Roanoke Electric Co-op is now one step closer to bringing high-speed internet service to the region. Fiber has been installed at the co-op’s substation in Jackson—the first such installation in the buildout of a fiber optic network that will cover more than 2,000 square miles.

This major milestone lays the groundwork for making the very first connections to subscribers in that region this month.

Construction of the state-of-the-art fiber optic network incorporates “fiber-to-the-premises” technology, with fiber optic cables running directly to homes and businesses. It is expected to take five to six years to complete.

The next substations scheduled to go “live” are Conway, Mapleton, Aulander and Roduco.

The co-op aims to be as efficient and streamlined as possible during each buildout phase. To help gauge levels of interest, co-op leaders are urging member-owners who have not yet signed up for the internet service, to do so now at https://register.roanokeconnect.com.