3,200 GoSEMO Subscribers
Less than two years ago, SEMO Electric Cooperative started connecting homes, farms and businesses with GoSEMO Fiber – high-speed, fiber-fast Internet. Today, we have more than 3,200 subscribers connected. The reaction from first-time fiber Internet users is overwhelmingly positive: “It’s really fast!”
Fiber Internet networks requires SEMO Electric/GoSEMO to install new wires because fiber technology isn’t compatible with existing cable lines. Fiber Internet uses light pulses to transfer data over a very fine and flexible glass wire (about the same size as a human hair). Fiber Internet transmits data so fast because light signals transfer data more efficiently than traditional copper cable. Copper cable lines use electric stop and start signals to communicate data, but electric signals tend to deteriorate and weaken over distances. A weaker signal is more difficult to read and takes more time to process, making cable Internet slower. SEMO Electric’s GoSEMO Fiber lines go directly into homes. We offer up to a Gig (1,000 Mbps) Internet speed.
Advance, Bell City, Bloomfield, New Hamburg and other SEMO Electric communities are now Gig Cities in Gig Country. There are only a few areas in the United States that offer actual fiber-fast Internet because of the cost to build the system. Our area has an excellent opportunity as SEMO Electric’s GoSEMO Fiber network 1) connects us to the world, 2) helps retain current businesses and attract new companies, 3) provides connectivity for distance working, 4) enhances educational efforts at all levels, especially for adult learners who are utilizing online learning to retrain for new jobs, 5) increases the value of homes since fiber is installed, and 6) accelerates entrepreneurial activity. GoSEMO Fiber is a catalyst for our area. We are working to make people’s lives better.
Avoid Bill Shock!
The cold temperatures cause many of us to use more electricity, natural gas, wood, propane and/or oil to stay warm. That means higher energy bills. That may mean higher electric bills due to increased usage, especially if your home is all electric. There are two easy ways to avoid bill shock. First, you can use SEMO Electric’s SmartHub app. Approximately 33% of SEMO Electric’s member-owners are using SmartHub. What’s SmartHub? SmartHub is SEMO Electric’s free online system that also allows you to monitor your energy usage and pay your bill. SmartHub provides 24-hour access to account or accounts by computer, smartphone, or tablet with a free online application. SmartHub is easy to navigate. It’s simple and quick. Members can compare bills and find out what day of the week you typically use the most electricity. SmartHub includes a free app for your smartphone or tablet. Download it by searching for “SmartHub” on either the Apple Store or Android Market. Once the app is open, type in “SEMO Electric Cooperative” as the provider. The login information is the same for both the web and mobile app.
By taking note of your usage, you may notice when your furnace operates for long periods or when you host a family event, or when the kids are home from school. But, you will know how your energy dollar is being spent. Remember, just reading a meter alone will not save money; however, it will help you become more energy aware and help you avoid bill shock!
Book of the Month
“Fuel your ride with positive energy. Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride.” Jon Gordon – The Energy Bus
Be smart. Act safe.
Sean
Vanslyke is general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative. In the photo, Sean is with Reid Howell, general manager at KYMO 105.3 in East Prairie, Mo., who is the host of “Just Another Morning Show.” About every two weeks, Team SEMO visits the station for a live juice and fiber update.