Mitchell EMC FAQs

Who is building this network?

Mitchell EMC has announced its partnership with the rural broadband leader, Conexon, to support the construction of a fiber communications network in Mitchell EMC’s service territory. As part of this partnership, Conexon’s internet service provider (ISP) subsidiary, Conexon Connect, will offer world-class fiber broadband (high-speed internet) services to communities within Mitchell’s service territory.

Where will broadband services be available?

The Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, the network will deliver world-class fiber broadband services to homes and businesses, initially in Mitchell and Worth counties where the co-op received American Rescue Plan Act funding. The goal is to ultimately expand fiber broadband access to all of Mitchell EMC’s 15,764 members across Baker, Dougherty, Mitchell, and Worth counties, and in parts of Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Thomas, Tift and Turner counties, if possible.

Where will construction start?

The initial network design, construction plans, and schedule are currently being determined. Once the schedule is finalized, we will communicate that to Mitchell EMC members.

How will you decide who gets service first?

The fiber-optic network will follow the path of Mitchell EMC’s electric footprint, with the goal of ensuring the most efficient and logical design and construction process. This efficiency will allow us to offer world-class service at an affordable price for members. Among the factors considered as we determine the construction path and schedule:

• Where funding has become available
• Poles and infrastructure “health”: How much work may need to be completed to accommodate the fiber
• Population density: Heavily populated areas where many people take service helps offset the high costs of serving sparsely populated areas
• Broadband options: If the community is unserved, or possibly has other internet options
• Overhead or underground electric path
• The terrain where construction must happen

Once these and other factors are understood and weighed, the final design and build schedule will be determined.

When will construction on the network start? How long will it take to complete?

Mitchell EMC and Conexon Connect will build the fiber network over 3 to 4 years, with construction expected to begin the first quarter of 2023 and initial members expected to have service availability mid-year 2023. Service from Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, will become available on a “rolling” basis as construction progresses. We will keep members updated as high-speed internet service becomes available in their areas.

Why is Mitchell EMC building an FTTH network?

Mitchell EMC is taking this opportunity to help meet the critical need for high-speed internet access for its members throughout rural Georgia. The time to act is now with federal and state grant funds available for this purpose.

How will the broadband project work?

Conexon Connect will be the ISP, serving Mitchell EMC members with broadband services and supporting them on the network. Internet customers will receive communications and billing from Conexon Connect. When members call customer service, they will be speaking with Conexon Connect representatives.

Will my electric bill increase to pay for the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network?

No. This will not increase your electric costs.

Will I pay my internet bill along with my electric bill?

No. The partnership between Mitchell EMC and Conexon Connect simply means Conexon Connect is serving as your ISP. You will continue to receive your electric bill as normal, while your fiber broadband bill (internet and/or phone) will be sent from Conexon Connect.

What is the process of building a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network?

Building a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network is generally a multi-year intensive project encompassing numerous steps and efforts. For each project, the network will be built in zones or phases, with the number of phases depending on the size of the service territory. Each phase typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months from project start to service availability. Conexon Connect will keep members updated as the project progresses.

How will I know when the service is available?

The Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, the “check availability” tool allows you to sign up for service well in advance of customer connections in your area. You can find it by going to ConexonConnect.com and selecting Mitchell EMC from the dropdown menu. Then click on check availability to provide your information and sign up. As the construction schedule is finalized, service availability for specific areas can be accessed through the tool.

How do I reach someone from Conexon Connect?

Most information about our products and services is available at ConexonConnect.com. If you prefer to talk with one of our representatives, please call 844-542-6663 or email us at info@conexonconnect.com and someone will get back to you.

What is a fiber-optic network?

Fiber-optic systems are made up of tiny strands of glass that carry data using light waves, resulting in optimum internet speeds and reliability. Most internet providers use fiber in their systems but use copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. Conexon, Mitchell EMC, and fellow cooperatives believe 100 percent FTTH is the best, most sustainable communications choice. With FTTH service, you’ll enjoy “symmetrical” speeds, meaning you’ll experience the same high speeds whether uploading or downloading.
A fiber-optic network can carry an extremely high amount of data and is more reliable than other networks because it’s less susceptible to interference and damage from lightning and other acts of nature.

Why is the Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, network different from other internet services?

Conexon Connect builds only 100 percent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. Others may tout fiber, but in many cases that fiber stops at the street and continues with copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. Fiber to the home brings an exceptional level of reliability and speed.

What internet and telephone packages will be available for my home?

Conexon Connect offers three tiers of internet pricing, along with service enhancements and HD-quality phone service. Click Here to view our packages

What is Managed Wi-Fi?

