Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
Rural customers have been the last to receive dependable and fast internet services. Craig County had been lucky enough to have participated in the Blacksburg Electronic Village project from Virginia Tech in the early 2000s which brought the Citizens internet service to residents and businesses. Since that time, Citizens Telephone Cooperative from Floyd County, and TDS Telecom have provided access to internet and landline phone service locally.
Change has arrived with RiverStreet. Mike Meinel, vice president of marketing, shared, “RiverStreet is thrilled to announce the acquisition of …New Castle Telephone Company from TDS Telecom. This strategic move is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our presence and providing enhanced services to our valued customers.” Meinel added “We are also proud to announce that as part of this acquisition, RiverStreet has acquired the New Castle market area from Citizen Cablevision, a subsidiary of Citizens Telephone Cooperative’s cable operations located in New Castle, VA.” The Craig County Board of Supervisors received a comprehensive presentation on the RiverStreet changes and anticipated improvements at their February meeting.
Customers are already receiving changes in their bills. TDS Telecom customers who have landline service, internet service and Dish television service are receiving a separate bill from both providers. Confusion over due dates and fee schedules for each service with actual provider has caused questions. RiverStreet expects to address that in communications to customers this week.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for customers, employees, and business partners. We are dedicated to maintaining the high standards of service and quality synonymous with TDS Telecom while introducing new and innovative offerings,” Meinel stated. RiverStreet is connecting fiber in South Central Virginia, “in our efforts to provide cutting-edge connectivity to underserved communities.”
The importance of connectivity for rural communities cannot be understated. The benefits include public safety, telemedicine for healthcare access, educational opportunities and support, business development, and community and social networks, reducing the isolation often experienced in rural communities. Each aspect of communication services adds to the quality of life experienced daily by residents, businesses and visitors to Craig County.
RiverStreet is based in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Their communications with existing customers should be received this week. New customers can visit the website for information on options in the future. A final bill from TDS Telecom for services will cover from April 13, 2025 – May 12, 2025. Existing customers’ first RiverStreet bill will cover services from May 13, 2025 – June 6, 2025, and may be lower than a typical monthly invoice. Beginning in June 2025, all invoices will reflect a full billing cycle from the 7th of one month to the 6th of the next. Citizens customers should receive explanation of changes in the coming weeks.