REC Connects 5,000 Members to Broadband Internet

Fredericksburg, Va.— Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has connected 5,000 members to high-speed broadband internet through its partnership with Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative. This achievement marks a significant point in REC’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to previously unserved and underserved communities.

“We take great pride in our ongoing partnership with Firefly, which is delivering remarkable progress in expanding broadband access across five counties,” said John D. Hewa, REC’s President & CEO. “Together with our contractors, REC has successfully constructed a fiber network in parts of Albemarle, Louisa, Madison, Greene, and Goochland, which Firefly is now leasing to connect our members to reliable high-speed internet.”

Currently, nearly 10,000 REC members are registered for Firefly’s broadband service. The project has now reached its midway point.

Construction is ongoing on the 2,650 miles of fiber network in Louisa, Greene, Goochland, Madison, and Albemarle counties, which Firefly will lease to provide service.

REC is working with multiple contractors to build the network, a process that includes several phases. “Make-ready engineering” involves assessing utility poles for necessary modifications, followed by “make-ready construction,” where new poles are set or adjustments are made to support fiber installation. The entire project is expected to take 12-18 months to complete.

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