RS Fiber

Digital Survival in Self Isolation

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Daily life has changed drastically as a result of COVID-19. Our already digital-centric lives have become even more so. That’s why the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has called upon broadband service companies to commit to the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to reduce the risk of interruptions to broadband and telecom connectivity coast to coast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I certainly agree with the designation of broadband service as essential to society. But I also know information overload can take a toll. To reduce that risk, I’m trying to be more mindful about my media consumption and would suggest others do, too.

I remind myself not to believe everything I read or hear. Rumors are being debunked daily about everything from which celebrity has contracted the virus to which home remedies protect against it. Choose outlets you trust to keep up on the latest safety guidance.

Online tools, like video conferencing, are a great way to stay connected. I urge you to use the technology available to stay connected with family and loved ones who are self-isolating in other places. With a little creativity, I have also worked to establish a routine. Bookmarking online resource lists, remote learning options, home workout routines and digital tours keeps me updated, entertained and engaged while avoiding getting sucked into ‘click bait’ that sensationalizes and misleads.

Wearing my work hat, I am focused on keeping our network running and I am proud of the company and all of our great employees for working to bring essential services to the homes, community support services, and businesses of our RS Fiber service area. You can visit our website (https://www.rsfiber.coop) if you would like to learn more about our efforts and assistance offerings.

I hope you and your families are staying safe, healthy and calmly connected.

Dan Pecarina

President

Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC)

RS Fiber Operations

 

RS Fiber Enacts Protocols to Protect Customers and Employees During Coronavirus Outbreak

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RS Fiber Cooperative is committed to the health and well-being of our customers and employees during the Coronoavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In order to adhere to new social distancing guidelines, RS Fiber will be implementing the following protocols: 

Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, RS Fiber offices will be closed to walk-in traffic. An appointment will be required for customers to drop off, pick up or exchange equipment. Customers may contact RS Fiber by calling (800) 628-1754 to make an appointment. 

When scheduling equipment related or installation appointments, Customer Care Representatives will be asking a series of health screening questions to assess when an appointment can be made. If anyone in the household has been ill, traveled on an airplane or has traveled outside the country, an appointment will be delayed for a minimum of 14 days per CDC quarantine guidelines. 

RS Fiber is committed to providing the highest possible level of service during these difficult times. Our offices will remain staffed and customers will still have access to 24/7 technical support.
 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this crisis together. 

RS Fiber to Offer Free Broadband Internet to Eligible Families with Students Amid Coronavirus School Closures

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For Immediate Release (03/15/2020)

Gaylord, MN – RS Fiber Cooperative (RS Fiber) will provide two months of free broadband service to eligible low-income households, as a number of Minnesota schools announce closures amid concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Manager of the RS Fiber Network, Winona-based Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC) made the announcement Monday morning. HBC President Dan Pecarina said that RS Fiber is taking measures to provide free Internet access to eligible low-income families, who are new customers, and for free community Wi-Fi hotspots.

“RS Fiber will be working with local school districts to accelerate the school system’s referrals of local low-income families to ensure every student has access to vital communications services through the RS Fiber Internet Assistance Program,” Pecarina said. “Families who live in RS Fiber member communities and townships can sign up for the program through the school system.”

“RS Fiber is a strong supporter of K-12 education,” said Pecarina. “It is important to all families, schools, and communities that every child is provided the access to on-line learning offered by local school districts.”

RS Fiber is prepared to move quickly to install broadband service to new subscriber families to ensure students aren’t left behind as schools suspend classes and move to on-line learning amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Free Community WiFi Hot Spots will be located in Gaylord at Gaylord Park and in Winthrop at Winthrop Park to provide additional Internet access for the general public.

RS Fiber COVID-19 Preparedness

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To our customers,

With the increase in the number of Coronavirus cases, we want to ensure you we are taking steps to protect our employees and customers. We continue to monitor closely the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19). At this time, no one knows how severe this outbreak will be. Given this uncertainty, and the fact that the seasonal influenza (flu) virus is also widespread, we are taking proactive steps to limit the spread of illness.

Staff are following RS Fiber guidelines for:

  • Hand sanitizers
  • Clorox wipes for disinfecting work surfaces & electronic devices (mobile phone, laptops)
  • Other protections such as disposable rubber gloves and face masks when needed
  • Self-imposed work from home as a precaution for employees who have traveled by air or cruise ship or who have a known exposure

We are following CDC recommendations such as requiring employees to:

  • Stay at home if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms, fever, and other flu-like symptoms
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water and make use of alcohol-based sanitizers
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as telephones, keyboards, and tools

You may notice employees such as installers, in-home repair technicians, and front lobby personnel wearing gloves and/or masks as they perform their day-to-day activities. In addition, service technicians who enter homes are also equipped with disposable boot covers.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation. Protecting the health of our customers, employees, visitors to our facility, and others is our utmost priority. Together, we can limit the risk of spreading illness in the workplace and community.

Thank you,

The RS Fiber Team

RS Fiber
PO BOX 326
Gaylord, MN 55334
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