BEAD
Bringing High-Speed Fiber to More of Our Communities
Consumers Power is expanding fiber internet access through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. CPI was awarded BEAD funding to construct new fiber infrastructure that will bring reliable, high-speed internet access to eligible locations in the Corvallis and Lebanon grant areas.
What is BEAD
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help bring reliable, high-speed internet to areas that are currently unserved or underserved.
The program provides federal funding to states, including Oregon, to support the construction of broadband infrastructure in areas identified as needing improved internet access.
Who is Eligible?
Grant funded locations have been predetermined by the Oregon Broadband office as being Unserved or Underserved. Grant Locations within our build areas are marked on the map below. Enter your address in the box on the upper left to determine if you are at or near a build point.
Pre-Register for Fiber
CPI and PEAK Internet
CPI and PEAK Internet will each have an important role in bringing this project to our communities.
Consumers Power Inc. (CPI) will own and oversee construction of the new fiber network.
PEAK Internet, CPI’s wholly owned broadband subsidiary, will operate the completed network and provide fiber internet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why would you want Fiber?
A: Fiber offers a reliable, high-bandwidth Internet connection with lower latency. Taking advantage of no-cost drop placement as part of a community grant will even increase the value of your property!
Q: When will you know more?
A: We’ll be working on this project over the next three years. Some of the areas included in this project are close to where we’ve already built, which means we’ll be able to construct those areas much more quickly. Other areas will be entirely new constriction, and will require additional time to plan, design and build the necessary infrastructure to reach an area before building it out.
Q: How do I find out if I am part of the project?
A: You can use our BEAD Eligibility Map, or give us a call to determine if you are part of this project.
Consumers Power will contact property owners whose locations are included in the project. If your property is eligible for a fiber drop, you will receive a drop agreement and additional information from CPI.
Q: What if my location is not included in the grant project?
A: CPI and PEAK remain committed to working with you to explore potential options for extending Fiber service. Please contact us for more information.
Q: Who will provide my Internet Service?
A: PEAK Internet will operate the completed fiber network and provide internet service to homes and businesses that choose to subscribe.
Q: Do I have to sign up for service right away?
A: If your location is an approved grant-funded address, you are not obligated to subscribe to PEAK services to have a service drop placed free of charge.
Q: When will PEAK Internet service be available?
A: Service will become available as construction is completed in each area. We will contact property owners with information about available service once their location is ready.
Q: Does it cost anything to have the fiber drop installed?
A: There is no cost to the property owner for the installation of the fiber drop for locations that are included in the BEAD Project.
Q: Do I have to make a payment up front to initiate a service request?
A: No. We will not ask for a payment up front to establish service. You’ll only see your first bill after we’ve installed your service.
Q: What is the Fiber Drop Agreement, and what is it for?
A: This agreement must be signed by the property owner, and gives permission to install the fiber connection, or “drop,” from the new network to your property. Signing this agreement only authorizes installation of the drop and does not commit you to service.
Prior to any construction taking place, a representative will meet with you to review the route that the fiber drop will take and answer any questions.
Q: Does signing the Fiber Drop Agreement mean I am signing up for PEAK Internet?
A: No. Signing the agreement only authorizes the installation of the Fiber drop, and does not commit you to PEAK Internet service.
Q: How is the Internet going to get to my house or business?
A: For most installations, the Fiber service drop will follow the power easement. If your power comes in from a pole and goes overhead to connect to your residence or business, this will be the default path for your new Fiber service drop.
A representative will contact you to review your individual circumstances and determine the best path to get your home connected to our state-of-the-art fiber optic network
Aerial Service Drop Placement
Drops placed overhead require existing poles and adequate clearance to place a drop to your home.
Underground Service Drop Placement
Drops placed underground typically follow the power easement from a transformer
Q: Will I know where the fiber drop will be placed on my property?
A: Yes. Before construction takes place on your property, a representative will meet with you to review the route the fiber drop will take and answer any questions.
Q: What should I expect during Construction?
A: Construction crews will be working throughout the project area to install the new fiber network. Work may take place within public rights-of-way, utility easements and on individual properties where fiber drops are being installed. Property owners will be contacted before drop construction takes place on their property.
Q: Will my property be restored after the fiber drop is installed?
A: Areas disturbed during installation of the fiber drop will be restored following construction.
Q: I have multiple places where I want to extend Internet coverage on my property. What are my options?
A: We have many options to extend coverage beyond your primary service location. A representative will be happy to propose a host of solutions tailored to fit your needs.
Q: Can I have more than one Fiber service at my property?
A: This grant only covers one drop. If you have another location on your property that you want to have a separate Internet service at, we’d be happy to evaluate an additional drop, but there may be additional fees associated with placing a second service. Please let us know if this is something you are interested in.
Preregister and Stay Informed
To preregister, submit the form below or give us a call. If you submit the form below, an agent will be in touch with you after reviewing your submission.
If you have already signed and submitted the Drop Agreement form that Consumers Power mailed you, this step has already been completed.
What Happens Next?
Submit the Interest Form
Submit the form, or give us a call so we can get the ball rolling for you. Our team will check and see if you’re part of the BEAD Project, or may be near a BEAD Build area.
Review and Sign the Drop Agreement
Signing and returning the drop agreement allows us to provide your contact information to our contractor. If you returned the Fiber Drop Agreement that CPI mailed you, you’re already set!
Construction
Our contractor will contact you before construction of the fiber drop takes place on your property. You may notice construction in other areas before they reach out, as build main line, or place other drops in the area. Contractors will only place drops where the property owner has signed the drop agreement.
Splicing and Testing
Once the drop has been placed, it will still require splicing and testing. Additionally, all upstream work must be completed and thoroughly tested before we can proceed.
Schedule Installation
PEAK Internet will contact you once the Drop Placement, Splicing and Testing have been completed to take your order and schedule your installation.
Project Updates
Construction schedules and project information will be updated as work progresses. Check back here for the latest information about construction activity, project milestones and service availability.
Questions
If you have questions about the BEAD project, your Fiber Drop Agreement or upcoming construction, you can reach us at 541-451-1111 or 541-754-7325