When will fiber come to my home/business?
MCG currently has Phone, Internet, & Television fiber optic service within the city limits of Oskaloosa, Beacon, University Park, and Keomah Village. We also have fiber service in some rural areas of Mahaska County. To find out if your home or business can access the MCG fiber optic network, call us at 676-1000 or click here to access maps of our fiber optic network service area.
Are there charges to switch service providers to MCG?
No, there are no fees to switch providers. If service is stopped and re-started at a later date, a reactivation service charge may apply.
Will I be charged an installation fee if I sign up for service?
We are currently offering a FREE installation promotion. When you sign up for service, we request permission to attach the customer premise equipment to the side of your home.
What happens during the installation?
When subscribing to Internet service, MCG will install, free of charge, one CAT-5 network jack inside the house. For digital television service, MCG will install CAT-5 wiring to each TV that you use and install a set top box at each TV. Set top boxes are required for every television set that the homeowner wants to operate independently. The first five set top boxes are supplied at no charge. For each box over five, the monthly cost is $5.00. For telephone service, existing phone jacks will be used.
Does MCG offer High Definition TV service?
Yes, MCG currently offers over 35 high definition TV channels with more on the way. When you subscribe to the MCG basic TV service, we offer HDTV service on up to 5 TV's in your home for one low monthly price.
Do I need to change my phone number?
No. You are not required to change your phone number. If desired, you do have the option of getting a new number with the MCG prefix of 676.
Are there special programs available for low-income residents or hearing impaired residents?
Lifeline is an Iowa low-income telephone assistance program that subsidizes connection charges of basic phone service and provides a monthly credit on the telephone bill. Eligibility requirements apply. Click here for more information.
Customers who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired or deaf-blind may qualify for the equipment distribution program sponsored through Relay Iowa and Telecommunications Access Iowa. This program distributes telecommunication devices to Iowans who are eligible. Click here for more information.
With MCG Internet, will my phone line be tied up?
MCG provides a high-speed Internet connection that does not tie-up your phone line.
What is a set top box and why do I need one?
A set top box is a device that converts the digital video signal, sent over the fiber, into a signal suitable for a TV set. These are required because most television sets are not capable of handling the IP-based packets that digital television is transmitted on.
What are Community Access Channels?
To keep residents of the MCG service area informed, MCG is offering two Community Access Channels. These channels (7 & 12) provide residents with local news about upcoming events. They also air locally produced broadcasts of government meetings, church services, sporting events, and other programming of interest to the residents of Mahaska County and the surrounding area.
