Kenergy is partnering with Conexon Connect to launch and deploy a nearly 7,200-mile fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, representing Conexon Connect’s first partnership in the state of Kentucky.
This fiber network will deliver world-class internet service to homes and businesses served by Kenergy across portions of Breckinridge, Caldwell, Crittenden, Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties.
The goal is ultimately to expand fiber broadband access to all of Kenergy’s approximately 49,000 members.
The Fiber-to-the-Home Project
Who is building this network?
Kenergy has announced its partnership with rural broadband leader, Conexon, to support the construction of a fiber communications network across Kenergy’s service territory. As part of this partnership, Conexon’s internet service provider (ISP) subsidiary, Conexon Connect, will offer world-class fiber broadband (high-speed internet) service to communities within Kenergy’s service territory.
Where will the broadband services be available?
Fiber broadband will be available to members across the Kenergy service territory including those in Daviess, Henderson, Hancock, Hopkins, Ohio, Webster, McLean, Crittenden, Union, Lyon, Caldwell, Livingston, Muhlenberg, and Breckinridge counties.
Where will construction start?
The initial network design, construction plans and schedule are currently being determined. Once the schedule is finalized, we will communicate that to Kenergy members.
How will you decide who gets service first?
The fiber-optic network will follow the path of Kenergy’s electric footprint, with a goal of ensuring the most efficient and logical design and construction process. This efficiency will allow us to offer world-class service at an affordable price for members. As we determine the construction path and schedule, factors considered include:
- Poles and infrastructure “health”: How much work may need to be completed to accommodate the fiber;
- Broadband options: Priority will be given to areas with no service, unserved areas and underserved areas. (KRS 278.5464).
- Overhead or underground electric path
- The terrain where construction must happen Once these and other factors are understood and weighed, the final design and build schedule will be determined.
When will construction on the network start? How long will it take to complete?
Construction is scheduled to begin within the coming months and is estimated to take about three years to complete the network. Stay up to date on the latest information by following the Connect, powered by Kenergy, website – or visit our Facebook page.
Why are you offering broadband services?
Kenergy is taking this opportunity to help meet the critical need of high-speed internet for its members throughout rural Kentucky. The time for us to act is now with federal and state grant funds available for this purpose.
How will the broadband project work?
Kenergy foresees utilizing the fiber network to enable smart grid capabilities for its electric infrastructure in the future. Benefits of this project include more efficiency, better load balancing and more. Conexon Connect will leverage the network to serve Kenergy members with broadband services. Conexon Connect will maintain the infrastructure and support customers on the network. Customers will receive communications and billing from Conexon Connect. When working with customer service, customers will be speaking with Conexon Connect representatives.
Will my electric bill increase to pay for the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network?
No. This will not increase your electric costs.
Will I pay my internet bill along with my electric bill?
No. The partnership between Kenergy and Conexon Connect simply means Conexon Connect is serving as your ISP. You will continue to receive your electric bill as normal, while your fiber broadband bill (internet and/or phone) will be sent from Conexon Connect.
What is the process of building a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network?
Building a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network is generally a multi-year intensive project encompassing numerous steps and efforts. For each project, the network will be built in zones or phases, with the number of phases dependent on the size of the service area. Each phase typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months from construction start to customer installation. Conexon Connect will keep members updated as the project progresses in their area.
How will I know when I can expect service?
The Connect, powered by Kenergy, “check availability” allows you to sign up for service and provides project updates from Connect. You can find it by going to ConexonConnect.com and selecting Kenergy from the dropdown menu. Then, click on check availability to provide your information and sign up.
The Technology – Internet Service
What is a fiber-optic network?
Fiber-optic systems are made up of tiny strands of glass that carry data using light waves, generally resulting in much faster internet speeds and better reliability than traditional copper lines. Most internet providers use fiber in their systems, but use copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. Conexon Connect, Kenergy and fellow cooperatives believe 100% FTTH is the best, most sustainable communications choice. With FTTH service, you’ll enjoy “symmetrical” speeds, meaning you’ll experience the same high speeds whether uploading or downloading. A fiber-optic network can carry an extremely high amount of data and is more reliable than other networks because it’s less susceptible to interference and damage from lightning and other acts of nature.
Why is the Connect, powered by Kenergy, network different from other internet services?
Conexon Connect builds only 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. Others may tout fiber, but in many cases that fiber stops at the street and continues with copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. Fiber to the home brings a new level of reliability and speed.
What internet and telephone packages will be available for my home?
Conexon Connect offers three tiers of internet pricing along with service enhancements and HD-quality phone service.
Residential Pricing
| Connect Ultimate 2 Gigabit (2,000 Mbps) Internet* | $99.95/month Includes Managed Wi-Fi with Conexon Connect router and Safe & Secure package |
| Connect Premier 1 Gigabit (1,000 Mbps) Internet | $79.95/month (We encourage customer to take Managed Wi-Fi, which includes wireless router. Otherwise, customers must supply wireless router^) |
| Connect Basic 100 Mbps Internet | $49.95/month (Customer must supply wireless router^) |
HD-Quality Phone Service Unlimited local and long-distance calls | $29.95/month with Internet package $39.95/month stand-alone service plus local taxes and fees |
Internet Add-Ons
| Managed Wi-Fi Service | $4.95/month Includes Conexon Connect router |
| Safe & Secure Package | $3/month Only available with Managed Wi-Fi |
| Wi-Fi Extender | $3/month per extender per month |
*Connect Ultimate offers download speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second; upload speeds are typically between 1 and 2 gigabits per second. 2 gigabit speeds can be obtained by directly connecting via ethernet cable to the ONT. The device conducting the speed test must be capable of sending and receiving data at a minimum of 2 gigabits of throughput.
