After over a year of waiting, Dr. Dennis Bazemore is thrilled to finally have Fybe internet. As the interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Ahoskie, he had relied on his phone’s hotspot, which was often slow and unreliable, to manage church emails and online meetings. Now, with Fybe, everything has changed. “It’s been tremendous to finally have a dependable connection,” he shared, reflecting on how much easier his work has become.
When the Fybe installers arrived, they worked diligently, even in sweltering heat, they still managed to complete the installation on time. Impressed by their dedication, Dr. Bazemore and his wife, Mrs. Bazemore, welcomed them with sandwiches, watermelon, and cold water. Though offered a break inside, the crew politely declined, quickly eating on the porch before getting right back to work.
For Dr. and Mrs. Bazemore, the experience was about more than just getting connected. The installers were polite, professional, and left everything neat and clean. “They were the nicest, most polite young men,” Dr. Bazemore noted, deeply appreciating their commitment to getting the job done right.
Now that Fybe is part of their lives, the Bazemore's are feeling the full impact of Roanoke Cooperative’s initiative. Living in a rural community where reliable internet has been hard to come by, Dr. Bazemore knows how much this area has struggled with poor connectivity. “The Co-op creating an initiative like this and fulfilling it—it’s tremendous,” he said. “It’s not just about convenience; it’s a necessity with all the electronics and computers we use today.” For communities like his, Fybe is bridging the digital divide, giving families, farmers, and businesses the same opportunities for growth and connection as those in urban areas.
Beyond his church responsibilities, Dr. Bazemore uses Fybe to fuel his passion for learning. As a farmer, he regularly watches videos from large-scale farming operations in the Midwest, learning new techniques to improve his own practices. Occasionally, he incorporates these videos into his nightly routine. “I’m always reading, watching, and learning,” he said. With Fybe, accessing the information he needs has become easier than ever.
Mrs. Bazemore has also seen how Fybe has opened up new opportunities for them both. “He’s what you call a lifelong learner,” she said with a smile. “When the installers were setting everything up, he was right there asking questions—‘What are you doing? How does this work?’ He’s always eager to learn, and Fybe just gives him more ways to do that.”
But it’s not just the Bazemore's who are benefiting from this initiative. Roanoke Cooperative’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to its member-owners are transforming the entire community. For years, families, students, and small businesses in the area struggled with poor connectivity. Now, with Fybe, they can access educational resources, conduct business, and stay connected with loved ones without the frustration of slow speeds or unreliable service. Fybe isn’t just about entertainment or convenience. “The opportunities are endless,” Dr. Bazemore said. “Whether you’re shopping, streaming, connecting with family, or accessing information from around the world, having a service like Fybe means instant access to everything you need.”
For the Bazemore's, Fybe represents a significant step forward—a clear sign of Roanoke Cooperative’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its member-owners. By expanding access to high-speed internet in rural areas, the Co-op is doing more than connecting homes; it’s empowering entire communities to stay connected, grow, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Visit the Fybe (gofybe.com) website to check to see if Fybe is available in your area!