Many of our members have questions about the status of broadband service in our area. We understand why.

Reliable internet access is important to our communities, and we know many members have been waiting quite some time for service to become available. We also want to clarify Claiborne Electric’s role in the broadband project.

The broadband network buildout is a project led by Conexon, a separate company that received federal funding to provide broadband service in much – almost all – of Claiborne Electric’s service territory. Claiborne Electric is not the internet service provider and is not a partner in the broadband project.

Because Conexon planned to use Claiborne Electric’s poles for portions of its fiber network, our role has been limited to reviewing and approving requests to attach fiber to Cooperative-owned poles. So far, the Co-op has reviewed and approved more than 12,000 poles for fiber attachments by Conexon. Our responsibility throughout that process has been to protect the safety and reliability of the electric system our members depend on.

At this time, the broadband project through Claiborne Electric’s system is moving forward at a pace much, much slower than promised. Regrettably, Claiborne Electric does not control Conexon’s construction plans, project schedule, or decisions about when or where broadband service will become available.

We recognize that this may be disappointing for members who have been waiting for internet service. However, we believe it is important to be clear about where things currently stand and about Claiborne Electric’s role.

Our focus remains where it has always been: providing safe, reliable electric service to our members and responsibly maintaining the electric system you depend on every day.

Questions about broadband availability, construction plans, or future service should be directed to Conexon.

Michael Marcotte

Claiborne Electric General Manager & CEO