Peoples-KY Connection November/December 2026 by utilitypioneers

Wi-Fi Wishbook 2026

HOLIDAY TECH THAT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD SCHOOL LESSONS COUNTING BLESSINGS

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Launch your smart home Smart home devices can sometimes sound like science fiction. The truth is much more down-to-earth. Simply think of a smart home as a collection of devices that connect to your internet and are controlled by your phone, your voice or on a schedule you decide. The possibilities seem as endless as a clear night sky, and that can feel intimidating. Fortunately, a little planning and knowledge go a long way. So, keep it simple at first.

START WITH THE BASICS You don’t need to outfit your entire home overnight. Begin with one or two devices that solve real needs. Smart speakers, which may include voice assistants, smart plugs and smart bulbs, are great entry points. They’re affordable and easy to install. They can also show how everything works together.

PICK A HOME BASE Most smart devices work through an app, and many people find it helpful to center their setup around a single ecosystem such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home. Adopting one system can make setup smoother and reduce compatibility headaches.

STRENGTHEN YOUR WI-FI Your smart home runs on your internet connection, so a reliable Wi-Fi network is essential. If you notice slow speeds or dead zones, contact your broadband provider to learn about upgrading your router or other available options. A strong connection ensures your devices respond quickly and consistently.

NAME THINGS CLEARLY It might sound mundane, but naming your devices thoughtfully makes a big difference. “Living Room Lamp” is much easier to remember and say out loud than “Plug 3.” As your setup grows, clear names keep everything organized.

Original photo by Mark Gilliland

KEEP SECURITY IN MIND Because these devices connect to the internet, it’s important to protect them. Use strong, unique passwords and keep your apps and devices updated. Before long, you’ll find your home responding in quiet, helpful ways. And while there may not be an astronaut at your door, it might just feel like you’ve taken a small step into the future.

BROADBAND ∙ VIDEO ∙ VOICE

CONNECTED KITCHENS

RELAXATION STATIONS

CONNECTION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

VOL. 14, NO. 6

NOW-THIS-IS-LIVING ROOMS

KEEP TABS ON YOUNG EXPLORERS

FASTER, SMOOTHER, EASIER

is your member-owned cooperative serving Jackson and Owsley counties in East Kentucky. The cooperative is dedicated to using technology to keep its members connected through highspeed broadband internet, digital and HD television, wireless 4G phone service, local and long-distance calling and beyond.

Send address corrections to: Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative P.O. Box 159 McKee, KY 40447 606-287-7101 • 606-593-5000 prtcnet.org

BACKYARD BLISS

PRIORITIZE PRODUCTIVITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Your Launchpad to Connected Living

ot too long ago, the phrase smart home sounded like something out of a futuristic novel. Today, it’s part of everyday life, and it all begins with a reliable broadband connection. Our new Wi-Fi Wishbook is your guide to exploring the connected home, with ideas for nearly every room and even the yard. You’ll discover smart lighting, security cameras, thermostats, KEITH GABBARD kitchen gadgets and entertainment devices, along with technology Chief Executive Officer that can help children stay safer online and allow older family members to live more independently. We also include practical tips for setting up your Wi-Fi, keeping your network secure and choosing devices that fit your lifestyle. Think of this magazine as your launchpad. You don’t have to upgrade everything at once. Even one or two well-chosen smart devices can make everyday routines a little easier, a little safer and a lot more convenient. Of course, every connected home needs a strong signal behind the scenes. That’s where PRTC comes in. We’re proud to provide the fast, dependable broadband that powers everything from video calls and streaming to the latest smart home technology. While the gadgets may feel a little out of this world, the people delivering your connection are your neighbors, committed to helping our community stay connected today and ready for whatever comes next.  Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

Kendall Norris President Wendell Gabbard Vice President Pat Henderson Secretary Nelson Bobrowski Treasurer Donald Barrett Armel Davidson Jerry McIntosh

Produced for PRTC by:

On the Cover:

PRTC’s Wi-Fi Wishbook delivers page after page of smart home ideas. From the kitchen to the backyard, you’ll find ways to enjoy Wi-Fienabled devices. 3

connected kitchens Smarten up the heart of your home LEAK DETECTORS These small sensors monitor sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators and send an alert to your phone if they detect moisture. When shopping for the perfect detector, look for loud alarms. Some even pair with systems that shut off water automatically.

