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PANGAEA Internet now requires automatic recurring payments – June 2024

PANGAEA Internet now requires accounts to be set up for automatic recurring payments in order to keep our nonprofit operating costs as low as possible. 

If you haven’t already, please log into the customer portal by July 22, 2024 to add your payment method and select autopay for your debit card, credit card, or bank account, in order to avoid the $5 monthly processing fee. The autopay transaction will process when we issue invoices on the 1st day of each month. (Note: If your account has a credit balance, auto pay will not begin until after the credit balance is exhausted.)

To access the portal page, go to https://customer.e-polk.org

If you’ve never accessed the portal, click on “New Portal User? Register an account here!” Follow the onscreen instructions to gain access to your customer portal.

You may also contact us at 828-859-3072, Option 1, and our billing department will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for working with us to make this change. It will save us (and you) a lot of time once autopay is set-up.

PANGAEA Internet’s nonprofit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region. This mission will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.

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PANGAEA Internet
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 1369 Columbus, NC 28722
Our physical address is:

PANGAEA Internet

37 W Mills Street

Columbus, NC 28722

PANGAEA Internet Celebrates 20 Years! – November 2023

 

                                                                                                 November 13, 2023

PANGAEA Internet Celebrates 20 Years!
On October 7th, PANGAEA celebrated 20 years of dramatically impacting our communities in Polk and Rutherford Counties. The celebration included our Board of Directors, Staff, Partners and Friends.

PANGAEA Internet’s 20th Anniversary Video

Since 2003 we have:
  • Provided high speed fiber optic internet connections for more than 800 locations and wholesale connections enabling service to more than 3,000 additional locations
  • Utilized $5.7 million in grant funds to build the network infrastructure
  • Utilized $1.2 million of PANGAEA operating funds to pay for customer connections to our community network 
  • Realized network up-time of 99.999% and 100% of our customers say they are satisfied or very satisfied with our service
  • Built more than 600 miles of fiber

Current customers include: every public and charter school in Polk and Rutherford counties, seven municipal and two county governments (including libraries and fire stations), Isothermal Community College, St. Luke’s and Rutherford Regional hospitals, as well as dozens of medical offices and pharmacies. In addition we serve hundreds of commercial customers and homes along our fiber route.Please visit www.pangaea.us to see our customer testimonials and learn about our non-profit mission to improve our communities.

Check out PANGAEA’s Testimonial Page to see what everyone is saying about our service.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Review us on Google, Facebook, or from our website.

Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   

Product, Billing & Other Questions
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
828-859-3072
staff@e-polk.org
After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219
network@e-polk.org
37 W Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1369, Columbus, NC 28722
www.pangaea.us

 

Customer Announcement – Sonar Invoicing June 2021

 
JUNE 1  INVOICE CHANGE 
 

Dear Customer,

We are excited to help make your experience with PANGAEA Internet even more enjoyable by announcing the launch of our new customer portal! Connecting to the portal will make it easy for you to interact directly with our staff and allows us to keep you informed of important news and updates.

The customer portal gives you quick and convenient access to manage your account, make bill payments, set up automatic recurring payments, view your invoice, and update your contact information.

 
Important items to note beginning June 1, 2021:
  • Your monthly invoices will arrive in your inbox from Pangaeabilling@e-polk.org
  • Due Date Change: Invoices will be emailed on the 1st of the month and are due by the 20th day of the month.
  
When you receive your June 1, 2021 invoice, follow these simple steps to access your new account: To access the new portal page, go to https://customer.e-polk.orgThen click on “New Portal User? Register an account here!”

 
 

Next enter the email address that you are using now into the Email Address Field and click on the blue box labeled Look up Email Address.

 
 

You will receive a new email titled:
“PANGAEA Internet customer portal account creation” Inside this email, click the link and fill out the form with this same email again, create your new username and your new password.

 
 

That’s it! Your new portal user and password will now be setup. Of course, if you have any questions or difficulties while setting up your new portal user, please give us a call at 828-859-3072.

