MVlink is a service of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) that offers a high speed fiber Internet connection for Cooperative members, and potentially new members that live adjacent to the network. The network was developed to expand MVEC’s Smart Grid capability to allow communications with substation, line and meter equipment to help operate the Cooperative's electric system in the most efficient and reliable manner possible. In addition to improving system operations, this network will better help members track their energy usage, improve energy efficiency and work and learn from home. 

 

Optical fibers are used most often as a means to transmit between the two ends of the fiber and find wide usage in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distance and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than wire cables.

Fiber to the home (FTTH) is a relatively new and fast-growing method of providing significantly higher bandwidth to consumers and thereby enables more robust video, internet and voice services.

MVEC's smart grid technology advanced from the office to substations, line equipment and individual meters, creating the need for a reliable method to communicate between all of that infrastructure. Fiber is the best medium available to ensure consistent, fast speeds and with some of the infrastructure already in place, it was fitting to also offer Cooperative members a high speed internet option. An affordable, reliable and high speed internet service is as important to Cooperative members today as electricity was 80 years ago. Not-for-profit electric cooperatives are member and community driven, always working to enhance the quality of life for their member-owners.

Residential and Business packages are available with symmetrical speeds starting at 85 Mbps, up to 1 gigabyte. Internet-based telephone service is also available for an additional $34.95 per month. [Click here to view pricing]

No Contracts, No Data Caps, No Installation Fees and much more

  • A reliable, high quality connection

  • Bandwidth options to connect all of your devices to WiFi

  • Faster connection speeds

  • Improved productivity

  • Enough bandwidth for worry-free video streaming

  • A future-proofed home for technology

  • Virtually no maintenance

  • Less vulnerability to glitches or interference – even from weather!

  • More clear phone conversations; including reliable access to 911

  • Secure voice and data transmissions

Building a network requires design, then construction, then adding a fiber drop to the home/business and finally in-home installation. If you live in an area that is fully constructed, service can be installed in 30-60 days. If you live in an area that is still under construction it may be several months before we are ready to connect you. Members who sign-up for service will be contacted when their area is ready for installations. [Click Here to sign-up]

MVlink offers speeds starting at 85Mbps/85Mbps up to 1Gb/1Gb.  Fiber is the only technology that isn’t limited by the medium of communication.  The networking equipment at each end limits how fast a fiber network can talk and networking equipment is getting faster all the time.  Fiber is also consistent, whereas wireless, cellular and cable are shared technologies that allows performance degradation as usage increases. 

Maximum Speeds by Technology

Wireless        25Mbps

5G Cellular:   30 Mbps

DSL:             40 Mpbs

Cable:           1,000Mbps

Fiber:            10,000Mbps

Yes, you should allow for conduit near the electrical entrance to your home. Please call the office at 800-927-6068 to discuss the details.

If our network design puts us in close proximity to your home or business, then we may be able to connect you. If you choose to take service from MVlink, you will become a telecommunications member and will earn patronage dividends based on your level of service. Please express your interest by signing up so we can stay in touch with you as our network continues to expand.

The answer depends on how far apart the buildings are, but it is possible one modem will work. Using a WiFi booster or running an Ethernet cable between the two buildings should allow one connection to serve multiple buildings. 

MVlink Internet and telephone services require electricity. When power is out at your service location, a battery backup can keep services working for a period of time. Our membership seldom experiences extended power outages.

The Cooperative is committed to providing the same level of reliable service for MVlink Internet as with the electric business.  Fiber cable is actually quite strong and isn’t significantly impacted by weather events, trees and car accidents.

The MVlink fiber team suggests cancelling your current service after your MVlink in-home installation is completed, tested and working to your satisfaction.