THE LATEST NEWS ON CHELAN COUNTY FIBER

As a combined effort, Leading service providers are preparing our recommendations to the Chelan PUD to identify the next fiber construction area.

We are presently working on obtaining tentative dates for service and will continue to stay in touch with you throughout the process. You may also find additional information in the weeks to come from our website at http://www.genext.net/fiber.

If you have received a flyer on your door or a visit from one of our Community Connect Advocates, your area is on the list. Simply call our offices to activate your Priority Connection.

The PUD Fiber will only be available in areas where there is a commitment from residents and businesses to actually use the service. In order to determine this, the PUD has asked its service providers to collect the names and addresses of those who would sign-up for the service.

If you haven't already done so, please contact your neighbors and friends and encourage them to show their support for the community fiber network.

For more information visit www.genext.net/fiber or email broadband@genext.net

OUR TEAM HAS EXPANDED TO MEET YOUR DEMAND

Genext is proud to announce the most recent addition to our team, Nathan Jennings. Nate has undergone extensive training on Broadband (Highspeed) Internet Technologies, and is helping people understand the advantages of broadband in our community.

In order to provide the most reliable service at the best price, Nate works directly with our Internet Group and Systems Group to co-ordinate the delivery and installation of Broadband services. This allows us to work efficiently and keep our prices low while maintaining the same quality of service that you have come to expect from Genext.

Nate has years of experience in computer technology and in March will have completed Networking, Computer Service & Repair and Basic Programming Courses at Wenatchee Valley College. He is a dedicated and talented business professional that has drawn upon his own business and management background to show businesses how technology will make or save them money.

In addition to our "Broadband Connect" program, Nate is also working with company focus groups to un-veil new web services and continue to shape the next generation of technology in our community.

NCHBA FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY

This month the North Central Home Builders Association in cooperation with Genext and other local technology providers hosted a “Focus On Technology”. During the seminar we discussed how important it is to plan for technology when building a new home.

With technology rapidly being deployed throughout our community the onus is on the contractor and home builders to make sure you get the right wires in the walls. Wiring your home for technology does not need to be complicated or expensive. Even the most basic of homes can have the right wires installed for only a few cents per foot.

If you missed the seminar, don't worry…you can download Wiring 101 Buyers Guide (.pdf) or just give us a call and we can schedule a meeting to discuss your specific needs. We'll also be hosting a series of community meetings about technology in the home, a schedule of which will be posted as soon as it is confirmed.

We want to express our sincere appreciation to all of those who attended and to Marc Straub of the North Central Home Builders Association for his contributions in making this such a success.

For more information about home wiring contact Ken Clarke at kenc@genextllc.com or give us a call.

IN CLOSING...

In case you haven't heard, we now have a newsletter archive now available as well as an expanded support section. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to providing you with the very best service for years to come. Thank you for your business and your continued support of our organization.

Respectfully,

  Drew

Drew Zabrocki
President

Progress...

The Small Humble Steps

Taken Consistently

CRIME BYTES

Crime is a reality that businesses face everyday. Even right here in Central Washington, business owners must be aware of the threats and how to address them, before their employees get the better of them.

Check out the 99 Tips to Securing Your Business and this months feature articleCrime Bytes. Then contact us for a personalized security consultation. Our security experts will help you to identify security concerns and safety hazards as well as prepare a detailed security assessment of your business.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.genext.net/security or speak with a professional today at 884.7791 or dial us toll-free 1.866.588.6329.

A Reminder About Late Fee Increase

We've had only a few comments about our new late fee schedule. For those who are new to our service or those who missed the announcement in January, our late fees and re-connection fees have increased to $10 and $20 respectively. (Read the Notice Here)

NEW SIGN-UP PROVISIONING CHARGES

You may have noticed our Web and Email services are rockin'. Last month Genext made another significant investment in our Internet network. While our services were operating within “Industry Standards” they did not meet the high expectations of our Network Administrator. Lorn Conner, Scott Daniels and the crew in Networks successfully installed an entirely new email server dedicated exclusively to our .NET customers.

In addition, we have implemented several projects for integrating our website with our customer service systems. Soon, an all new support section, customizable start page and access to your account via the web will transform your homepage and our customer service computer systems will be in constant access to our service experts.

Part of our recent investments in our company includes upgraded phone systems with “Carrier Class” capabilities. Eventually it will integrate with our computer systems and dispatching networks to provide even more efficient handling of customer calls.

These continuing advancements in technology are only a sampling of what is to come from Genext this year. We have always maintained that our prices will be dictated by cost and that we will offer the highest quality service at the best price.

Effective March 1st, 2003, all new dial-up customers will be assessed a $10.00 (ten-dollar), one-time Provisioning Charge. Revenues from the Sign-Up Provisioning Charge will be allocated to improving customer service as it relates to dial-up customers. Improvements will include an off-line support guide, integrated payment process, 24/7 real-time account activation, full feature set-up discs with an improved user interface and of course additional staff.

This will not affect any of our current customers. If you already have an active and current account with Genext, you will not incur any provisioning fees for services already provisioned.

This will however apply to any referrals that you send our way. Please be aware of the one time $10.00 Provisioning Charge for all new Dial-Up customers. The price for Dial-up has not changed, the service offerings will remain the same at this time. The only change is the one-time $10.00 Provisioning Charge, only for new customers of Genext.

By deferring the costs of investing in our company to those whom the investments serve, we can continue to keep our prices low and our quality high. We encourage your comments and appreciate your continued referrals. Even with the new Provisioning Charge, we're still the best service at the best price!