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Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)
An Update for our Customers
May 4, 2012
As we have previously shared, our BPL business partner (IBEC) exited the business as a result of financial and technology issues. When we first shared the news, we indicated that we would put measures in place utilizing existing contracts and infrastructure to continue your service until August 2012. We have appreciated your patience during this transitional period, especially with the unforeseen bumps along the way.
We will officially discontinue BPL service on August 15, 2012, and strongly encourage you to continue seeking an alternative service prior to that time. Many of our former BPL customers have successfully transitioned to a MiFI service, which is essentially a compact wireless router that acts as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. MiFi devices work through the same cellular systems as mobile phones, and are available through many of the local mobile phone providers. Some customers have also discovered that DSL or cable service has been made available in their areas. If you have not already done so, please begin contacting other local providers in order to make sure you have a well-tested service in place prior to August 15.
We have not given up on our efforts to provide a meaningful and long-term high-speed solution, and continue to advocate on a national level for a strategic approach to rural broadband service. Electric cooperatives were incorporated 75 years ago to meet a need for electricity in the rural space, and we need a similarly-coordinated effort now to provide broadband in that same space. While we have no viable service to offer today, please know that we are representing your voice and your needs at the national level.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Hance
President/CEO
Midwest Energy Cooperative
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