Thank you for your continued partnership, and for being an important part of PANGAEA’s non-profit community-focused mission!

 
 

Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.org

Service & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org
Dana Conner, Network Technician, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org

 
Copyright © 2024 PANGAEA Internet, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are important to us! Our mailing address is:

PANGAEA Internet

PO Box 1369

Columbus, NC 28722

 

 

 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – September 2020

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                           September 17, 2020

PANGAEA INTERNET IS HAVING A
RECORD-BREAKING YEAR!We’ve added 57 new commercial customers
since the beginning of 2020!

Be on the lookout for our new billboards
and yard signs throughout
Polk & Rutherford Counties . . .
 

Recent Testimonial Winners
Congratulations to
Charles Burgess, Burgess Pittman & Co. of Keller Williams
who received a $200 Invoice Credit! 

Check out PANGAEA’s Testimonial Page to see what everyone is saying about our service.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Review us on Google, Facebook, or from our website.

Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet.

PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.

Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   

Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.orgService & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org
Dana Conner, Network Technician, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org

Copyright © 2024 PANGAEA Internet, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are important to us!Our mailing address is:

PANGAEA Internet

PO Box 1369

Columbus, NC 28722

 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – March 2020

 

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                               March 19, 2020

PANGAEA Gives Back

Customer Installation Grants – $263.1K since 2009

Fiber optic splicing scholarships = $7.0K since 2014

Learn more about PANGAEA in our 2019 Impact Report 
   
                

On February 6, 2020, Polk and Rutherford Counties experienced a far-reaching internet outage and at least 18,000 were without service. PANGAEA’s customers never even knew it! This is because our network is designed to automatically reroute through an alternate diverse connection. 

Recent Testimonial Winners
Congratulations to
Dr. Robert Rash of Breakthrough Chiropractic
and
Steve Burney of Medicap Pharmacy 
who each received a $200 Invoice Credit! 

Check out PANGAEA’s Testimonial Page to see what everyone is saying about our service.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Review us on Google, Facebook, or from our website.

Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet.

PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.

Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   

Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.orgService & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org
Dana Conner, Network Technician, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org

Copyright © 2024 PANGAEA Internet, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are important to us!Our mailing address is:

PANGAEA Internet

PO Box 1369

Columbus, NC 28722

 

Share Your Thoughts on PANGAEA Internet – Win $300 – August 2019

 

 

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization.

You will then be entered in a drawing for a chance to win $300 in the form of a gift card, an invoice credit or a charitable donation.
It’s your choice!

Here’s how:

Provide a 2-3 sentence testimonial regarding your PANGAEA Internet service, using one of the three links below. Be sure to include your name and the name of your company.

                                                                        

Contest Rules:

*Entries must be received no later than  August 15, 2019 at 5:00 pm. 

*Previously submitted testimonials may be updated and resubmitted to be eligible for the drawing.

*All submissions will be added into our ongoing quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

*By submitting your testimonial, you give PANGAEA Internet permission to use your comments in its website and other internal and external company communications.

*PANGAEA Internet Directors, Staff and family members are ineligible to enter the drawing.

Copyright © 2024 PANGAEA Internet, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are important to us!Our mailing address is:

PANGAEA Internet

PO Box 1369
Columbus, NC 28722

 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – July 2019

 

 

 
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                               July 25, 2019
 
Welcome Dana Conner, Network Technician
We are pleased to announce that Dana Conner has joined the PANGAEA Internet team as a Network Technician. Dana brings a wealth of technical knowledge, business skills, and community relationships to PANGAEA. His focus on customer service will allow PANGAEA to continue to exceed customer expectations and continue our positive community impact. 

As many of you know, Dana has been the President of Conner Computer Consultants, Inc. (“CCC”) in Rutherfordton for almost 20 years.  For the last several years Dana has transitioned to more of an administrative role at CCC, allowing him to take on these new responsibilities with PANGAEA. The CCC customers will continue to receive the same, high-quality level of service they have come to expect.

