As we say hello to 2021 and gear up for the year ahead, Pioneer Connect continues to remain vigilant with health and safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19, keeping the communities we serve safe during this challenging time.
UPDATE: Dec. 3, 2020
We are handling technician and construction home visits on a case-by-case basis. Whether we come inside your home depends on a variety of factors, including the Oregon Health Authority’s risk assessment by county and the time required by the service itself. Feel free to reach us at 1-888-929-1014 and we’ll be happy to talk through your options.
Nov. 17, 2020 update
Following Governor Kate Brown’s announced two-week freeze beginning Nov. 18, our technicians and construction crews will no longer enter your home during an on-site visit. We will instead complete the necessary work outside your home. If the freeze is extended or modified, we will mirror those changes to keep everyone safe. As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to wear face coverings, maintain six feet of distance and use hand sanitizer while at your home or business.
Please know that all of us at Pioneer Connect are committed to meeting your needs and the needs of our community as we all navigate these unprecedented times together.
We want to keep you posted on the actions that we are taking to keep you and our employees safe during this time.
- Our lobbies are closed until further notice.
- Payments can be made by mail, office drop-boxes (cash payments are discouraged), secure-pay-by-phone, and our online bill pay system – SmartHub.
- We have transitioned to a work-from-home environment.
- Customers can still reach us by phone, chat, and email Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For our technicians and construction employees who work out in the field, we have implemented a strict social distancing policy — both at the office and out in the field.
- If a customer needs a new modem, we are offering “front porch delivery.” If assistance is needed to hook up a modem, a technician will walk you through the set-up process over the phone.
- For new installs, these will be handled on a case-by-case scenario. We will work directly with you to explore options to get service connected.
- Our network is ready for this moment. You don’t have to worry about your Internet service — our network is robust, built with redundancies and safeguards in place. We continue to monitor the network daily.
- Call us at 1-888-929-1014, 24/7
- Email us at marketing@pioneerconnect.net
- Make a payment using our secure automated Pay-By-Phone system at 888-220-4308
- Log into your SmartHub account for payments and bill amount inquiries
- Drop payments (cash payments are discouraged)or communications into the external box at either our Waldport or Philomath office, 24/7
- Mail payments or communications in through US Mail
Video Chatting
Social distancing isn’t the end of socializing
- FaceTime
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Zoom
- Google Hangouts
How to video chat on FaceTime
FaceTime is completely free and as long as the person you’re calling has an Apple device supporting FaceTime — you’re good to go. Instructions on how to use FaceTime can be found here. You can also FaceTime with more than one person. Learn more here
How to video chat on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is another free app available from all popular app stores for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and also Mac and PC computers. Here’s a tutorial to help you get WhatsApp set up once you’ve downloaded the app.
How to video chat on Facebook
Facebook also offers video chatting in its platform, for phones and computers alike (you need to have a webcam, though). The social media network even has its own video chat device, Facebook Portal TV, which can host video chats and stream video. To video chat on Facebook, go to Facebook Messenger and start a conversation with the person you want to call. There will be a video camera icon within the message. Click on that to launch the chat.
How to video call on Skype
Skype is a video chat app that’s available both on computers and mobile devices. The app is free, or you can upgrade for paid features. To video chat with loved ones, the free version will suffice. After installing the program on your device, you’ll need to sign up for a free account with your email. As part of this process, you will need to sign up with a Skype ID, or username. You’ll then need to provide that ID to the person(s) you want to call, or ask them for theirs, so you can add one another as contacts and place calls.
How to video chat with Google Hangouts
Like Skype, Google Hangouts is also available via computer or mobile device. You’ll need to get a Google account if you don’t already have one to use the product. On a computer, go to your Gchat window or to hangouts.google.com to access your Hangouts dashboard. From there, you can add and manage contacts and place video calls via the video camera icon. You can also add multiple people to your calls.
Tips for video chatting
- Make sure you have the internet speeds that can handle a smooth, clear connection. Video chatting requires a lot more bandwidth than basic web browsing or emailing.
- Ensure your devices are compatible with the app. Sometimes, you’ll need to upgrade your software or phone to be able to use the latest version of the video chat tools.
- If your computer doesn’t have a built-in camera, make an investment in a good webcam.
- Get as much natural lighting as possible. Avoid sitting directly in front of a bright window. Instead, position yourself so the light is shining on your face. No natural lighting? Find a well-lit room.
- Reduce background noise as much as possible. As tempting as it may be to pass the phone around and get everyone on the call, it’s dizzying for the person on the other end. Find a quiet room where people can take turns if they want to say hello.
Activities for Children
HOMEBOUND?
Click here for a list of fun activites do with your children.
Creative ways to use your internet
Behind it all, there’s the internet
Before COVID-19 hit so close to home, the internet generally seemed like a handy tool. Depending on your job or interests, the world wide web might not have been something you gave any thought to. The internet was just there.
Now, as we practice social distancing, that “handy tool” may be becoming a central part of our lives. While it certainly cannot replace good old-fashioned conversations at the neighborhood bakery or hands-on learning in the classroom, it does have the ability to keep us connected in many ways. And let’s face it, generally, we are social beings. The internet provides that outlet.
Looking for creative ways to use internet connection to connect? Click here for some fun activities
Working from Home
MAINTAIN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Working from home and social distancing can be hard. Maintaining your mental health is important for creativity, productivity, and your overall well-being. Check out this list of ways to support your mental health during COVID-19. We like the idea of getting out in nature and reaching out to venerable neighbors.
Take breaks
At home, you may be sitting for longer periods that you normally would at work. Get up, take a walk, spend a few minutes with your family. Especially during this uncertain time, maintaining connection and taking time for your emotional health is vital.
BE AVAILABLE
Set expectations with your team around your availability and make it clear when and how people can best get ahold of you. Phone calls, text messages, instant messaging, emails, and video conferencing are powerful ways to stay connected with your team during this time.
CHECK IN WITH EACH OTHER
Working from home is not always easy on everyone and your team may be struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, their workload, or more. Now is the time to be a good neighbor—reach out and check in with your team.
GET A GOOD PLAYLIST
Matching your playlist to your task at hand can be a great way to get motivated, stay focused, and conquer your task list. Personally, we recommend Metallica and Mozart:)
GIVE YOURSELF STRUCTURE
It is important to treat a work from home scenario as though you are working from your office. Wake up early, get showered and dressed, and take your usual breaks and lunch break like you would normally. This structure will help you keep your regular rhythm and keep your day from getting away from you.
HAVE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
Suddenly working from your bed, your kitchen table, or your couch all seems enticing. However, setting up a designated workspace will help you eliminate distractions and stay focused during office hours. There’s nothing worse than working from your kitchen table with a pile of dirty dishes staring at you. Trust us.
10X MORE GERMS THAN A TOILET SEAT
Did you know your cell phone has 10x more germs than a toilet seat? So, while you’re washing your hands consider washing your phone too. Here is a handy article on some ways to go about disinfecting your phone.
Watch TV without breaking the bank
With more people are at home practicing social distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus TV viewing has increased.
So how do we stay entertained without breaking the bank with movies on demand?
To help provide some expanded entertainment options during this time, some networks have opened up their channels for all viewers, while others are offering extended free-trail periods.
Click Here to check out the deals.
Enjoy!