SMART COFFEE MAKERS, GRINDERS Start brewing your next cup from your phone, with a voice command or by setting a schedule. Some models can grind beans just moments before brewing. Choose one that fits your coffee preferences. Simpler machines are often easier for everyday use.

DIGITAL FAMILY CALENDAR This wall-mounted digital calendar displays schedules, chores and reminders for the whole household. Sync it with your Google or Apple calendar, and put it somewhere everyone will see it, like the entrance to the kitchen.

SMART OVENS Smart ovens connect to your phone to preheat, adjust settings and send alerts when dinner is done. Look for easy-to-use controls and features you’ll actually use when selecting one.

SMART REFRIGERATORS A smart fridge monitors temperature, sends maintenance alerts and sometimes shows what groceries are inside. These are a larger investment than other smart kitchen appliances, so prioritize practical features.

SMOKE, HEAT AND GAS DETECTORS These detectors send alerts to your phone and identify different risks. Look for long battery life and clear notifications. Some can even trigger other devices, like turning on the lights.

Original photo by Mark Gilliland

Than the

Score Jackson County coach develops the person behind the player

Story by SARA DIAMOND PATTERSON

PeoplesRural RuralTelephone TelephoneCooperative Cooperative Peoples

s he begins his tenure as Jackson County High School’s head boys basketball coach, Eric Fields has more than simply winning in his game plan. He’s also focused on what he calls the larger mission of high school athletics. “We’re really just trying to prepare kids for life,” he says. “Basketball is just another aspect of life. It’s fun to play and fun to watch, but it also prepares you for life.” For Eric, the mental toughness and perseverance the game develops in players are every bit as valuable as the victories. He says basketball presents a lot of teachable moments, times when players realize if they can make it through this, they can make it through anything. It is a mindset he developed early in his own playing career, as the protege of two Kentucky coaching legends. Under coach Steve Wright at South Laurel High School, Eric helped the Cardinals win the 2005 high school state championship. At Georgetown College, he played for longtime coach Happy Osborne, who compiled a 456-84 record and built the Tigers into a perennial National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national contender. “I’ve been blessed with two of the best coaches in Kentucky history as far as high school and college,” Eric says. “I’m very fortunate that those guys are still around, and I get to talk with them and go to them for advice 20 years later.”

Photo courtesy of PRTC/Mark Sulfridge

A LOYAL TEAM Eric brings that experience to JCHS after a five-year coaching stint at Berea Community High School, where he returned the team to prominence in the competitive 11th Region and developed a loyal staff. Two of his former players who coached alongside him there are joining the Generals’ staff. Jayden Smith played for Eric at Berea and coached the junior varsity team. “He’s just really motivated and knows what it takes to win,” Eric says.

Caleb Clowers, another former Berea Pirate, is motivated by his love of the game and its players. “He absolutely loves it, and he wants to win,” Eric says. “As a coach, you have to surround yourself with those types of people.” While he’s still looking for a fourth assistant, Eric says he is the lucky beneficiary of a longtime presence on the Generals’ sidelines. Social studies teacher Brad Sandlin has been on the past three coaching staffs and is familiar with both the game and the families involved. “He knows the system and the kids and just about everybody in the community,” Eric says. “He does a ton of things behind the scenes.”

ROOM TO GROW Jackson County’s players’ work ethic made an immediate impression on their new coach. Eric was pleased to see that what they lack in varsity experience, they more than make up for with willingness to get into the gym and work on their skills. “As a coach it’s great to see, because even if a kid’s not where he needs to be skillwise, you can work and get him there,” he says. “That’s the fun part of coaching, seeing how far players grow and seeing where they can get.” Eric says the Generals’ schedule is a little tougher this year to better prepare his team for postseason play. “They had a really good season last year, so there’s a lot to build on,” he says. “That’ll be a fun thing just to get these guys a little more experience.” Victories will help define Eric’s first season at Jackson County. For him, the larger measure of success will be how much his players grow—on the court and beyond. “I’ve been saying since the day I interviewed that this place is absolutely awesome,” Eric says. “The community’s been great. You couldn’t ask for better people. They really like their basketball over here, and it’s just a great place.” 

Generals To Watch

November means scrimmages are starting, and the Jackson County High School basketball season will soon be underway. New boys head coach Eric Fields is excited about seeing what the following players and their teammates will do this season:

Brennon Combs—Senior “He’s strong, shoots the ball well and is probably our most-heady player. He can do pretty much everything, and I look for him to be a leader this year.”