We look forward to Dana helping PANGAEA continue our rapid growth and outstanding customer service for the communities of Polk and Rutherford Counties.
 
 
3rd Quarter Testimonial Winner
 
Congratulations to
Tim Mace of Mt. Vernon Cubbard 
who received a $200 Invoice Credit! 
 
Check out PANGAEA’s Testimonial Page to see what everyone is saying about our service.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.
 
Review us on Google, Facebook, or from our website.
 
 
 
Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet.

 
PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.

 
 
Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   
 
Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.org

Service & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org
Dana Conner, Network Technician, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org
 
 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – June 2019

 

 

 

 
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                               June 25, 2019
 
HAVE YOU SPOTTED OUR BILLBOARD?
We would love to hear your feedback!

You can email staff@e-polk.org with any comments or questions.  




 
 
2019 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Fiber Optic 1-2-3 Training Course
Congratulations to Cody Mills of Ellenboro, NC. Cody applied for and received PANGAEA Internet’s $750 scholarship to attend a 4-day Fiber Optic 1-2-3 training course this month.



Cody says, “As a driven learner, I feel like this scholarship will help me further my career goals by providing me with the knowledge necessary to assist in maintaining infrastructure for my employer. It is critical to have personnel properly trained for various issues, especially in a rural area such as Rutherford County. I feel like it would be a great benefit, both to myself and to the community as a whole, for more technicians in the area to be trained in fiber optics.”
 
2nd Quarter Testimonial Winner
 
Congratulations to
David Swain of Midway Baptist Church 
who received a $200 Invoice Credit! 
 
Check out PANGAEA’s Testimonial Page to see what everyone is saying about our service.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.
 
Click HERE to Submit your Testimonial from our website
or
Review us on Google (click the image below). 
 
 
 

 Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet.  
 
PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.
 
Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   
 
Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.org

Service & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org
 
 
 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – February 2019

 

 

 
   QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                         February 2019
 

2018 Community Impact Report
Click below to read PANGAEA’s
2018 Community Impact Report
Click below to read PANGAEA’s
2018 Community Impact Report
 
2018 Celebration Dinner

Last month PANGAEA Internet’s board and staff enjoyed an evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of 2018 and the past 15 years.  
 
Testimonial Winners
 
Congratulations to
Pat Buede of Workforce Benefits Company
and
Tim Barth, Town Manager of Town of Columbus

They each received a $200 Invoice Credit! 
 
See what Pat, Tim and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.
 

Review us on Google (click the image below). 



or Submit your Testimonial from our website HERE
 
 
 

Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet. 
PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.
 
Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   
 
Business & Product Questions
Ron Walters, Executive Director, (828) 859-3072, ronw@e-polk.org

Service & Support Questions
Ken Griffin, Operations Director, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org
James Green, Network Technician, (828) 859-3072, network@e-polk.org

After Hours Support
(877) 859-8219, network@e-polk.org

Billing & Other Questions
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator, (828) 859-3072, carolyn@e-polk.org
 
 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – September 2018

 

 
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                      September 26, 2018
 

200 Customers & Growing!

PANGAEA Internet reached an exciting milestone this summer when The Brown Companies, LLC in Columbus became our 200th Customer. The owners, Barry and Jo Brown, were awarded with a $200 Amazon Gift Card so that they too could share in our celebration! (Pictured below L to R: Ron Walters, PANGAEA’s Executive Director, Jo Brown and Barry Brown)
Jo Brown commented, “We are extremely excited to be connected to PANGAEA Internet. This summer Barry and I made the decision to make a substantial investment in our office’s IT structure in order to offer the very best cutting edge service, security and privacy protection to our clients. Upgrading to the dependability and affordability of the PANGAEA fiber optic connection was necessary for the security of our project. Ken Griffin and James Green from PANGAEA made the transition seamless. Our partnership with the PANGAEA team is essential to delivering the quality services our clients deserve and expect.”
 
