A Message from General Manager Dave Carter:

Annual Meeting: April 30th
We have exciting news about this year’s annual meeting, and I would personally like to invite you to attend! This year, the meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, April 30th at 5:30 at the Telemark Lodge in Cable. The reason for the evening meeting is so we can get more of our neighbors involved. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come out and get to know the folks involved in keeping the network running every day. As always, there will be food and door prizes. You’ll get to see first hand what a community-based network can really mean.

Federal Conversion to Digital TV
Customers have been asking about an issue that is new and important to them: the Federal Conversion to Digital TV. When does it go into effect? Will you need a converter box? The conversion goes into effect on February 17th, 2009. You will only need a converter box if you receive television through “rabbit ear” or alternate antennas with an analog television set and do not subscribe to Digital TV through a company like Cheqtel. We’ve got you covered – visit our website to get more information about digital conversion.

High-Definition Television
There also has been an increasing buzz in the air about High-Definition Television. We have issued a request for bids from suppliers, and I hope that by the end of the year Chequamegon Communications/Cheqtel can begin to offer HD services. HD is an evolving service; the industry is still uncertain about how many programs will be available, and we’re working hard to get them to you. So far this year has been one of extreme planning. New technology no longer operates with a gap: users of all ages want the same things. Our network build out is making great progress, and soon we will be able to bring services with no limitations even if you live in a remote area. We’re always listening to your ideas and suggestions to make our service better. Just the other day we had a recommendation from Dave Worman, a customer in the Hayward area, about repositioning the mute button on the remote. Thanks Dave, we’ll pass that on! Give us a call to learn about our new services that we are working on – services that, as always, give you more.