Brayden Vickers—Senior “He showed a lot of promise at summer ball and is really going to come around this year.”

Braxton Coyle and Tansen Truett—Juniors “They’re both really good guys with a lot of varsity experience coming off last year.”

Tyler Sandlin—Sophomore “Coach Brad Sandlin’s son, he’s going to be really good. He’s in the gym every day and wants to get better. He’s one of those kids who just has that drive going.”

Eli Summers—Sophomore “He only had a little varsity experience, but he has a lot of talent and untapped potential.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: New Jackson County High School boys basketball coach Eric Fields is hoping to give the Generals much more than victories on the hardwood. Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

relaxation stations Bring the spa experience to your bed and bath

Adobe Stock photo by ppa5

FRAGRANCE SYSTEM Release your favorite scent on a schedule or whenever the device detects motion, keeping your space fresh without constant spraying. Look for adjustable intensity and simple app controls. Avoid placing it directly near vents.

SMART SHOWER EXHAUST These fans clear steam and odors, and some feature voice control and automation. Models with built-in humidity sensors are especially helpful. They activate when steam rises. Check compatibility with your favorite voice assistant.

SMART BEDS A smart bed can help shape how you feel when you start and end your day. Popular features include sleep data tracking and temperature control for optimal comfort. These systems often rely on a companion app for full functionality.

SMART CURTAINS Automated curtains can gently let in natural light as you wake up. Look for quiet motors and check that the curtains fit your existing curtain rods. Battery-powered models are easier to install, but wired versions offer longer-term convenience.

SMART TOOTHBRUSHES These high-tech dental devices build better daily habits by tracking how long and how well you brush. Look for an app that’s easy to understand. Most connect via Bluetooth rather than Wi-Fi, and battery life varies by model.

AIR PURIFIERS Compact air purifiers reduce moisturerelated odors and airborne particles, keeping the bathroom feeling clean. Choose one suited for small spaces and look for an automatic mode that adjusts as air quality changes. Place it near, but not too close, to moisture sources. 9

now-this-isliving rooms Level up your favorite gathering space SMART SPEAKERS These voice-controlled devices play music, answer questions and control other smart products. Place them where you love to lounge, near a couch or on a side table. Look for devices with clear voice recognition, which matters more than extra features. Google and Amazon offer solid options.

SMART DISPLAYS Enhance the smart home experience with a screen. These convenient displays show video calls, recipes or camera feeds. They work best in spots where you glance often, like a media console. Check privacy settings and camera controls to stay confident about your security.

SMART TVs

Smart TVs connect directly to streaming apps and your home network, eliminating that clunky cable box. Look for an easy-to-navigate menu and reliable app support. A world of endless entertainment awaits.

SMART THERMOSTATS

A smart thermostat learns your schedule and preferences, adjusting temperatures automatically. It’s an effortless way to control energy costs. Before buying, be sure to check the device’s compatibility with your heating and cooling system.

GAMING CONSOLES Modern consoles aren’t just about online gaming. They also double as entertainment hubs that stream movies and shows, play music and connect to other devices like smart speakers.

Automatic feeders and pet cameras keep you connected with your best buddies when you’re away from home. Look for simple controls and reliable notifications.

ROBOT VACUUMS AND MOPS Put your cleaning on a schedule. Robot vacuums and mops only need clear floor space to get to work. Mapping features help them learn the layout of your home, so efficiency improves over time. 10

Adobe Stock image by James S. Cowan

PET FEEDERS AND CAMERAS

keeping tabs on young explorers Tools designed with child safety in mind Designed for children of all ages, from infants to teens, smart home devices can help ensure a safe environment even when the kids are not in.

IN-ROOM MONITORS Smart monitors stream live video to smartphones. Some models can notify parents when their little one is moving around more than normal. Others double as sleep trackers and even play lullabies and white noise to soothe the baby back to sleep.

SMART LOCKS TO THE RESCUE Avoid that moment of panic when a busy child locks himself in his room. Modern smart locks are considered “invisible” due to their slimline looks. App compatibility, remote access and door status detection complete the package.

WATCH THIS! Sure, they tell time, but today’s smartwatches also include two-way calling, limited texting to preapproved contacts, GPS tracking and school-mode settings to reduce distractions. Some even provide video calling and voice memos.

