PemTel Newsletter
January 2024
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
news
On July 24, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced more than $41 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for ten broadband construction projects serving twenty localities throughout Virginia. The VATI program provides targeted funding to extend service to areas that are presently unserved by any broadband provider.
Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area.
PemTel is pleased to announce that we, in partnership with Giles County, received a grant in the amount of $4,199,596.00 to be used for construction of a fiber network on the Rt. 100/Rt. 42 corridor. This fiber network will provide state of the art broadband service to the unserved and underserved residents of these areas.
The project's engineering phase is currently in progress. While a specific timeline is not yet available, we will provide updates on the project's status as it advances. We are eager to offer high-quality, reliable, and affordable fiber broadband internet service to our new friends and neighbors in the grant areas!
Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area.
PemTel is pleased to announce that we, in partnership with Giles County, received a grant in the amount of $4,199,596.00 to be used for construction of a fiber network on the Rt. 100/Rt. 42 corridor. This fiber network will provide state of the art broadband service to the unserved and underserved residents of these areas.
The project's engineering phase is currently in progress. While a specific timeline is not yet available, we will provide updates on the project's status as it advances. We are eager to offer high-quality, reliable, and affordable fiber broadband internet service to our new friends and neighbors in the grant areas!
robocalls
What is a Robocall?
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a Robocall.
What can I do to stop Robocalls?
The FCC requires telemarketers to allow you to "opt out" of receiving calls. Robocalls are required to include a number that you can call to be removed from their lists. You can also register your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a Robocall.
What can I do to stop Robocalls?
The FCC requires telemarketers to allow you to "opt out" of receiving calls. Robocalls are required to include a number that you can call to be removed from their lists. You can also register your telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
schemes & scams
Dear PemTel Subscribers:
It’s never been more important to actively protect your personal information! Criminals often use elaborate tactics to get you to reveal information like passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.
These criminals may send e-mails, instant messages or even call pretending to be someone from a bank, a credit card company or even the Internal Revenue Service! They may try to tell you that you have to update your personal information, but it’s a trick! You should never give this type of personal information out! PemTel, nor any other reputable company, would ever ask you for information that they already have.
In some other cases, emails will state that you have won an award, or a free vacation, etc. They may ask you to click on the links provided in the email to claim your prize. Clicking these links can then jeopardize the security of your computer and the information stored on it. Don’t do it! If you receive an email or phone call offering you something that seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam!
Another scam involving Internet and computer services begins with an individual calling you to advise you that your computer is infected with a virus which they offer to fix it for a fee. They may claim to be with some well known company. They may ask for your credit card as payment and will ask you to install a piece of software that allows them to control your computer. This is a scam! Following their instructions gives them access to your credit card information, your computer and the information stored on it! If you suspect that you have a virus on your computer, consult a reputable professional for assistance!
In order to protect yourself from being a victim of these types of scams, we urge you to use caution and to follow these basic rules:
Don't share your personal information, such as passwords, for "verification" purposes, whether be it online or by phone.
Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and install a firewall.
Don't click on pop-ups or links in emails unless you know and trust the sender.
Use different passwords for different accounts.
Please protect yourself! And contact us at 540-626-7111 if you have any questions. Or report suspicious activities to the Giles County Sheriff’s Office at 540-921-3842.
Sincerely,
PemTel
It’s never been more important to actively protect your personal information! Criminals often use elaborate tactics to get you to reveal information like passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.
These criminals may send e-mails, instant messages or even call pretending to be someone from a bank, a credit card company or even the Internal Revenue Service! They may try to tell you that you have to update your personal information, but it’s a trick! You should never give this type of personal information out! PemTel, nor any other reputable company, would ever ask you for information that they already have.
In some other cases, emails will state that you have won an award, or a free vacation, etc. They may ask you to click on the links provided in the email to claim your prize. Clicking these links can then jeopardize the security of your computer and the information stored on it. Don’t do it! If you receive an email or phone call offering you something that seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam!
Another scam involving Internet and computer services begins with an individual calling you to advise you that your computer is infected with a virus which they offer to fix it for a fee. They may claim to be with some well known company. They may ask for your credit card as payment and will ask you to install a piece of software that allows them to control your computer. This is a scam! Following their instructions gives them access to your credit card information, your computer and the information stored on it! If you suspect that you have a virus on your computer, consult a reputable professional for assistance!
In order to protect yourself from being a victim of these types of scams, we urge you to use caution and to follow these basic rules:
Don't share your personal information, such as passwords, for "verification" purposes, whether be it online or by phone.
Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and install a firewall.
Don't click on pop-ups or links in emails unless you know and trust the sender.
Use different passwords for different accounts.
Please protect yourself! And contact us at 540-626-7111 if you have any questions. Or report suspicious activities to the Giles County Sheriff’s Office at 540-921-3842.
Sincerely,
PemTel
