Faster internet speeds are coming to Ceylon’s residents thanks to a $855,669 Community Development Block Grant to bridge the digital divide in small towns. Federated Broadband, a department under Federated Rural Electric, Jackson, was selected by the city council’s request for proposals to deliver GIG speed fiber internet. Federated Broadband will install and hook up your home for FREE with this fiber broadband connection, possibly yet this year or early next year, depending on weather, materials and contractors. Hot dog Q&A event for Ceylon residents August 2 or August 23 from 5-7 p.m. Come learn more about this project and how it will change your life at our hot dog Broadband question and answer “come and go event”. Join us Tuesday, August 2 OR August 23 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ceylon City Park . Grab a hot dog and water. Visit with us about the fast speeds, what the connection entails and sign up for the FREE , no- obligation connection. Fill   out   our   form telling us you want the fiber connection and where underground wire/lines are on your property by August 31, 2022. If you bypass signing up now, a future connection may not be covered by the grant and could cost you hundreds of dollars. What do GIG speeds provide? GIG speed internet allows you to work remotely, take remote classes for high school or college, do telemedicine doctor appointments and stream television that’s 4K quality. GIG speed internet can help retain and attract young people for the rural lifestyle with the necessity of high-speed internet. These speeds are comparable to Twin Cities internet options with competitive pricing too. Drop your landline with voice over internet (VoIP) or use Wi-Fi calling for improved cell phone reception. Even if you do not presently use the internet, this fiber connection adds to your home’s resale value so connect now. What’s the timeline for faster internet? Date Task Underway - Staking for the fiber lines will be done in early July. Pending - Environmental permits will be submitted after staking. This takes about 10 weeks for review by the state and federal groups. Underway - Some Fiber is already on hand with other materials being secured and ordered. August 2 & 23 - Hot dog nights. Enjoy a hot dog, ask your questions and see the equipment. August 31 - Sign up for your FREE fiber installation and connection to the home under the grant provisions. This does not obligate you to a package right now. September 1 - If all goes well, a contractor could get started by September 1. Fiber is plowed or directionally drilled into the ground making minimal disturbance of yards with the fiber feeds installed in the public rights-of-way. First hook ups - Later this year or 2023, depending on weather, contractors and materials. What equipment would be installed? 1. Our contractor will plow or drill the fiber line to your property. This means very little yard disturbance. 2. A pedestal will be installed that will serve several homes View a preliminary map for possible pedestal locations and fiber routes. Draw your home/property, along with other underground services here. Label too. 3. This 9" x 12" gray box (Network Interface Device or NID) would be installed on the side of your house. (Items #1-3 are all covered under the grant and add value to your property even if you do not sign up for a fiber monthly service package.)