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
Thank you to all of our customers who participated in our recent Customer Satisfaction Survey. The results were impressive with 100% of our survey respondents stating they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with PANGAEA Internet. We also received many customer testimonials, which you can find our our website at www.pangaea.us. 
Congratulations to our testimonial drawing winner, Jennifer McCluney of Team CFA Foundation. Jennifer received a $400 invoice credit for her organization. (Pictured above: L-Carolyn Whitehead, PANGAEA’s Office Administrator and R-Jennifer McCluney, Team CFA’s Finance Director)
 
PANGAEA Provides Broadband Service for
FEI World Equestrian Games
 
PANGAEA Internet, the leading commercial provider of high-speed fiber optic internet service for Polk and Rutherford counties, was the primary internet services provider for the FEI World Equestrian Games, which was held September 11-23, 2018 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC.

Network performance was perfect (100% network uptime)!
 
 
 

Support our non-profit mission by shopping at AmazonSmile. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet. 
PANGAEA Internet’s non-profit mission is to deliver affordable, reliable connectivity and services for our region that will enhance economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a broad platform of innovation enabling underserved areas.
 
Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200. Click here to submit your referral.   
 

PANGAEA Internet Selected to Provide Broadband Service for FEI World Equestrian Games

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
PANGAEA Internet Selected to Provide Broadband Service
for FEI World Equestrian Games

TRYON, N.C. / September 5, 2018 – PANGAEA Internet (PANGAEA), the leading commercial provider of high-speed fiber optic internet service for Polk and Rutherford counties, has been selected as the primary internet services provider for the FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held Sept. 11-23 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, N.C.

“We are thrilled to play such an important role in the World Equestrian Games,” said Ron Walters, executive director of PANGAEA Internet. “The games will bring unmatched excitement and opportunity to our area and will showcase the region to worldwide visitors.”
 
The FEI World Equestrian Games, held every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle, is one of the largest events on the global sporting calendar, combining eight equestrian World Championship-caliber events in one location. This year’s competition marks the eighth edition of the games and the second time they have been held in North America. The event has the potential to be the largest sporting event in North Carolina history—with a projected economic impact of $400 million, 500,000 spectators across 13 days and more than 70 countries represented.
 
PANGAEA is the primary internet services provider for this year’s venue, the Tryon International Equestrian Center. For the past 12 months, PANGAEA has conducted an extensive network upgrade in order to meet the event’s expected internet demands. “In preparation for the bandwidth demand of the games, PANGAEA has increased our network capacity by a factor of 10 for the month of September,” said Ken Griffin, PANGAEA Internet’s operations director.

PANGAEA Internet (pan-GEE-ah) is a non-profit provider of “Speed of Light” fiber optic internet service. Our network currently serves customers at more than 250 locations across Polk and Rutherford counties, including public school districts, city and county governments, health care facilities and local businesses. Visit us online at www.pangaea.us, or contact Executive Director Ron Walters at 828-859-3072.
 
 
 

Exciting Happenings as NC Rural Day features PANGAEA Internet – June 2018

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                               June 18, 2018



Rural Day 2018 was presented by the NC Rural Center to bring awareness toward improving access to broadband, health care and small business development. Ron Walters, PANGAEA Internet’s Executive Director, was one of three speakers representing broadband innovation. Read the PANGAEA story here:
Broadband Innovation: PANGAEA Internet

Welcome James Green, Network Technician

We are pleased to announce that James Green has joined the PANGAEA team. James is a U.S. Army veteran and brings broad knowledge of network switches and routers as well as CAT 5/6 and fiber optic cabling. James was most recently a Network Technician for Charter Communications. Previously he worked for Asymmetric Warfare Group and General Dynamics.

James lives in Landrum, SC and has an AAS degree in Computer Information Technologies and holds certificates in Cisco routing and switching.

2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Fiber Optic 1-2-3 Training Course

Congratulations to Tom Roberson of City Computer. Tom applied for and received PANGAEA Internet’s $750 scholarship to attend a 4-day Fiber Optic 1-2-3 training course this month. 

