Faster internet speeds were established for Ceylon’s residents thanks to a $855,669 Community Development Block Grant to bridge the digital divide in small towns. Federated Broadband, a department under Federated Rural Electric, Jackson, was selected by the city council’s request for proposals to deliver GIG-speed fiber internet. The project is now complete and operating. Testing has been completed and all speed tiers are performing as expected. What do GIG speeds provide? GIG -speed internet allows you to work remotely, take remote classes for high school or college, do telemedicine doctor appointments and stream television that’s 4K quality. GIG speed internet can help retain and attract young people for the rural lifestyle with the necessity of highspeed internet. These speeds are comparable to Twin Cities internet options with competitive pricing too. Drop your landline with voiceover internet (VoIP) or use WIFI calling for improved cell phone reception. Even if you do not presently use the internet, this fiber connection adds to your home’s resale value. What’s the timeline for faster internet? Date Task Underway Staking for the fiber lines will be done in early July. Pending Environmental permits will be submitted after staking. This takes about 10 weeks for review by the state and federal groups. Underway Some Fiber is already on hand with other materials being secured and ordered. August 2 & 23 Hot dog nights. Enjoy a hot dog, ask your questions and see the equipment. August 31 Sign up for your FREE fiber installation and connection to the home under the grant provisions. This does not obligate you to a package right now. September 1 If all goes well, a contractor could get started by September 1. Fiber is plowed or directionally drilled into the ground making minimal disturbance of yards with the fiber feeds installed in the public rights-of-way. First hook ups Later this year or 2023, depending on weather, contractors and materials. What equipment is installed for a fiber optic connection? 1. In the event an underground fiber drop is used; our contractor will plow or drill the fiber line to your property. This means very little yard disturbance. Most services in Northrop have overhead electric and I these cases; an overhead fiber drop will be used. 2. Where underground plant is used; a pedestal will be installed that will serve several homes. Where overhead plant is used, the drop will come directly from the Pole. View a preliminary map for locations and fiber routes. Draw your home/property, along with other services here. Label too. 3. This 9” x 12” gray box (Network Interface Device or NID) would be installed on the side of your house. (Items #1-3 are all covered under the project cost and add value to your property even if you do not sign up for a fiber monthly service package.) DRAFT MAP: Ceylon Fiber Lines (Click to Enlarge) Broadband fiber packages Packages What’s available for Ceylon businesses? Ceylon businesses are encouraged to sign up for Federated Broadband fiber internet. Higher speed packages are available upon request. The grant does not cover the fiber hookup, but please contact Federated about your interest. Federated will work with you on what the installation cost would be. How do I sign up to receive a Federated Broadband fiber drop? Construction consent form will need to be completed and return to Federated Broadband prior to any construction that will begin on your property. You can find the form by visiting here. You can complete a paper version and mail it to our office at PO Box 69, Jackson, MN 56143, or you can email it to info@federatedbroaband.coop. You can also drop it off in the payment drop-off box outside our Jackson location. Consumers Trust Local Cooperatives Federated Broadband packages are listed with the basic fiber internet package starting at $70.00/month. A national poll recently showed that electric cooperative’s values give consumers faith that a local co-op would do a better job of providing reliable, affordable broadband services than big telecommunications companies. This is due to the local ownership, community infrastructure and reliability. In January 2022, Federated Rural Electric added Federated Broadband, formerly Back 40 Wireless, to our service offerings; the cooperative also is applying for grants to bring GIG-speed internet to all of its rural member-owners in Jackson and Martin Counties. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Federated is committed to offering affordable internet for its members. If you are struggling financially, you could qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you meet the eligibility requirements. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting Getinternet.gov or by calling 877-384-2575. What’s available for Ceylon businesses? Ceylon businesses are encouraged to sign up for Federated Broadband fiber internet. Higher speed packages are available upon request. The grant does not cover the fiber hookup, but please contact Federated about your interest. Federated will work with you on what the installation cost would be. How do I sign up to receive a Federated Broadband fiber drop? Construction consent form will need to be completed and return to Federated Broadband prior to any construction that will begin on your property. You can find the form by visiting here. You can complete a paper version and mail it to our office at PO Box 69, Jackson, MN 56143, or you can email it to info@federatedbroaband.coop. You can also drop it off in the payment drop-off box outside our Jackson location. Consumers Trust Local Cooperatives Federated Broadband packages are listed with the basic fiber internet package starting at $70.00/month. A national poll recently showed that electric cooperative’s values give consumers faith that a local co-op would do a better job of providing reliable, affordable broadband services than big telecommunications companies. This is due to the local ownership, community infrastructure and reliability. In January 2022, Federated Rural Electric added Federated Broadband, formerly Back 40 Wireless, to our service offerings; the cooperative also is applying for grants to bring GIG-speed internet to all of its rural member-owners in Jackson and Martin Counties. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Federated is committed to offering affordable internet for its members. If you are struggling financially, you could qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you meet the eligibility requirements. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting Getinternet.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.