Dec. 20, 2021 Message: Thank you for your patience
We understand that some members may be frustrated by the lack of new information regarding our exploration of high-speed internet, but this silence doesn’t mean we’ve stopped exploring avenues to help our community. Quite the contrary, we’re waiting for news right alongside you.
We continue to examine how Noble REMC can assist in getting high-speed internet to our members. We are working with other community leaders and businesses, including LigTel and Noble County Economic Development Corporation, to see how we can help our members and the community.
We appreciate all of the residents who took time to complete the Indiana Farm Bureau Speed Test, which helped to strengthen grant applications recently submitted by LigTel for broadband internet funding.
Right now, we are waiting for information regarding those grants. As you know, after submitting grant applications, it can take months before an announcement is made as to who is receiving funds and who is not. Once we hear news and determine what money is available for such a project, we’ll work with community leaders to help in any way we can.
July 14, 2021 Message: Internet speed tests needed for grant opportunities
There’s no doubt that there’s a need for more/better high-speed internet options in our area, but one of the biggest obstacles to making it a reality is funding.
But you can help.
Please take a minute of your time to complete the Indiana Farm Bureau broadband speed test – click here – and do so as many times as you’re able. This will allow community businesses and leaders to provide a much more accurate representation of the need in our community when applying for grant funding.
May 24, 2021 Message: Update on broadband internet efforts
Dealing with slow internet speeds is frustrating. We understand, and we’re doing all we can behind the scenes to see if we can help with a solution.
We are exploring, collaborating and examining how Noble REMC can assist in getting high-speed broadband internet to our members.
But it’s a decision that doesn’t happen simply or quickly. The logistics of the situation are vast – from the financial commitment of tens of millions of dollars, to the myriad of options for broadband deployment, to the impact on our current services. This is all being discussed while focusing on our accountability to you, our members, who own the cooperative.
We understand that the length of time between updates may make it seem like our efforts are on the backburner, but it’s quite the opposite.
Please be assured we will share information with you as decisions are made.
Jan. 6, 2021 Message: Update on high-speed internet study
We hear you. We’ve appreciated each phone call, social media message and interaction about your excitement at the prospect of Noble REMC bringing our area high-speed broadband internet. Unfortunately, making the decision on whether to proceed with the project is not a quick one – and it shouldn’t be. We need to be diligent and make the most responsible decision for our members.
We are currently studying the results from our recent member survey and are working with our consultant on the feasibility study and financial models. While a lot is happening behind the scenes, our members remain our top priority as we look at the significant financial investment and overall feasibility of bringing high-speed broadband internet service to our area. We look forward to updating you as soon as we have news of our next steps in the process.
Thank you, as always, for your support of Noble REMC.
October 1, 2020-Nov. 1, 2020: The high-speed internet member survey is open to the public.
Sept. 22, 2020 Message: Have your voice heard!
As a member of your community, Noble REMC listens to the wants and needs of those around us, and now we need your feedback.
Noble REMC has recently heard a great deal of interest from members and community stakeholders relating to broadband internet services in the areas we serve. In many cases, broadband service providers have not kept pace with the demands of consumers.
Noble REMC has provided electric service to our community for nearly 85 years, and we understand the challenges our rural landscape presents to internet service providers. At the same time, we understand that inadequate broadband services pose constraints on our members’ quality of life in many ways, including educational and telework opportunities, economic development and options for service levels at a fair cost.
The Noble REMC Board of Directors has decided to conduct a survey of members to determine interest levels regarding broadband internet service options in the areas we serve. The cooperative has a long-standing history with TWN Communications and has asked that it collects member input.
It is imperative that all members, both residential and business, complete this survey to ensure that each voice is heard. To complete this brief survey, go to nobleremc.com, and click on the “Broadband Survey” button. You will then enter your email and address – which will only be used for the purpose of identifying areas most in need – and complete the survey.
This survey information is disclosed only to the cooperative for the purpose of determining member interest in conducting a broadband internet service feasibility study for our service area.
I encourage all members to make their wishes known. Noble REMC and its board are listening and will use your responses to determine how to proceed with this important service for our communities.