Prior scholarship recipient, T.J. Byers says this about his current career, “I left my job at the Facebook Data Center back in May of 2017 to pursue a new opportunity. I was hired directly to work for the Data Center Management team of Amerisourcebergen, a pharmaceutical distribution/wholesale company. I am responsible for the daily operations of the Charlotte Data Center. I am also involved with building out our Visual Data Center and have been on the team that set up our remote monitoring for our sites. I am also responsible for scheduling Preventative Maintenance for our cooling units and UPS systems.

The course that I took with the assistance of your organization is a huge reason as to why I am where I am today.”


PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi is available in many downtown areas of Polk & Rutherford counties including Harmon Field and Lake Lure Beach. Since 2015, more than 850,000 users have accessed the free public networks.

Testimonial Winners
Congratulations to
Lee Lindsay of Steps to Hope 
who received a $200 Invoice Credit! 

See what Lee and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Click HERE to Submit your Testimonial from our website
or
Review us on Google (click the image below).


Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200.  Click here to submit your referral.

Website

Email

Facebook

LinkedIn

 

PANGAEA Internet Expands Staff to Meet Growing Internet Demands



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANGAEA Internet Expands Staff to Meet Growing Internet Demands

TRYON, NC / March 26, 2018 – In order to meet the growing demand for PANGAEA Internet’s “Speed of Light” internet service, the company has added James Green to its staff as Network Technician. James is a U.S. Army veteran and brings broad knowledge of network switches and routers as well as CAT 5/6 and fiber optic cabling. James was most recently a Network Technician for Charter Communications and previously worked for Asymmetric Warfare Group and General Dynamics. James lives in Landrum, SC and has an AAS degree in Computer Information Technologies and holds certificates in Cisco routing and switching.

In addition, the company announced that Ken Griffin was promoted from Network Engineer to Operations Director. Ken joined PANGAEA in 2015 and has more than 20 years of information technology support and management experience. Since joining the company, Ken has delivered excellent results in the areas of network design, network planning, installations and maintenance.

After more than 13 years, PANGAEA’s former Operations Director, Stu Davidson, retired at the end of 2017. Stu designed, operated and maintained PANGAEA’s network and had a great impact on the company’s success. Stu is currently working part time for PANGAEA as an independent contractor.

“The PANGAEA staff is the best I’ve ever worked with and is the key ingredient in our growth and outstanding customer service,” according to Ron Walters, PANGAEA Internet Executive Director.

PANGAEA Internet (pan-GEE-ah) is a non-profit provider of “Speed of Light” fiber optic internet service. Our network currently serves customers at more than 250 locations across Polk and Rutherford Counties, including public school districts, city and county governments, health care facilities, and local businesses. Visit us online at www.pangaea.us, or contact Executive Director Ron Walters at 828-859-3072.

 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – March 2018

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                                March 7, 2018

2017 Community Impact Report
Connecting Communities – Dramatic Results





Click below to read about PANGAEA Internet’s mission, community impact, partnerships, and customers.
2017 Community Impact Report



2018 Celebration Dinner
PANGAEA Internet’s board and staff enjoyed an evening to celebrate the many milestones reached over the past 15 years.

PANGAEA Wi-Fi is available in many downtown areas of Polk & Rutherford counties including Harmon Field and Lake Lure Beach. Since 2015, more than 744,000 users have accessed the networks.

Testimonial Winners
Congratulations to
Samuel Staton of Staton & Cooper, PC
and
Karyl Fuller, of Isothermal Planning.
They each received a $200 Invoice Credit! 

See what Samuel, Karyl and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Click HERE to Submit your Testimonial from our website
or
Review us on Google (click the image below).


Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200.  Click here to submit your referral.

