Trico is using a pre-subscription program to determine whether to offer fiber-to-the-home internet service to Members, and where to offer that service. 

Trico Electric Cooperative (Trico) is launching a Member-Driven Fiber Internet Program to determine if Trico will start offering high-speed fiber internet service. For 80 years, Trico has been energizing their Members’ lives with cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable energy services, and now they are putting the decision on offering fiber internet service in their Members’ hands.

Trico is using a pre-subscription program to determine whether to offer fiber-to-the-home internet service to Members, and where to offer that service. If enough Members pre-subscribe, Trico will launch Trico Fiber and start offering fast, affordable, and reliable fiber internet with the same cooperative values and excellent service Trico has delivered to Southern Arizona for 80 years. 

Trico’s Member-Driven Fiber program is simple:

·        Members can pre-subscribe on Trico’s website: www.trico.coop

·        Members can track the pre-subscription levels in their neighborhood

·        Members can encourage their neighbors and friends to pre-subscribe

For the past two years, Trico has been performing detailed feasibility studies to understand the financial, engineering, Member service, and other impacts of offering fiber internet services.

“We have studied and assessed the costs and benefits of offering fiber internet services, we believe Trico can provide affordable, reliable, and fast internet service. If our Members show enough interest, we are confident this can be a benefit for all Trico Members and the communities of Southern Arizona.” said Brian Heithoff, Trico CEO & General Manager.

“Eighty years ago, we started delivering electricity to our Members—lighting homes and powering rural communities when no one thought it was possible. Today, reliable, fast internet is vital to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, and Trico is excited to help connect our communities. We see it not just as technology, but as a transformational step forward that will empower our communities for generations to come—just as electricity did all those years ago,” said Heithoff.

Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone

Separate from the Member-Driven Fiber Internet Program, Trico is starting work on building the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone, which will connect Trico’s electric substations and devices with high-speed, secure fiber communications.

Benefits of the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone will include:

·        Improved reliability

o  Better coordination and communication between Trico’s electric facilities will reduce outage times and the number of outages that occur.

·        Secure data transfer and protection from cyber threats.

·        A smarter grid will allow Trico to better manage loads, more efficiently use existing facilities, and develop programs to better serve all Members.

Construction on the Trico SmartGrid Fiber Backbone will begin later this year and is expected to finish in fall 2026.