Q. What is Central Access?
A. In late 2018, the Board of Trustees of Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) approved a plan to construct a fiber network for broadband to rural Alabamians who desperately need this service. This process involved creating a subsidiary (Central Access), wholly owned by CAEC. We are currently constructing a 400-mile core to the cooperative's facilities and as a part of this process, we are also building out to those who are in the initial area and who have already indicated an interest in service by paying a $25 commitment fee. This step will expedite the process of connecting homes to high-speed broadband as we continue to activate services. This will be a multi-year project, but taking this first step now gets us closer to providing broadband to those members who no one else has been willing to serve.
Q. How do I find out if I am eligible for service?
A. You can enter your address above or check the map and you will then be shown whether the address falls into one of four areas.
- Service available now/Core Ring
- Activated Zone
- Zone requiring activation
- APCo - outside current construction area
Q. Does Central Access participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
A. Central Access is a participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) started by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Read more about the benefit here: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
To apply for the benefit, visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/. Once you are approved, contact us at 1-888-706-4754 to have the benefit applied to your bill!
Q. I’m in an area where service is available, what do I do?
A. It's time to get you hooked up to Central Access! Call us at 1-888-706-4754 or register on this site to get the process started.
Q. I am in a zone requiring activation, what does that mean?
A. By entering your address above you can see which zone your address falls into as well as the interest level for our service within your zone. This is key since moving forward, customer demand will determine our construction route and zone activation, so the more people signed-up in an area, the faster that zone will be added to the construction schedule. No community will be left out, and our goal remains to offer service to all CAEC members. You and your neighbors can register on this site.
Q. I am in an activated zone, what does that mean?
A. Your zone has activated and is either under construction or is in line for construction. Once service is ready to be installed, you will receive an email and/or postcard notifying you of the next steps.
Q. I am in the APCo area/am outside the current construction plan, what does this mean?
A. Based on how close you are to our current construction path and service area, you may be eligible for service. But registering your address through this page will help us determine future launch areas. We are currently investigating these areas and working on construction plans.
Q. I received my fiber drop, what is this and when can I expect service?
A. To expedite the installation process, Central Access contractors may have already begun the process of running the drop line from the pole to your home. The drop line attaches to a connection box, also known as a NID (Network Interface Device). The NID serves as the access point for the fiber from outside to inside the home. As we complete the work needed to activate your service (which may involve continued construction), we will send you a notification to schedule your in-home installation at a time that’s convenient for you.
Q. How can I help get the word out to my neighbors about this project?
A. We can host virtual meetings with your neighborhood, church or civic club and we can provide you with printed materials, yard signs or a PDF that you can share that you can request by emailing access@coop.caec.com. You can also follow and share our information on social media or simply send the www.centralaccess.com link to everyone you know and tell them to pre-register.
Q. Do you offer television services?
A. No. The lowest speed we offer is capable of allowing you to take advantage of the many streaming TV options available--opening up a whole new world of entertainment! We can help you choose the service that works best for you, including Roku streaming devices that you can purchase directly from us.
Q. I own a business, are there business services available?
A. Yes. We offer a variety of packages and custom solutions for any business size. Contact us at 1-888-706-4754 to learn more!
Q. What are the Terms and Conditions/Acceptable use policy?
A. Broadband Terms and Conditions, Acceptable Use Policy and VOIP Terms and Agreement (if applicable).