Four years ago, Centranet, Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, connected its first subscriber. That first connection was a milestone that symbolized so much more than a new internet service; it symbolized connection. For many members, Centranet’s service was the first time they’d ever had access to high-speed internet.
Bridging the digital divide for Central members was core to the cooperative’s mission. When Central’s board voted to launch the fiber project, the goal was to deliver fast, reliable internet to those who had little to no access, similar to how the cooperative started with access to electricity in the 1930s.
Expected to take 5-7 years, Centranet became available to all members in March 2024, more than a full year ahead of schedule.
Today, more than 10,000 Central members are subscribers, and the service has expanded beyond Central’s lines, bringing high-speed internet to the underserved communities of Agra, Carney, Luther, Ripley and Wellston.
AN IMPACTED BUSINESS
Centranet isn’t just transforming households, it’s powering local businesses too. One of Centranet’s subscribers, Buffalo Rock Golf and Venue, has relied on Centranet since the service became available. Located near Cushing in a beautiful area with rolling hills and a scenic private lake, Buffalo Rock offers a full 18-hole course.
Buffalo Rock is more than just a golf course. The venue space hosts birthday parties, baby showers, weddings and other events with a guest capacity of up to 300. Having fast, reliable internet is now a part of that experience.
Shannon Clovis, Director of Venue at Buffalo Rock said that more than 80 percent of sales require internet service, and they even offer a guest Wi-Fi for customers and at their onsite Airbnb property.
“Having high-speed internet is fantastic,” Clovis said. “It makes business sense to have high-speed internet; you’re missing out without it.”
What began with a single connection has grown into a powerful network of subscribers, businesses and communities that now have access to high-speed internet. While this four-year anniversary is worth celebrating, Centranet isn’t finished.
Centranet remains committed to delivering the same trusted, reliable services that Central members expect and deserve. Stay tuned for more updates by following Centranet on Facebook and Instagram. Want to experience the Centranet difference for yourself? Sign up today! Learn more here.
Buffalo Rock is open to the public. Learn more about Buffalo Rock on their website or their Facebook.