Alexander County May Updates

New Hubs and Service Areas
We added two new hubs since the last newsletter. The new hubs are Rocky Face Baptist Church and Fairview Baptist Church. Check to see if your location is likely serviceable.

Map Showing Service Area in April 2021 Link
Green Area: If your address is in the green area then it is likely serviceable.
Yellow Area: If it is in the yellow area, it may be serviceable, but likely requires a hub.

How do I use the map to check my address?

Select the search icon next to the map name.
Begin typing your address until it appears below the text “Move map to.”
Select your address.
Look for the red dot and see if it is in a green or yellow shaded area.

Open Broadband News

Updated Phone Numbers

24×7 North Carolina based Technical Support: (833) 880-9968
General Information: (980) 246-8989
Billing Questions: (980) 246-8989
Western NC Area Manager, Nick Steward: (240) 346-5773
Link to New Welcome Packet: (link)
Link to Update Billing Information: (link)

Internet Education Minute!

Are you having a hard time getting consistent internet coverage through your entire home or business? Did you know that your internet service is impacted by the materials around your router? Every time your Wi-Fi signal passes through a wall or floor it is weakened. The type of material it passes through has a big difference on the quality of service you will receive on your property. You should try and place your router in the room where the internet will get used the most. Be sure your router doesn’t have clutter around it, and consider getting a Wi-Fi extender if your signal isn’t strong enough to pass through all of your walls.

Please Contact Nick to discuss the waiting list and scheduling installs or testing.
(240) 346-5773
nsteward@openbb.net

Alexander County Streets with Customers

3rd Ave SW
All Healing Springs Rd
All Uphill Dr
Allen Rd
Apple House Ln
Bebber Rd
Berea Church Quincy Rd
Canopy Wood Ln
Carson Chapel Rd
Chapman Mill Rd
Coon Mountain Ln
Country Rd
Daniels Lumber Rd
Davis Ln
Fair Acres Ln
Forest Rd
Fox Way Rd
Gill Childers Rd
Golden Pond Ln
Grassy Knoll Ln
Hammer Rd
Hayden Burke Ln
Henry Watts Rd
High Point Dr
Ingram Farm Rd
Jay Burke Rd
Joe Barnes Ln
Jolly Cemetery Rd
Jolly Ln
Kathys Ln
Keever Ln
Kelsoe Hollow Ln
Liledoun Rd

Lin Adams Ln
Little River Church Rd
Little River Farms Rd
Marsh Rd
Mayberry Rd
McDuffie Ct
Millersville Rd
NC 16 Hwy N
Ode Kerley Ln
Old Wilkesboro Road Ext
Oxford School Rd
Patterson Rd
Peach Tree Ln
Pearson Knob Ln
Poole Gooden Rd
Pressley Ct
Robertson Dr
Roby Wike Ln
Rocky Face Church Rd
Rocky Springs Rd
Round Top Mountain Rd
Scooter Ln
Shady Oak St
Sharpe Mill Rd
Snoopy Dr
Southern Skies Dr
St Clair Rd
Three Forks Church Rd
Tower Rd
Wagner Rd
Warren Rd
York Inst Rd

Are You Looking for a Local Part-Time Job?

We are interviewing and hiring entry-level local Internet service testers (see job description). Interested applicants should email a resume to info@openbb.net for consideration.

Alexander County Approves Expansion Project

The expansion will focus on providing broadband service to residents in areas of the county that are underserved. The expansion will consist of two phases. The first phase of the expansion will provide service to around 650 customers. The expansion project is described in detail in the March 31, Alexander County press release (link). This project will utilize new CBRS technology with the potential to provide faster speeds over longer distances through tree canopies. Open Broadband is currently implementing this equipment in other counties and we are looking forward to using it to help residents of Alexander County.

The project plan is to begin tower installations in May and begin turning up customers on the new equipment in October. Phase 1 will be completed in December. This Google Map shows the Expansion Service Area (link).

The details for Phase 2 are still being finalized but the service area for Phase 2 will be areas in Eastern Alexander County.

Each newsletter will provide you with updates on both phases of the Expansion.

This map shows areas that are likely serviceable for wireless broadband in Phase One as well as the original pilot program. Areas in green are from the pilot program. Areas in purple are Phase One – tower on Willie McLeod Road. Areas in brown are Phase One – tower on Moore Mountain. Phase Two will provide service to northeastern and southeastern Alexander County.

Links to Previous Newsletters (and topics)

Map Showing Current service Area

No. 9 April 2020 – Meet the new Area Manager for Alexander County. Link to April Newsletter.

No. 8 Dec 2020 – New Hubs and Service Areas, How to locate your address on the map to see if you are in the current service area, Information about local installer and new Alexander County tester Leslie McCrackin. Link to December Newsletter.

No. 7 Sep 2020 – Discussed new service towers, public WiFi locations, and updated service area. Details were provided on how to check the map to see if your location should be serviceable and how to request a site test. Shared the results from the Alexander Count Customer Satisfaction Survey, discussed our support improvements, and current job openings. Link to September Newsletter.