^Conexon Connect cannot support or troubleshoot customer-supplied wireless routers.
What is Managed Wi-Fi?
Managed Wi-Fi Service, included with Connect Ultimate and available for an additional $4.95/month with other packages, enhances your overall user experience. It helps deliver among the fastest, highest quality Wi-Fi with advanced, remote support capabilities that allow our tech support team to automatically identify and troubleshoot issues and – in many cases before you even experience an interruption. This means quicker resolution of potential issues and convenience for you.
What is Connect’s Safe and Secure?
The Connect Safe & Secure Package, available only with managed Wi-Fi, includes:
- Parental Controls consisting of an extensive set of options that allow parents to easily create and enforce online rules for the users and devices on their home networks. It provides them peace of mind by protecting their children from inappropriate or harmful content.
- Network Security that provides malicious website protection, anti-virus and anti- ransomware packet inspection and intrusion detection. The service proactively monitors network traffic coming into the home, automatically blocking anything that looks suspicious.
What internet packages are available for my business?
Business Pricing
| 2 Gigabit Internet (2,000 Mbps) Designed to provide businesses with the best possible experience. Perfect for businesses with 25+ connected devices, work in the cloud or with large files. Ideal for medical, media and much more. | $299.95/month |
| 1 Gigabit Internet (1,000 Mbps) Optimal performance for businesses with under 25 connected devices. Perfect for working with large files or providing Wi-Fi to customers. Ideal for restaurants, real estate agencies and churches. | $199.95/month |
| 100 Mbps Internet Optimal performance for businesses with up to 10 connected devices. Perfect for small businesses and retail shops. | $79.95/month |
| Dedicated Fiber Services Scaled to fit your business | Customized for business needs |
| HD-Quality Business Voice Service Unlimited local and long-distance calls | Customized for business needs |
Are there data caps with this service?
No. With fiber internet from Connect, powered by Kenergy, you will have no data caps or throttling.
How can I sign up for service?
You can sign up by visiting ConexonConnect.com. From there, select Kenergy from the electric provider dropdown menu, then click “check availability.” From there, you can enter your information and sign up. When we are nearing the installation time for your community, we will reach out with sign-up access and to schedule your installation.
Are there discounted prices or assistance available?
Conexon Connect is a participant in both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline. Both of these programs offer discounted pricing for internet and/or phone to eligible residents. More information about these programs will be communicated as the construction schedule and service availability timeline are finalized.
The Next Steps – Getting Service
What is the installation process?
Once you sign up for service, fiber installation is simple. Conexon Connect will pull fiber from Kenergy’s main lines and follow power lines to attach the fiber to your home or business. The fiber will run in the same manner power lines run to your home or business. If your electric service comes from overhead lines, so will your broadband service. If your electric service comes from underground lines, so will your broadband service. Next, Conexon Connect will attach the fiber line to a box near your electric meter where the inside wiring connects with the outside wiring. Finally, the fiber is connected to a fiber jack inside your home or office, where it’s plugged into the modem we provide.
Construction crews pulling and hanging the fiber and taking it to your home or business’ outside wiring are preparing the network to go live once construction in the area is complete. A Conexon Connect employee will contact you to schedule an appointment for an in-home installer to finalize your connection and test the services from your equipment. Once that install is complete and tested, your service should be ready to go.
What equipment will I need to purchase?
Conexon Connect recommends you take its managed Wi-Fi service that provides your home with the best experience. With the service Conexon Connect provides, a carrier grade Wi-Fi router that can watch for potential issues and will auto heal the network to make your devices run as smooth as possible is the best option. This service also delivers advanced troubleshooting abilities if you do need to call Conexon Connect with an issue. Alternately, you can provide your own Wi-Fi router and connect it to the installed modem.
Your existing computers and Wi-Fi devices should connect to the Conexon Connect provided devices without the need for additional hardware purchases.
Conexon Connect provides two pieces of equipment that are required to connect your home to the internet. One piece is an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that converts the fiber optic signal coming into your home to a wired ethernet connection. That wired ethernet connection then connects to a combination router/firewall and wireless access point, also called a Home Gateway, which is the second device.
The Home Gateway supports the following wireless protocols:
- 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, simultaneous dual-band
- 5 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11a/n/ac compatible
- 6×6 streams (2×2 @ 2.4 GHz and 4×4 @ 5 GHz)
- 2.4 GHz 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) certified, 802.11b/g/ac compatible
The Home Gateway has four wired 1 Gbps ethernet ports to support wired devices. Given the broad range of connectivity options provided by Conexon Connect, your current device should connect seamlessly to the provided equipment.
If your device does not have a network interface card (NIC) or support Wi-Fi, then additional equipment purchases may be required. If this is the case, you may want to consider upgrading your devices to get the best experience from the Conexon Connect network.
Phone Service
Is Connect, powered by Kenergy, offering phone service?
Yes, Connect, powered by Kenergy, is offering unlimited local and domestic long-distance HD- quality phone service for $29.95/month plus any applicable local taxes and fees for those who package the phone service with internet. Conexon Connect’s standalone phone service (without internet) is $39.95/month plus applicable taxes and fees.
Can I keep my phone number?
In most cases, customers changing providers will be able to keep their phone numbers.
Do I have to sign up for phone services to get high-speed internet service?
No. You can sign up for either internet or phone or both together in a single package.