Original photo by Mark Gilliland

Infants and toddlers are not ready for advanced wearables, but a GPS tracker offers real-time location data and can even alert parents when their child leaves a preset safe zone. Small and lightweight, they can be attached to a backpack, belt loop or shoe. Many come with an SOS button to send a location alert.

Adobe Stock image by James S. Cowan

ALWAYS IN TOUCH

safe signals for older adults Smart tools help enable independent living Wi-Fi-enabled tech tools can provide safety and peace of mind for loved ones of older adults who want to stay in their own homes.

SMART SPEAKERS Smart speakers can remind someone to exercise, take medications and ease feelings of isolation. They can also be an important lifeline in the event of a fall or injury, with voice prompts to call emergency contacts.

PILL ORGANIZERS Multiple medications with different dosing schedules can be hard to keep track of. A smart pill container organizes them by time and day of the week. You can also set reminders and controls to release only the needed pills at the required time to avoid accidental overdosing.

APPLIANCES At some point just about everyone forgets to turn off the lights or oven. Smart appliances can automatically turn off after a period of inactivity. Smart plugs and outlets can control other devices from a phone or tablet and even connect with a smart speaker to allow voice commands.

Adobe Stock image by CC/peopleimages.com

STAY ALERT Even with safety features in place, accidents and health emergencies happen. Stand-alone medical alert systems can be placed in a central location, or a wearable device can call for help with the push of a button. Some can detect falls, even if the person is unable to press the button, or monitor medical conditions like diabetes. 13

bring your smart home to life Once your smart home is up and running, dial it in to operate as smoothly as possible.

MATCH THE DEVICE TO THE JOB Not every smart option is interchangeable. For example, smart bulbs are great for lamps and fixtures. Smart switches make more sense for built-in ceiling lights. Trying to use both on the same circuit may mean you can’t control the lights at all. So, pick the right type of device for the job to create predictability.

PAY ATTENTION TO POWER Device behavior may change based on how it’s powered. Battery-powered devices are easier to install but may respond slower to preserve battery life. Plug-in devices tend to be faster and more reliable, but they need a nearby outlet. So, choose plug-in options for devices like security cameras or doorbells.

KNOW YOUR WI-FI BANDS Many newer routers offer two Wi-Fi bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The distinction matters. Many devices are built to work on the 2.4 GHz band because it travels farther and handles walls better. When setting up devices, check the instructions to verify the correct Wi-Fi band.

SENSOR STRATEGY Motion sensors can feel magical or mildly annoying, depending on how they’re placed. Shifting sunlight or passing cars can trigger a window-facing sensor. Also, if a sensor is aimed too high or too low, it may miss movement altogether. For best results, place sensors where people naturally cross their path, and avoid direct exposure to windows or heat sources.

UNDERSTAND DELAY AND ‘LAG’

When timing matters, like turning on lights when you enter a room, consider using local controls, such as motion sensors or switches, instead of voice commands.

Original Adobe Stock image by Gorodenkoff

If a smart device doesn’t respond instantly, it’s usually doing extra work behind the scenes. A voice command travels to your speaker, to remote servers and finally back to your device. If your internet connection is busy, each step is more noticeable.

Backyard BlisS

Let gadgets take the chores out of the outdoors SMART WATERING SYSTEMS No need to remember to water the lawn or garden ever again. These systems automatically handle it based on schedules, weather or soil conditions. Look for options that adjust to rainfall and connect easily to your existing sprinkler setup. Placement matters—zones should match the needs of different plants.

SMART GRILLS

Use connected thermometers and apps to cook with precision. You can even check temperatures from your smartphone without lifting the lid. Look for clear readouts and reliable alerts.

SMART BIRDHOUSES AND FEEDERS

These devices include small cameras, letting you watch birds visit and even identify species in real time. Choose a model with weather resistance and a simple app. Placement should balance visibility with a bit of privacy for your feathered friends.

SMART CHICKEN COOPS

A smart coop door opens and closes automatically, usually based on light or a schedule, protecting your chickens at night. Battery life and durability are important, especially in changing weather.

ROBOT MOWERS

WEATHER STATIONS

A home weather station tracks conditions like temperature, rainfall, wind and humidity right where you live, giving you more precise insight than a general forecast. Look for easy-to-read displays and app integration. Sensors should be in open areas, away from buildings or trees that could skew readings.

