Project Update for Tuesday April 2, 2024
The backbone fiber buildout continues to make great progress across the NELPCO footprint now that spring is here and warmer weather has arrived. Construction on the buildout of the network is approaching the 90% mark, and we continue to enjoy take rates north of 50% by NELPCO’s members taking advantage of Volt Broadband’s fiber-to-the-home initiative.
As of April 1, our active customer count stands at more than 3,000, with over 200 more scheduled for installation, as well as an additional 75 waiting for drop installation, which is fiber from the pole at the road to their home. Last month, an additional feeder in the Delhi/Holly Ridge area opened, and several more feeders are scheduled to follow in other areas in the weeks ahead. This will include the East Carroll area, as well as customers in the Kilbourne/Chickasaw area.
As it stands at this point, the plan is for all the NELPCO territory north of Interstate 20 and points north to the Arkansas line completed with service available in the May/June timeframe. In addition, backbone fiber construction continues in areas around Crowville with service in those areas expected by mid-summer. Construction also continues in the Fort Necessity areas, with service anticipated to become available to NELPCO members by August. Make-ready efforts continue in the Como area in east Franklin Parish which will prepare the way for fiber construction becoming available by the fall.
This is the final area of our two-year construction project to bring internet service to all NELPCO members before the end of this year. We remain very pleased with the progress made so far in the construction of the Volt Broadband network. Upwards of 90% of the fiber buildout is in place and customers continue to sign up every day, and we continue to get great reviews from our customers on the ease of installation, cost, and ongoing customer service.
We are proud to be able to bring this state-of-the-art service to all our NELPCO members. And, it goes without saying that we are very appreciative of your patience with this project. Despite setbacks and other issues that have caused delays, we remain on schedule and look forward to providing this service to all the NELPCO members as quickly as possible.
Please visit our website at www.voltbroadband.com for the latest construction information available, and to view the projected in-service dates for your area. Volt Broadband’s home office is located at 150 Christian Street in Rayville and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please drop by if you want more information or to sign up for the service. You can also call our office at (318) 728-1022 if you need assistance or have questions regarding our service.