs Road, Bell Road, Kientz Road, Harmony Road, Hilda Road, Blue Star Highway, Andrews Road, Jarratt Ave, Braxton Ave, Mayes Street, North and South Halifax Road. Members are encouraged to complete an application to start their installation process.

For many hunters, September marks the beginning of dove season. Doves often perch on utility lines, making enticing targets for hunters. Shooting at utility lines is dangerous. Prince George Electric Cooperative would like to remind members to avoid damaging fiber and electric lines will while hunting this season.

As a broadband solutions provider, RURALBAND desires to offer members the best customer experience possible. Each month, we will provide members with resources, tips, and tools on how to troubleshoot some of the top issues you may experience with your wi-fi enabled devices in this “Stay Connected” feature. Check out this month’s latest tip below.

While many are moving away from having landlines, RURALBAND’s Voice over IP Phone Service members are enjoying the many features it has to offer. There are many features and Feature Access Codes that can be used directly from your phone.

RURALBAND continues to enhance the quality of life in the diverse communities it serves through its broadband internet service. Members like Shakia Pollard, have the following to say about how the service impacts their everyday lives:

RURALBAND crews have completed the distribution construction in Sussex County and members are encouraged to complete an application to start their installation process. This includes: Tyus Road, Anderson Road, Bethel Church Road, Courthouse Road, Sussex Drive, Optimist Road, Princeton Road. Comans Well road, Pine Tree Road, Stokes Road, and Gilliam Road.

One of RURALBAND’s newest members serves up some of the most delicious meals in PGEC’s territory. Co-owner of the Homeville-based ‘Grab & Growl Grill’ establishment, Joseph Dalton, says that having RURALBAND has improved their business operations and increased their customer satisfaction.