AI-generated image by Brandon Pomrenke

Robot mowers quietly trim your lawn on a schedule. They are best in yards with clear boundaries and minimal obstacles. Setup can take a little time, but once mapped, they keep yards tidy with little effort.

Gearing up for the PRTC Classic Story by LAURA McGILL

RESEARCHING THE STATS For Brian, getting ready for a game means digging deep for stats and finding details about the players, the coaches and the teams. With the livestreams lasting as long as two hours per game, including the pregame and halftime, it takes a lot of talking to keep viewers engaged. “I spend two, maybe three, hours per game getting ready, doing the research and looking at the historical data,” Brian says. “I think about what I would want to know if I were watching the game. I look for interesting statistics like how the coaches have performed over the years or head-to-head against each other.” One coach recently commented that Brian discussed details that even he didn’t know about his own career.

PICKING THE TEAMS As an invitational, participating teams are not based on rankings. They are selected based, in part, on their locations. 18

“We want to showcase the schools in the areas that PRTC has always served, like Jackson and Owsley counties,” Brian says. “And we also want to invite teams from the areas where we are expanding our services, like Lee and Clay counties. We’ve also got teams committed from Buckhorn, Corbin, Danville, Barbourville, among others.” This year the Classic is expanding from two days to three to allow for more games. “Our plan is to have Lee County play Oneida Baptist Institute in the opening game,” Brian says. “It should be an exciting matchup, with the state’s leading scorer from Lee returning for his senior season.” PRTC recently added service in the Oneida area of Clay County and is wrapping up work to add more than 200 miles of

Photos courtesy of PRTC

t takes a team effort to plan and provide livestream coverage for the annual PRTC Classic basketball invitational tournament. Taking place at Jackson County High School, Dec. 3-5, the Classic will showcase some of the best local talent on the court as well as the dedicated PRTC talent working behind the scenes. PRTC Media & Marketing Representative Mark Sulfridge leads the team as producer. On the cameras, T.J. Isaacs and Justin Lakes keep the action in focus, while the play-byplay coverage, stats and color commentary are supplied by “Country” Earl Owens, Hunter Carroll and PRTC Public Relations Manager Brian Murray.

As part of PRTC’s coverage, Public Relations Manager Brian Murray, right, interviews Jackson County’s Joona Holm, who played for the Generals last season as an exchange student.

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

ABOVE: The 2026 PRTC Classic returns to Jackson County High School’s gym Dec. 3-5. LEFT: Jackson County’s players are ready to take the court again.

2026 PRTC CLASSIC, JACKSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, DEC. 3-5 Catch the games live on Facebook and YouTube @PRTC TV. THE SCHEDULE Thursday, Dec. 3 5:30 p.m.: Lee County boys vs. Oneida Baptist Institute 7 p.m.: Barbourville vs. TBA Friday, Dec. 4 5:30 p.m.: Jackson County girls vs. Owsley County service in Lee County. “Because of the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, PRTC is able to provide high-speed fiber internet to 3,400 passings or about 94% of Lee County,” Brian says. A passing is a structure such as a home or business that now has access to PRTC’s service. Some of the buzz around the Oneida Baptist Institute team is connected to its partnership with UPLAY Canada to create UPLAY OBI. This international program is designed to develop student-athletes to play at college and professional levels. The team will be governed by Kentucky High School Athletic Association rules that will dictate players’ eligibility. “Playing games in the United States allows them to get a ranking here. And it lets our local players get some good experience playing with and against some great athletes,” Brian says. “While the UPLAY kids won’t be varsity eligible this season, they should be for 2027-2028.”  Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

7 p.m.: Jackson County boys vs. Buckhorn Saturday, Dec. 5 9 a.m.: Jackson County Middle School seventh-grade boys vs. Owsley County 10 a.m.: Jackson County Middle School eighth-grade boys vs. Owsley County 11 a.m.: Jackson County girls vs. Leslie County 1 p.m.: Jackson County boys vs. TBA 3 p.m.: TBA 5 p.m.: TBA 7 p.m.: Corbin boys vs. Danville Christian Academy

Garage Glow-up Storage solutions get smarter SMART GARAGE DOOR OPENER Open and close the garage door from your phone, no matter where you are. These devices also can send alerts if you leave the door open. Look for models that work with your existing opener, or consider a full replacement if yours is older.

SMART TOOL CONTROLLERS

A smart tool controller connects to outlets or power strips, letting you turn tools on or off remotely or on a schedule. This can add a layer of safety—especially for devices you don’t want left running.

