Lake Cherokee Internet

It has been a little while since my last update, but things have been moving along. One very important event has been the relocation of the CUG Folks to the Longview area. We are glad they are here! Installations have continued but slowed somewhat, not due to lack of requests but because we can't get in touch with you.   Daily, the installation crew attempts to set up installation appointments by calling the numbers we have on record. They leave a message, if they can, but they are not getting responses. We need you to call us back so we can schedule a appointment. Within the next two-three weeks, we should be able to have service to anyone on the Lake that wants it. We just acquired a repeater site in Lee Creek that provides service down the Creek, and if the weather will cooperate, it will be finished early next week. We also have acquired repeater sites on the north and south sides towards the dam that will fill in some service holes. We are also focusing on the areas around and above Silvey Bridge and will need a couple of sites there. We are still struggling with providing service in the Airport/Lakeport area. We are working on several potential solutions there, all of which require us to acquire an antenna site in that area. We have contacted several businesses, have been turned down by some, but have hopes that one of the others will work with us. The proximity to the Airport limits our options in terms of height, so we have some issues to overcome. If you have questions about availability in your area, call 877-610-9434 and they will give you a status in your area.

We have extended the installation subsidy until at least March 31 for on-lake installations. Additionally, we are continuing to get inquires from our neighbors not on the lake and will begin to investigate providing service to other areas very soon. We are very pleased with the response to this project. We know there have been some "technical" difficulties along the way, but the feed back from most subscribers is very positive. We recently increased our capacity by 50% to ensure our subscribers get the speed they are paying for. As I have said before, LCI is committed to providing the best Internet possible.

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Dan Merritt
lcicherokee@gmail.com

LCI INSTALLATION FEE PROMOTION HAS BEEN EXTENDED

Beginning in November, the CWC established a subsidy program for shareholders desiring to sign up for LCI, our new High Speed Wireless Internet service. The subsidy program was due to expire on February 28, 2010. Under this program, the CWC would pay up to $125.00 of the $175.00 + tax cost of basic installation. Due to the overwhelming response from the shareholders, we will be extending the subsidy program until Wednesday March 31, 2010. In order to qualify for this promotion, you need to be on the installation list by Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Just send your name, lot number, telephone number and your request to be placed onto the installation list to lcicherokee@gmail.com.

LCI is providing very high-speed Internet to our Lake Cherokee Community at the low cost of $46.00 per month, if you set up a PayPal Account. PayPal will automatically charge your credit card each month, so your service will not be interrupted. However, if you choose not to have these charges made automatically, you will have to manually enter payment each month, through PayPal, but the monthly charge will be $54.38 and each month you would need to remember to make your payment in order to keep continual service. PayPal is a secure site and they are used throughout the world for financial transactions.

Many shareholders have already taken advantage of the $125.00 savings on the promotional installation fee. Take advantage of this offer and place yourself on the installation list. Only CWC shareholders will be receiving this subsidized promotion. This is our way of saying thank you for your support.

If you would like to attend an informational meeting about LCI, with the LCI project team and members of the tech. support, CUG, be sure to send your name, lot number and contact telephone number to LCIcherokee@gmail.com to be placed on the meeting list. The meeting usually takes place on a Saturday morning and takes about two hours. You will be contacted when the date has been set. We will discuss LCI, equipment needed, how to get started, and basic information about our high-speed wireless Internet. You will also be able to meet with the technical support team of CUG (Community Utilities Group). We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.   I have three computers in my home, will all three be able to sign on the Internet at the same time?
A. Yes. Once you have purchased a subscription plan and established a User Name and Password, you have access on all the computers.

2. I have an old computer that has been on dial-up, what is needed to make it wireless? How much will it cost?
A. You will need one of our radios mounted on your house. The radio is $50.00.      If your computer has an Ethernet card, and almost all do, you are in business.

3. How will family members be able to use the computer when I am not home?
A   They will need your User Name and Password.

4. Can the password be stored and be used automatically? Yes

5. Do I have to buy a new computer just to get high speed Internet? No.

6.   How secure is the payment information and who is responsible if someone gets personal information?
A. PayPal is the most secure Internet payment system available. Millions of people use it daily. Neither CWC nor CUG see any of your card information, so PayPal is responsible.

7. Will someone be able to see the WI-FI and be able to sign on without paying? No

8. Who do we contact at the CWC for questions about Internet Service? lcicherokee@gmail.com

9. Who at CWC can handle technical questions? Currently lcicherokee@gmail.com .   CUG will responsible for maintaining the system when it is operational.

10. What effect does bad weather have on my service? The same effect it has on your cell phone usage.

11. Will I need to purchase virus and hacker protection?
A. If you do not currently have this protection and you use the Internet, you should acquire it immediately regardless of who provides your Internet connection. There are some very good ones available free.

12. How long does it take to get a technician if my Internet goes out?
CUG will know you are down because they will monitor the radio on your house, but you call their 800 number. They will have it repaired within 24 hours.

12.   I am on another ISP, and want to change ISP, is that any problem?
No. If you have a contract, you should review it before canceling.

13. When can I expect service?
We are taking subscriptions right now. Currently, there is a backlog of requests, but we are working on them as rapidly as possible.

14.    Most Wireless Internet services slow down as more people are signed up. Will this happen to Lake Cherokee Internet?
We are committed to providing enough capacity to eliminate this problem. We will monitor usage on the network and add bandwidth when needed.

If your question(s) remains unanswered, please E-mail lcicherokee@gmail.com with your questions(s).

Cartoon used with permission

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