Preparing for influx of 700 high-speed Internet connect orders

“Embrace it.” “Stay true to scheduling.” These words of wisdom guided Chatham, Michigan, Field Services manager Dave Moore through planning for high-speed Internet service requests that were sure to come once the ARRA stimulus-funded project was complete in late-November.

 Moore, along with the Chatham team began stocking up on supplies. They readied for the possibility that 700 customers could soon sign up for high-speed Internet service.

“We had customers served out of 29 DSAs where high-speed Internet service was not an option,” Moore said. “Stimulus funding opened the door for us to be able to connect these customers with broadband. Instead of saying ‘no’ we can say ‘yes’ to customers. It’s such a great feeling. Everyone is excited.”

So far, the crew has gone through 14 boxes of CAT 5 wiring to connect nearly 340 customers to high-speed Internet service. In addition, about 40 more homes called to be re-connected to the network since high-speed Internet service is now available. And even more orders are expected as the snowbirds return during the spring and summer months.

“Creating a schedule and sticking to it was critical,” added Moore. “So was creating a plan for a backlog.”

When installation orders got to be about a month out, additional technicians from around Michigan came to help. The Chatham team also had complete involvement and support for cross-company support from the leadership team.

 The additional Technicians worked for up to two weeks. Moore says, “They were all phenomenal. And, all the extra help allowed us to stay true to our schedule and get customers quickly connected to our high-speed Internet service.”

When asked about challenges, Moore mentioned the weather. The network was ready in the middle of winter, making it difficult to do the cutovers. However, Moore says the technicians faced the challenges head on.

“Our customers are thrilled,” Moore said. “They like having consistent access to a reliable high-speed connection. And, it’s allowing some of our customers the flexibility to now work from home.”

Click for more details about the ARRA stimulus projects, including the announcement services were available in Chatham, Mich. To see pictures from the groundbreaking event in Chatham, click here.