What is pre-registration?

Pre-registration is a tool we can use to gauge the interest levels of our different service areas. It is not in itself a commitment. You are not required to get internet service if you pre-register. When the time comes for your zone to be in the commitment step, you will be sent a contract and be asked to confirm your package choices. Once you sign the contract, you will be guaranteed to get Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) service. 

Why should I pre-register?

Pre-registration lets us know the interest levels of our different zones. Zones with high interest levels will usually move forward with construction more quickly. It also guarantees that you will receive a contract for signing when your zone is ready for commitments. 

Will I actually receive the advertised speeds?

Many Internet Service Providers advertise speeds, but can’t guarantee that you will receive them. With TEC Fiber, you can rest assured that you will receive the speeds that you pay for, so long as your technology is up-to-date.

Why do my speeds not seem as fast as advertised?

Using out-of-date equipment could be a major factor in receiving slower-than-advertised speeds. Up until recently, devices were not made with limitless internet speeds in mind. Upgrading your devices will allow you to experience the full potential of the FTTH service. If you do this and are still experiencing problems, please contact us and we will be happy to troubleshoot your connection. 

Will the monthly price jump after a year like it does with other internet companies?

No. At TEC Fiber, we made a conscious effort to find price points that will be sustainable for several years. Our goal is to provide fast, reliable internet service to the badly-underserved rural areas of the Thumb, not to turn a profit. Keeping prices steady will allow us to keep serving residents of the Thumb Area for years to come.

Will I still need cable to watch live TV?

No. There are now several options for streaming live programming via the internet including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, and more.

Do I need a Smart TV to stream? 

Not necessarily. Smart TVs allow you to access internet functions from the TV itself. However, if your TV has an HDMI port, you will be able to connect to streaming services. External devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick can be inserted into your HDMI port, giving you access to a wide variety of streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, Disney +, etc. Additionally, video game consoles like Playstation and Xbox have many streaming apps built into their system, allowing you another option for streaming.

Will the fiber internet service affect my electric rates?

No. Members' electric rates will not increase due to fiber internet. The electric business will not be subsidizing the investment or operations of the internet business. TEC has secured $22.5 million in Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) grants to support our internet operations. 

Will I earn patronage like I do for electric service?

Yes. TEC members will earn patronage from the internet service, as they do for electric service. TEC Fiber will provide internet service as a non-profit to TEC members through a division of TEC, and for-profit for all non-TEC members through the for-profit subsidiary. The timeframe for earning “internet patronage” is undetermined at this time. However, all TEC members, whether they receive internet service or not, will receive patronage, as the profits from the subsidiary will be transferred to TEC. 

Will my data use be limited each month?

No. Both the 250 Mbps and 1Gig packages include unlimited data.