A few weeks ago, as I returned home from my morning walk, I noticed webbing strung along the entire length of our wrought iron railing. Highlighted by tiny dew droplets, the web gleamed in the fog-diffused sunlight. Apparently, as we slept, some critters had gotten to work.
I admired the spectacle, especially the thought of such tiny creatures accomplishing so much in such a short time. As impressive as the work was, the enormous effort produced only temporary results. Wind and weather will quickly undo their industrious endeavors.
The wrought iron, on the other hand, has stood for 20 years now. Erected not long after the house, it was built sturdily and with quality materials designed to endure the tests of time. It no doubt will remain until I, or another resolute force, tear it down.
During my observations, I couldn’t help but think about the parallels to Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) and the fiber network we’ve built.
Founded in 1939, our Cooperative has been here for 87 years. It was founded to provide reliable, affordable electric service to consumers in the rural parts of the 6 counties we serve. Thanks to our not-for-profit and service-minded business structure, we will continue to provide reliable, affordable service for as long as our consumers need it.
In 2020, we started building our fiber network, and we did so with the same mindset. Constructed to utility-grade standards, it is well designed and intended to endure the tests of time and nature.
In many of the areas we serve, there are other internet providers, to which some of you may subscribe. While my hope is that you are getting good, reliable service at an affordable price, the reality is that most likely you are not, or at least not getting what you pay for.
These other companies are profit-driven. They invest the bare minimum and rarely follow up with real commitments to improve reliability. Many often still have copper conductors in their networks, which means they cannot match the speeds, service quality, and reliability of fiber.
They like to advertise super low rates for new customers, which can be attractive to those hoping to save a few dollars. But just like the flimsy webbing gleaming on the iron rail, these prices and the companies offering them are temporary.
With names that change every year or 2 and usually include “spark,” “light,” or “speed,” these companies are bought and sold quite often. It is certainly enough that you may never really know who you’re doing business with.
We were the first in our area to build a new, all-fiber network from the ground up. We have no legacy copper lines from which we’re still trying to squeeze profits. We built our network to utility-grade standards, and we maintain it to those same standards. This ensures that, like my iron railing, our network will continue to provide reliable service for many years to come.
As your electric cooperative, our undying mission is to provide you with reliable services at affordable prices. We are driven by service, not profit.
I wish you and your families a safe and Happy New Year.