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What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – September 2017

 

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER                                                                SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

2017 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Fiber Optic 1-2-3 Training Course

PANGAEA Internet offered a $750 scholarship to attend a 4-day Fiber Optic 1-2-3 training course in July. After completing the class, scholarship recipient Tristan Morse had this to say, “This course increased my skills by providing solid, textual knowledge on procedures, codes, and special terms. Not only that, the hands-on work reinforced what I learned from the written course work. With this, I can say that I have gained a solid education with Fiber Optics maintenance.”

Pictured: Scholarship recipient
Tristan Morse with Carolyn
Whitehead of PANGAEA Internet

Another Successful Network Upgrade!
We recently completed a network upgrade that doubled our supply of internet bandwidth to meet the demand of our fast-growing family of customers. Pictured below is PANGAEA’s Network Engineer, Ken Griffin (left) and our Operations Director, Stu Davidson.

Wi-Fi usage has far exceeded expectations. The original target was 18,000 annual users. Since the project inception in 2015, more than 500,000 users have accessed the networks.

PANGAEA Wi-Fi is available in many downtown areas of Polk & Rutherford counties including Harmon Field and Lake Lure Beach.

Testimonial Winner
Congratulations to Michaila Cowles of Huckleberry’s Restaurant who received at $200 Invoice Credit! 

See what Michaila and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization to be entered into our quarterly drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit.

Click HERE to Submit your Testimonial from our website
or
Review us on Google (click the image below).


Refer a Customer

PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).

If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200.  Click here to submit your referral.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fiber cables are a green technology.
We can all do our part and fiber optic cables are no different.  The amount of energy it takes to send a flash of light across a fiber optic cable is significantly less than that required to send electrical signals (copper cables). Less energy means less carbon output, lower emissions and greener operations.

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What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – May 2017

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 5, 2017

PANGAEA Internet is offering scholarships to Polk and Rutherford county residents to attend Fiber Optic Splicing training to be held July 18 – 21, 2017 in Spartanburg, SC.

Visit https://pangaea.us/pangaea-scholarship-program-and-application/ to learn more and submit your application.

PANGAEA Internet quickly installed a 1GB connection last month for the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s (TIEC) new steeplechase location, which  hosted the 71st annual steeplechase event. The new Columbus, NC location drew over 9,000 spectators. In addition to TIEC’s main location, PANGAEA Internet now serves four of their nearby locations including the Steeplechase.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, PANGAEA Internet qualifies for donations from the AmazonSmile Foundation of 0.5% of the purchase price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.

If you would like to participate, please use this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/30-0156436  to go to smile.amazon.com in support of our organization “E-Polk, Inc. dba PANGAEA Internet”.

“Amazon will not share individual customer information with charitable organizations even if you select to support them through your shopping on AmazonSmile. Please see the Amazon.com Privacy Notice for more information.”

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Carolyn at carolyn@e-polk.org or 828-859-3072.

Testimonial Winners

Congratulations to
Scott Warren of CooperRiis
who received a
$200 Invoice Credit!

See what Scott and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Submit a TestimonialTake a few minutes and tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization. Every quarter, all customers who have submitted testimonials will be entered into a drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit. (Click here to participate.)

 
DID YOU KNOW
THE MEANING OF PANGAEA? PANGAEA [pan-jee-uh] is a Greek word meaning the “whole earth” and reflects our belief in the power of the internet to connect our communities with the world – and we’ve only just begun!

 
Refer a Customer
PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).  If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200.
(Click here to submit your referral.)

Board Officers

Jim Edwards, President
Joe Crowder, Secretary
Harry Grymes, Treasurer

Board Directors

Jeff Byrd
Steve Garrison
Marche Pittman
Russ Pitts

Staff

Ron Walters, Executive Director
Stu Davidson, Operations Director
Ken Griffin, Network Engineer
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator

Contract Support

Jody Gill, CPA, Accounting & Reporting
Sean O’Connell, Network Technician


 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet – February 2017

 







Click to read about PANGAEA Internet’s mission, community impact, partnerships, and customers.

