The votes have been tallied and residents of Chelan County can rejoice, the fiber build-out will continue as planned. After a near 7-hour Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, June 11th the final verdict was in support of a continued build-out, reaching 95 percent of the County by 2012. It was with your help that this outcome was achieved.

We would like to again thank you for your support of Community Voice. Without you and over 200 emails received, the fate of the Network could have been different. And now virtually all of Chelan County will have access to fiber technology including Internet, Voice and TV in the next five years.

The decision came down to a 3-2 vote, with Ann Congdon and Randy Smith in favor and adamant that the PUD keeps its promise to fiber-related businesses and users. Commission President Norm Gutzwiler broke the tie, also voting in favor of the current build-out plan.

The vote solidifies what was determined in December 2002; the fiber build-out will continue on schedule, bringing fiber service to 75 percent of Chelan County residents by the end of 2008, and 95 percent by 2012. The Commissioners also instructed the PUD to shift focus, bringing fiber to rural and remote areas, specifically Lake Wenatchee, the Entiat Valley and Blewett Pass. This is great news for those who do not currently have access to highspeed service!

Again, we want to thank you for your support of Genext and our Community Fiber Network.

Want to find out if fiber is available at your home or when it will be, give us a call. We can let you know when it will be available (if not already) and get you signed up for services and hooked up as soon as possible.

With the recent good news of the continued build-out of fiber in Chelan County, many might ask what is going on with the other fiber projects in the area, more specifically Douglas and Grant County. Well, quite a lot actually. While all of the Counties operate different fiber business models, they all have exciting developments as of recent.

Let's start with Grant County and the ZIPP Network. They were the first in the region to pioneer fiber and they moved quickly, deploying to rural areas with cutting edge fiber components that required running one strand of fiber to each customer. This expensive decision along with other political and technological issues halted the fiber build-out more than two and a half years ago.

Last month, however, Grant PUD Commissioners approved a plan to build fiber optic service in two communities, putting an end to there "stand pat" policy. The Commissioners are now committed to developing the best broadband solution for Grant County, working with telecommunications industry experts to ensure compatibility of fiber technology with future expansion. This recent change in policy will bring fiber to over 650 residences in Quincy and Moses Lake this year, and hopefully many more in 2008.

At the other end of the spectrum is Douglas County, choosing the most conservative build-out strategy. They have diligently watched the other Counties, learning from their mistakes and taking the correct steps to ensure a profitable business model. Slower in fiber deployment, they are dedicated to building out to rural areas without access to highspeed service. This strategy, while honorable, has left many populated areas questioning when fiber will be available.

The wait won't last much longer as Douglas plans on reaching over 1,000 new residences in East Wenatchee by the end of summer. More specifically, the build-out will include the Broadview and Fancher Heights area where many are eagerly awaiting a new choice in service.

As well, Douglas County is almost ready to launch an IP Video Service, following in the footsteps of Chelan County. The technology will differ greatly but the concept remains the same, consumers will have the ability to receive a triple bundle of highspeed Internet, Television and Voice service. Expect more updates about this exciting development in the coming months.

It is almost every month we announce a brand new channel to the Genext TV lineup. And in May, we launched yet another high definition network, A&E HD.

This brand new high definition network is located on our FREE HD Tier, channel number 120. A&E HD just launched to the public and we have it available now. That's right, if you have a high definition receiver or HD tuner, you get this channel free of charge along with the local Seattle broadcast channels in HD, MHD…MTV in High Definition and coming soon, the History Channel in HD.

A&E HD offers the hottest programs from hit Real Life series such as Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Driving Force, King of Cars and Dallas SWAT, to critically acclaimed original movies, dramatic series and some of the most successful justice shows on television including Cold Case Files and The First 48. A&E HD is also home of the high-profile, Hi Def, off network series 24, CSI: Miami and The Sopranos!

With over 20 High Definition channels, Genext TV has more HD content than anyone! If you want to watch only the best TV available... crystal clear picture with amazing sound precision, make the switch to Genext TV today.

And coming soon...National Geographic in HD, a channel offering viewer's unique insights, groundbreaking findings and a truly unforgettable television experience...all in amazing detail, vibrant colors and theatre-quality 5.1-channel surround sound.

We can't keep up with all of the home construction! Business is booming and we are pleased to welcome Jim Blair to the Genext team. As a Genext Systems Customer Representative, Jim will help customers find the ideal home technology to incorporate in their homes. Systems such as security alarms, audio/video and home theatres, Jim can help you distribute music throughout your home as well as install the cabling and wiring to connect these systems properly.

Jim is a Wenatchee native, living here until his high school years when he moved to Spokane. Recently moving back to the Valley, Jim is excited to begin his passion and career working with technology in a booming housing market. We first met Jim at the NCW Career Fair where his enthusiasm for technology and outgoing personality made us realize he was a perfect addition to the Genext Team.

Beyond technology, Jim enjoys spending time outdoors, with family and playing computer games. Jim's commitment to customer service and knowledge of various Systems is a true asset to Genext. He is already working on a number of exciting projects and is keeping busy with all of the new construction in the Valley!

If you are looking to incorporate technology into your new or existing home, give Jim a call.

Have you discovered the DVR difference? You might be asking, what is a DVR? Well, DVR's or Digital Video Recorders have been around a few years, only recently becoming a TV phenomenon. They are closely associated with something that might sound more familiar...TIVO. DVR's and TIVO work with your television to let you watch what you want, when you want to while recording live TV. Fast forward through commercials, record shows or the entire series ahead of time and watch them whenever you wish. Simply put, a DVR gives you control over your TV.

It is no secret; consumers have long expressed annoyance with TV advertising...waiting through the few minutes of irrelevant advertising to finally get back to the program. A DVR can transform an hour-long program to as short as 38 minutes when you subtract 22 minutes of advertising. In today's fast paced busy world, DVR's let you watch what’s most important to you...never letting you miss your favorite show. DVR's are replacing the outdated video tape recording but the best part; you don't need a tape when recording with a DVR.

Nielsen Ratings research indicates about 17% of households in the U.S. currently have DVR's. With expected growth of DVR's to reach 50% of total TV households by 2010! In just three years, half of the population will be using this technology!

Get started with a Genext DVR today. There is no expensive equipment to buy - DVR is already built in when you choose the option of a Digital DVR-enabled set-top box. Want to watch your recorded shows in high definition...make sure and choose an HDDVR when you signup for Genext TV.