December 2020 Fiber Construction Update

The strangest year ever is quickly drawing to a close. Recently we have had some wintry weather in the area making it feel a little more like the holiday season. Our team is making great strides as we near the end of 2020 meeting the goals and objectives we set at the beginning of this year, not knowing we would face one of the greatest challenges in our history with a health pandemic.

We are closing the year strong having constructed approximately 400 miles of fiber to bring service throughout the community. 2021 will be focused on expanding service to more BARC members, especially in the western portion of our service territory, as well as grant-funded project areas outside our electric territory where we have commitments to provide broadband service.

Below is an updated table that summarizes all current and planned construction for 2020:

While construction is still going on in your area, be sure to take advantage of our “free service drop” promotion if you live in an eligible area. You can do this online by visiting our website http://shop.barcconnects.net or calling 800-846-2272 and one of our Customer Service team members will be happy to assist you.

The Town of Goshen fiber project will move full steam ahead in January or February, now that a contractor has been selected and the bid process is complete. Additionally, we received some CARES Act funding allowing us to add some locations for construction into our project plan which will be complete by year end in Rockbridge and Bath counties. And last, but not least, work in Rockbridge County for the Virginia Telecommunications (VATI) grant project area has begun on the Effinger/Glasgow circuit. Consumers with eligible addresses should have received information on how to sign up for service. You can always check our website https://www.barcconnects.net to see if your address is eligible for service by selecting “Sign Up Now” We will also commence construction in 2021 on two additional grant funded projects in portions of Botetourt and Augusta counties.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, our crews, or anything related to BARC services, please contact us at 800-846-2272 or via email at support@barcconnects.net. You can always stay up to date on our progress by visiting https://www.barcconnects.net/news or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BARCElectricCooperative

We look forward to continuing fiber service expansion through the upcoming year and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!