2016 Community Impact Report

PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi is available in the downtown areas of Chimney Rock Village, Columbus, Lake Lure, Saluda, Tryon and also Harmon Field.

PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi has served over 355,000 users

Board & Staff Appreciation Dinner

PANGAEA Internet’s board and staff enjoyed an evening to celebrate the many milestones reached over the past 14 years.
Click here to view additional photos.





Testimonial Winners

Congratulations to
Lonnie Rabor of
Gospel Express Ministries
and
Dana Conner of
Conner Computer Consultants
They each received a
$200 Invoice Credit

See what Lonnie, Dana and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

Submit a TestimonialTake a few minutes and tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization.  Every quarter, all customers who have submitted testimonials will be entered into a drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit. (Click here to participate.)

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Each fiber optic strand is 1/7 the diameter of a human hair and capable of transmitting 250 million phone conversations per second.

 
Refer a Customer
PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map).  If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will credit your PANGAEA invoice $200.
(Click here to submit your referral.)

Board Officers

Jim Edwards, President
Joe Crowder, Secretary
Harry Grymes, Treasurer

Board Directors

Jeff Byrd
Steve Garrison
Marche Pittman
Russ Pitts

Staff

Ron Walters, Executive Director
Stu Davidson, Operations Director
Ken Griffin, Network Engineer
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator

Contract Support

Jody Gill, CPA, Accounting & Reporting
Sean O’Connell, Network Technician


 

Public Wi-Fi Shatters Expectations

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PANGAEA Internet Public Wi-Fi Project
Shatters Expectations

TRYON, NC / November 8, 2016 – The recently completed PANGAEA Internet Public Wi-Fi deployment has far exceeded expectations in both coverage and usage. The systems, which provide free public Wi-Fi internet service via 57 access points in Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Saluda, Columbus, and Tryon, served nearly ten times the projected number of users in 2016.

The PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi project exceeded expectations in two ways.

First, PANGAEA built a prototype system in Tryon before applying for and receiving a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Efficiencies developed during the prototype phase enabled PANGAEA to design and build the original three systems under budget. Therefore an additional two markets were added to the project. Total project costs were about $60,000 and the Towns and PANGAEA contributed grant matching funds.

Second, Wi-Fi usage has far exceeded expectations. The original target was 50 daily users or 18,000 annual users. Since January 1, 2016, PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi has served 144,000 users. Since the project inception in 2015, 268,000 users have accessed the networks.

According to PANGAEA Internet Operations Director Stu Davidson, developing strong relationships within each community was essential to the success of the project. “Partnering with the schools, business owners, and municipal and county governments was extremely important,” said Davidson. “These relationships allowed PANGAEA to deploy access points at locations that would maximize signal coverage as well as promote the service.”

PANGAEA’s nonprofit structure results in low-cost, ongoing management and maintenance of the network. “As part of our commitment to community service, PANGAEA will absorb the ongoing operating costs of the Wi-Fi networks,” according to Ron Walters, PANGAEA Internet Executive Director. “It will make the region more competitive by enhancing the economic development for our businesses, the quality of life for our citizens and the area’s perception and experience for visitors.”

PANGAEA Internet (pan-GEE-ah) is a non-profit provider of “Speed of Light” fiber optic internet service. Our network currently serves customers at more than 200 locations across Polk and Rutherford Counties, including public school districts, city and county governments, health care facilities, and local businesses. Visit us online at www.pangaea.us, or contact Executive Director Ron Walters at 828-859-3072.

 

What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet (August 2016)

 

PANGAEA Internet Service
= zero downtime during eight hour power outage

PANGAEA’s main equipment rooms are protected by generators. Therefore, we are pleased to report that our
customers experienced zero downtime during last week’s power outage that affected downtown
Rutherfordton.

2016 Scholarship Recipients
Fiber Optic 1-2-3 Training CoursePANGAEA Internet offered two $750 scholarships to attend a 4-day Fiber Optic 1-2-3 training course in July. Scholarship recipient Ryan Gordon had this to say, “Having completed the course, I now have a through understanding of the concepts and theories that lay the foundation for fiber-optics, in addition to the practical knowledge needed for installation.”