Managed Wi-Fi Service, included with Connect Ultimate and available for $4.95/month with other packages, enhances your overall user experience. It helps deliver among the fastest, highest quality Wi-Fi with advanced remote support capabilities that allow our tech support team to automatically identify and troubleshoot issues – in many cases before you even experience an interruption. This means a quicker resolution of potential issues and convenience for you.

What is Connect’s Safe and Secure?

The Connect Safe & Secure Package, available only with managed Wi-Fi, includes:

•Parental Controls consist of an extensive set of options that allow parents to easily create and enforce online rules for the users and devices on their home networks. It provides them peace of mind by protecting their children from inappropriate or harmful content.
•Network Security that provides malicious website protection, anti-virus, anti-ransomware packet inspection, and intrusion detection. The service proactively monitors network traffic coming into the home, automatically blocking anything that looks suspicious.

What internet packages are available for my business?

Conexon Connect offers three tiers of internet pricing, including business. Click Here to view our packages

Are there data caps with this service?

No. With fiber internet from Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, you will have no data caps or throttling.

Are there discounted prices or assistance available?

Conexon Connect is a participant in both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline. Both programs offer discounted pricing for internet and/or phone to eligible residents. More information about these programs will be communicated as the construction schedule and service availability timeline are finalized.

How can I sign up for service?

You can sign up by visiting ConexonConnect.com. From there, select Mitchell EMC from the electric provider drop-down menu, then click “check availability.” From there, you can enter your information and select your packages.

What is the installation process?

Once you sign up and service is available in your area, fiber installation is simple. The process is as follows: Conexon Connect will pull fiber from Mitchell EMC’s main lines and follow power lines to attach the fiber to your home or business. The fiber will run in the same manner power lines run to your home or business. If your electric service comes from overhead lines, so will your broadband service. If your electric service comes from underground lines, so will your broadband service. Next, Conexon Connect will attach the fiber line to a box near your electric meter where the inside wiring connects with the outside wiring. Finally, the fiber is connected to a fiber jack inside your home or office, where it’s plugged into the modem we provide.
Construction crews pulling and hanging the fiber and taking it to your home or businesses outside wiring are preparing the network to go live once construction in the area is complete. A Conexon Connect representative will contact you to schedule an appointment for an in-home installer to finalize your connection and test the services from your equipment. Once that installation is complete and tested, your service should be ready to go.

What equipment will I need to purchase?

Conexon Connect recommends you take its managed Wi-Fi service to provide your home with the best experience. With the service Conexon Connect provides, a carrier-grade Wi-Fi router that can watch for potential issues and will auto-heal the network to make your devices run as smoothly as possible is the best option. This service also delivers advanced troubleshooting abilities if you do need to call Conexon Connect with an issue. Alternatively, you can bring your own Wi-Fi router and connect it to the installed modem.
Your existing computers and Wi-Fi devices should connect to the Conexon Connect-provided devices without the need for additional hardware purchases.
Conexon Connect provides two pieces of equipment that are required to connect your home to the internet. One piece is an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that converts the fiber optic signal coming into your home to a wired ethernet connection. That wired ethernet connection then connects to a combination router/firewall and wireless access point, also called a Home Gateway, which is the second device.

The Home Gateway supports the following wireless protocols:
• 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, simultaneous dual-band
• 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11a/n/ac compatible
• 6x6 streams (2x2 @ 2.4 GHz and 4x4 @ 5 GHz)
• 2.4 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11b/g/ac compatible

The Home Gateway has four wired 1 Gbps ethernet ports to support wired devices. Given the broad range of connectivity options provided by Conexon Connect, your current device should connect seamlessly to the equipment provided.
If your devices do not have a network interface card (NIC) or support Wi-Fi, then additional equipment purchases may be required. If this is the case, you may want to consider upgrading your devices to get the best experience from the Conexon Connect network.

Why are you offering broadband service?

Our communities have long suffered from a lack of access to the same speeds and capabilities as those in less rural areas. By allowing Conexon Connect to serve Mitchell EMC members, broadband availability will increase across the service territory. This will help close the digital divide between those who have access to advanced technology and those who don’t. A few of the many advantages of broadband access are:

• Online teaching capabilities allow students to learn from home
• Telehealth capabilities
• Work-from-home interoffice connectivity and videoconferencing capabilities
• 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.

Is Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, offering phone service?

Yes, Connect, powered by Mitchell EMC, is offering unlimited local and long-distance (U.S. and Canada) HD-quality phone service for $29.95/month plus any applicable local taxes and fees, for those who package the phone service with the internet. Conexon Connect’s standalone phone service (without internet) is $39.95/month plus applicable taxes and fees.

Can I keep my phone number?

In most cases, customers changing providers will be able to keep their phone numbers.

Do I have to sign up for phone services to get high-speed internet service?

No. You can sign up for either internet or phone or both together in a single package.