You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
Browse the topics below for answers to customers' most pressing questions. Have more questions or comments about our services that aren't covered on our site? We're here to help! Give us a call at 843-675-3200 (press 2 for a customer support representative and 3 to report an issue).
About
At RiverNet Connect, we believe that every single one of our community members should have the opportunity to have access to the same quality internet as the people living in Charlotte or Columbia. Our goal is to provide world-class internet to every house, on every dirt road that wants it and we won’t stop until we’ve done just that.
RiverNet Connect is the fiber internet subsidiary of Lynches River Electric Cooperative. Though we are powered and supported by LREC, we are proud to be two separate entities with a shared goal of serving our community.
If you’ve registered your interest in our service at RiverNetConnect.com, we will notify you through the e-mail and/or phone number you provided. You can also view all Phase One zones and zones that are opened by visiting the Service Areas page on our website. In addition, updates will be posted as progress is made on this project on the RiverNet Connect Facebook page.
RiverNet Connect’s fiber optic internet will bring a new standard of rural broadband to Lancaster, Chesterfield, and Kershaw counties. With fiber, data can be sent up to 1,000 times fast than traditional copper and the service can reach Gigabit (1,000 Mbps) speeds. Fiber technology is much more capable of handling streaming from several devices in the home and during certain times of the day when more people are connected. In addition, a properly designed fiber network isn’t susceptible to surges, and speeds don’t decrease based on distance.
Free internet service is available to families of K-12 students, Pell Grant recipients, those who qualify for Lifeline programs and more. Complete the short application at GetEmergencyBroadband.org to check your eligibility. Once completed, you should receive an immediate notification of your approval typically via email. Once approved, call our Customer services line at 843-675-3200.
Getting Started
In Phase One, which is currently in progress, service is only being offered to homes served by Lynches River Electric Cooperative. You do not have to be an LREC member, meaning the name on your LREC account does not need to match the name on your RiverNet account. This is subject to change in future phases.
You can sign up by entering your address on the Join page and, if service is available at your address, simply follow the prompts.
If you have issues with registering online, you can call our customer service line at 843-675-3200 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Your landlord will need to provide written permission for the installation of RiverNet Connect services. You and your landlord will need to decide who will be responsible for the $99 installation fee.
Internet
Speeds will not be throttled (lowered), but it’s important to remember speeds can be impacted by a variety of factors and are dependent on the customer’s device.
We’re proud to say we will never implement a data cap on our customers. However, RiverNet does reserve the right to analyze data usage that is abnormally high.
RiverNet does not offer e-mail addresses with internet service. There are several well-regarded companies that offer free e-mail addresses including Google, Yahoo, Outlook, and AOL.
Telephone
You are not required to have a landline to be eligible to receive internet service.
Residential customers can have multiple lines at $24.95 per month per line. We also offer business packages that include several lines. Business owners should call our customer service line at 843-675-3200 for additional information.
At this time, we are not offering standalone phone service. Customers are required to have internet service in order to receive phone service.
Yes, customers can keep their current phone number. Our customer service representatives will work with the customer and the current provider to ensure the number is transferred over successfully.
Installation & Equipment
No, customers will not be allowed to use their own equipment. This is to ensure that we’re able to effectively troubleshoot any network or customer-specific issues that may occur.
If a customer terminates services within the first 12 months, whatever the reason, the customer must return the equipment undamaged within 14 days. If it is not returned, we will bill the customer’s account for the cost of the equipment. In addition, if the equipment is damaged within the first 12 months, the customer will be responsible for the cost of the equipment.
Two boxes will be installed: an ONT (similar to a modem) and a wireless router.
You will need to be home for the install to be completed.
Once your zone is opened for installation, customers can call 843-675-3200 to begin the installation process. It takes between 2-3 weeks from your first call to when service is connected at your home. During this time, we will call in locate requests for other services run to your home, have an installer do the initial drop, then the installer will connect your home.
The vast majority of the installation can be completed outside of your home, but an installer will need to come inside to finalize the installation and ensure your service is functioning properly. Our installers are taking all necessary precautions to protect against the spread of COVID-19 by wearing gloves, masks, and shoe protectors.
No, we do not and will not sell customer information including browsing information.
Billing
Free internet service is available to families of K-12 students, Pell Grant recipients, those who qualify for Lifeline programs and more. Complete the short application at GetEmergencyBroadband.org to check your eligibility. Once completed, you should receive an immediate notification of your approval typically via email. Once approved, call our Customer services line at 843-675-3200.
Your billing date will vary based on when you sign up for service.
Your first bill will be prorated. This means that your first bill will include service from the day your service was connected until your bill date and the next month’s bill since you are billed in advance for service.
We do not require contracts for service, but we do offer a contract option. There is a $99 installation fee when service is started; however, customers can sign a one year contract to get connected for free.
There are no fees for canceling service; however, if a customer terminates services within the first 12 months, whatever the reason, the customer must return the equipment undamaged within 14 days. If it is not returned, we will bill the customer’s account for the cost of the equipment. In addition, if the equipment is damaged within the first 12 months, the customer will be responsible for the cost of the equipment.
Customers can pay their bill by phone by calling 888-643-1078, online in their customer portal on RiverNet Connect.com, or by mail at PO Box 130, Pageland, SC 29728.
You will receive a separate bill and have a separate account for your internet service.
Yes! Customers are welcome to upgrade or downgrade their service to adjust to which package best suits your family’s needs. There are no fees associated with changing packages.
A $15 late fee is applied a week after your bill due date. After two weeks of non-payment, your service will be disconnected. In order to reconnect your service, you will need to pay a $25 reconnect fee.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers up to $30 per month towards internet service for eligible households. In addition, RiverNet Connect will offer an additional $10 per month for households that qualify. Visit (link to ACP) to check your eligibility. Once completed, you will receive notification of your approval, typically via email. Once approved, call our member services line at 843-675-3200.
Tech Support & Troubleshooting
Customers can call 843-675-3200 and choose option 3 for technical support or to report an interruption in service.
Easy Bill Payment Options
Need to pay your bill? Make a payment online, mobile app, or pay by phone.