Scholarship recipients Ryan Gordon (left) and Jared Monath (right) with Ron Walters, PANGAEA Internet’s Executive Director.

We appreciate all of our customers, especially those we have served for 10+ years:

Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce
Gaming Tickets, Inc.
Isothermal Community College
Main Street Insurance Group
Polk County Government
Polk County Public Library
Polk County Public Schools
Town of Tryon
Tryon Daily Bulletin

Preparing to install one of our many new customers!

3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Night
Thank you to all that attended our event.
Click any photo to view the full album.









 
PANGAEA Wi-Fi is available in the downtown areas of Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Saluda & Tryon. Coming in September to Harmon Field and Columbus.

Testimonial Winner
Congratulations to
Kathy Toomey of New View Realty
Kathy received a
$200 Invoice Credit

See what Kathy and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.

PANGAEA Customer Benefits

Submit a Testimonial
Take a few minutes and tell us how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization. Every quarter, all customers who have submitted testimonials will be entered into a drawing to receive a $200 invoice credit. (Click here to participate.)

 
Refer a Customer
PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (Network Map). If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will provide the referring person with a $75 Amazon gift card! (Click here to submit your referral.)

 
Internet Speed Test
(Click HERE)

Board Officers

Jim Edwards, President
Joe Crowder, Secretary
Harry Grymes, Treasurer

Board Directors

Jeff Byrd
Steve Garrison
Marche Pittman
Russ Pitts

Staff

Ron Walters, Executive Director
Stu Davidson, Operations Director
Ken Griffin, Network Engineer
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator

Contract Support

Jody Gill, CPA, Accounting & Reporting
Sean O’Connell, Network Technician


What’s Happening at PANGAEA Internet (June 2016)

 



 

PANGAEA Internet has partnered with the towns to provide public Wi-Fi for casual and temporary use – not to replace existing residential or business internet service.

PANGAEA Wi-Fi is available in the downtown areas of Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Saluda & Tryon. Coming this summer to Harmon Field and Columbus.

Look for “PANGAEA Public Wi-Fi” under the Wi-Fi settings of your phone, tablet or laptop.

Click here to read our informational card.

New Customer Referral Program


PANGAEA Internet is available to all commercial customers that are near our fiber route (see our Network Map). If a referral from a current PANGAEA customer results in a signed service agreement, we will provide the referring person with a $75 Amazon gift card!!! Click here to submit your referral.

 

Click HERE to test your internet speed.

Board Officers

Jim Edwards, President
Joe Crowder, Secretary
Harry Grymes, Treasurer

Board Directors

Jeff Byrd
Steve Garrison
Marche Pittman
Russ Pitts

Staff

Ron Walters, Executive Director
Stu Davidson, Operations Director
Ken Griffin, Network Engineer
Carolyn Whitehead, Office Administrator

Contract Support

Jody Gill, CPA, Accounting & Reporting
Sean O’Connell, Network Technician

The “VAN-GAEA” has arrived . . .

If you spot the “VAN-GAEA” in your area, text a photo to staff@e-polk.org and we will send you a colorful PANGAEA T-Shirt!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

APPLICATION DEADLINE – JUNE 6, 2016

PANGAEA Internet is offering scholarships to Polk and Rutherford county residents to attend Fiber Optic Splicing training to be held July 19 – 22, 2016 in Spartanburg, SC.

Visit https://pangaea.us/pangaea-scholarship-program-and-application/ to learn more and submit your application.

Testimonial Winner

Congratulations to
Tom Roberson of City Computer
Tom received a
$200 Invoice Credit

See what Tom and other customers have to say on the Testimonial Page of our website.
If you haven’t already submitted a customer testimonial, please take a few minutes and give us your feedback. Just click this link and provide a few sentences regarding how PANGAEA Internet has impacted your organization. The drawing is conducted quarterly.

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