Fiber Broadband Internet to Great Lakes Energy members with speeds of 100 MB, 200 MB, or 1,000 MB (1GB) in rural northern Michigan. What a life-changer.
As I reflect on the accomplishments of the staff and contractors over the last 12 months, how Truestream has gone from hooking up the first customer to now having over 1,000 Truestreamers, one can only be amazed and thankful!
I’m thankful for all the employees who are working very hard to bring Truestream fiber internet to our members. Standing up a brand-new business, running fiber lines throughout the distribution system and then connecting to every home that wants to be a Truestreamer, is a challenging undertaking. Just like building a house, construction is never easy. There are challenges and delays along the way. However, on the other side of the challenge is the reward for all the hard work.
I’m thankful to all my fellow members. Without you, we could not do what we do. You have taken the time to register your interest and are patiently waiting for construction and installation to place. We know waiting is never easy (we are as eager as you!) and that you understand there are a lot of steps needed to make this pilot project happen.
Living in the Petoskey service area, getting the opportunity to be part of the pilot project, we are very fortunate! By the end of 2020, most of us will have the option to become Truestreamers. We are the first to experience a real broadband internet solution. The first to know the ways Truestream is truly life-changing. I’ve seen the change first hand in both my professional and personal life. I work from home and I am able to enjoy the benefits of extremely fast upload and download speeds, while my family can enjoy the internet at the same time. My family stays connected more through video calling, including weekly Bible studies. No more buffering or “Dad, can I get on the internet yet?”
Part of the reason the Petoskey service area was chosen for the pilot project is because of the diversity and challenges we knew we would face with the terrain, weather, and large amounts of underground construction. The underground construction is proving to be the most challenging. Requiring the most coordination and care not to disturb existing underground infrastructure. We are learning, growing, and evolving as we go, so we can provide both the best possible internet and the best experience to our members as well.
Great Lakes Energy continues with plans to expand Truestream to our entire service area, though we all know this will be no small feat and will take several years, if not longer. However, just like 80 years ago, when we brought electricity to the underserved rural areas, we are not scared of a challenge – especially when it improves the lives of our members.
To my fellow members who have become Truestreamers, Thank you!
To my fellow members in the pilot area who have signed up and are still waiting to become a Truestreamer, thank you for your patience and understanding. Know that it is coming.
To my fellow members in the pilot area who have not signed up yet, do so soon to preserve free installation.
I look forward to working with my fellow board members to bring Truestream to our entire service territory as quickly as possible.