The Benefits

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How will I benefit from fiber internet access?

Our sole reason for offering high-speed internet services is to meet the needs of members like you. You will no longer have to rely on DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite internet to stay connected online. You will be able to stream high-definition media smoothly and quickly, have the data capacity to download and upload data such as files, photos, and videos at super-fast speeds, and have access to the latest technological advancements and applications. Our FTTH world-class service will be reliable, affordable, and backed by your local trusted co-op.

You will be able to run multiple devices – such as cell phones, computers, and laptops – simultaneously in your home or business without decreased download and upload speeds. The table below gives you a speed comparison between what you may have now and what is possible with FTTH.

Downloads* Typical DSL/Wireless/Satellite

(3Mbps)

 Standard internet speed

(25 Mbps)

 Fiber Internet

Up to 1000 Mbps (1Gigabit)
Download 100 photos 14.7 minutes 1.8 minutes 2.6 seconds
Download an HD movie 4.8 hours 34.4 minutes 51.5 seconds
Download 50 Songs 8.2 minutes 1 minute 1.5 seconds
Download a 50GB Game 39.8 hours 4.8 hours 7.2 minutes

* Download speeds calculated using the following averages:

  • Digital Photo - 3.15 MB
  • HD Movie - 6 GB
  • Song - 3.5 MB
  • Game - 50 GB
Why are you offering broadband service?

Our communities have long suffered from a lack of broadband equality – access to the same speeds and capabilities as those in less rural areas. Broadband availability across our service area will help close the digital divide between those who have access to advanced technology and those who do not.

A few of the many advantages of broadband access are:

  • Online education opportunities – allowing students to learn from home
  • Healthcare benefits such as telemedicine
  • Work-from-home interoffice connectivity and videoconferencing capabilities that will help professionals stay in their homes while being productive
  • Quality of life improvements through enhanced communications
  • Economic development and growth in rural areas – access to high-speed internet can raise home prices and attract businesses to communities

In addition, by connecting South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s electric substations and offices with fiber, we will create a smart grid with more automation capabilities to better serve our members. Smart grid capabilities – the standard for optimum electric infrastructure – allows our devices to communicate with each other and delivers benefits such as improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery, and more.