MOTION SENSORS

Triggering lights by detecting movement, these devices mean no more fumbling for switches when your hands are full. Place them in your home where you naturally enter or move through, and adjust sensitivity to avoid false alerts.

TOOL TRACKING SYSTEMS

Keep tabs on valuable equipment. These systems often use small tags paired with an app to show where tools are—especially useful for those that move between the garage, yard and other workspaces. Look for long battery life and simple setup.

These sensors monitor conditions inside your garage, which can affect tools, stored items and even your car. They send updates to your phone so you can catch issues earlier, like excess moisture. Place them away from doors or direct drafts for more accurate readings.

AI-generated image by Brandon Pomrenke

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY SENSORS

Eastex

Original Adobe Stock image by Ranju

Share Your Soundtrack Take your tunes to every room MULTIROOM LINKED SPEAKERS Play the same music throughout your home or different songs in different rooms. Simply put, these speakers keep everything in sync. Look for systems with easy grouping controls and reliable connections. Placement matters: Spread them evenly so sound feels balanced, not crowded.

WI-FI TURNTABLE A Wi-Fi turntable blends classic vinyl with modern streaming. It spins tunes while also sending the audio to wireless speakers, a great option for record fans who don’t want to be tied to one room. Check compatibility with your speaker system, and keep the turntable on a stable, vibration-free surface.

A SMART DISPLAY FOR MUSIC CONTROL A smart display, like a Nest Hub, acts as a visual control center. It can show lyrics, album art and playlists while letting you control playback with your voice or a quick tap. Place it someplace convenient, like a kitchen counter or side table, and review privacy settings so it fits your comfort level.

SMART GUITAR AMP Devices like smart guitar amps and connected apps let musicians adjust tones, save presets and even record, making it easier to experiment without extra gear. Look for intuitive controls and headphone options if you want to keep your compositions to yourself.

PRTC NEWS

A Grateful Nation Gives Thanks On Veterans Day and every day, PRTC proudly honors the men and women who served in our armed forces.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thank you for your service.

From all of us at PRTC, we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season. In observance of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, our offices will be closed on the following days: Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 Christmas: Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25 New Year’s Day: Friday, Jan. 1

IT’S A SLAM DUNK! The 2026 PRTC Basketball Classic invitational tournament brings the best local high school basketball talent to Jackson County High School, Dec. 3-5.

STAY ON THE NICE LIST! Call 811 before you dig to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

Whether in person or online, support your community and cheer for your favorite teams during three days of exciting hoops action. See Page 18 for more information. Catch the games live on Facebook, @PRTCVideo and on YouTube, @PeoplesTelecomCH9/ streams.

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

Original image by Noble Sprayberry

prioritize productivity Customize your work-from-home setup Working from home is now a way of life for many people. And while a kitchen table and laptop may get the job done, having the right setup can make a big difference in comfort, focus and productivity. A smart workspace takes advantage of connected technology to simplify tasks, reduce distractions and help you stay on course throughout the day. Consider thoughtful additions that make a difference in creating a more efficient and comfortable work environment.

IMPROVE YOUR CONNECTION A reliable internet connection is crucial for any part of your smart home setup, but you really don’t want to worry about interruptions during important video calls or in the middle of uploading a large file. If your connection feels slow or inconsistent, consider the location of your router or whether your work may require more bandwidth.

CREATE A FOCUSED SPACE Begin with devices that support your daily routine. With a smart speaker or display, you can help manage your schedule, set reminders and answer quick questions without interrupting your workflow. Add smart plugs and lighting to turn on lights at the start of your day or adjust brightness and temperature with a simple voice command when you’re in the zone. Noise-canceling headphones or even app-controlled white noise machines create a more focused atmosphere. You can also use smart assistants to set timers for focused work sessions or breaks, helping you stay productive throughout the day.

KEEP SECURITY IN MIND Because your work may involve sensitive information, it’s important to protect your devices and network. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication when available and keep your software up to date. Be sure to review the privacy settings on your devices, too. 23

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILLSBORO, OR PERMIT No. 66

1080 Main St. S. McKee, KY 40447

Be a Christmas

Hero (Wi-Fi yule love!)

High-speed fiber from PRTC keeps you on the Nice List with the power to stream holiday movies and football games, make video calls with friends and family and enjoy all your tech tools.

606-287-7101 | PRTCNET.ORG