September 2023

JUST FOR YOU

Welcome to Our New Look If your household subscribes to multiple streaming options, you're going to love the newest edition of our What's New eNewsletter! It includes the latest news and updates on FOCUS Broadband's products and services as well as content to help make your streaming experience easier. Now featuring articles and trailers highlighting new and popular movies and series, it covers the best of what's new and notable to stream each month. We hope you enjoy our new look and content. Happy reading! FOCUS Broadband to Convert All Cable TV to MergeTV Switch Now and Experience MergeTV's Benefits and Savings A combination of changing technology and a declining viewership of Cable TV is prompting a change in how FOCUS Broadband will soon provide cable TV service. Over the next 12 to 24 months, FOCUS Broadband will cease offering traditional cable TV, and will convert all cable TV customers to the new MergeTV service. MergeTV offers a similar user-experience as traditional cable TV, but it utilizes a home's high-speed internet to deliver the service. FOCUS Broadband will notify customers by letter and/or email to let them know when it is their time to be converted. The conversions will be done at no cost to the customer, but those who fail to convert to MergeTV by the conversion date risk losing cable TV service. MergeTV includes many benefits over traditional cable TV, including additional channels, the ability to restart a show already in progress and replay shows that aired up to three days ago. Each MergeTV package also includes 100 hours of DVR capacity at no extra cost.Finally, because MergeTV works as a streaming service, you can avoid cable box fees by using your own MergeTV compatible streaming device.† FOCUS Broadband will also have available MergeTV compatible cable boxes for $4.95 per month. Click here for more information on MergeTV. †Subscription to FOCUS Broadband internet is required for MergeTV service. Get Connected With ACP To help more families afford the cost of home internet, FOCUS Broadband participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), an FCC benefit program which provides free or discounted internet service based on income. If you have a student attending a school that participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or Breakfast Program, you may qualify. You may also qualify if a member of your household receives a Federal Pell Grant, SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Veterans Pension/Survivor Benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To find out if you are eligible for the ACP program, click here or call 888-367-2862. Wireless Options That Help You Save If you've considered switching wireless providers, make the move to FOCUS Broadband. We make it easy with 0% financing on a new iPhone or Samsung device. Trade in your old device and get credit towards a new one, or bring your own device and get credit towards your next wireless bill — the choice is yours! All that and Unlimited Talk, Text and Data plans that start as low as $40.* Stop by one of our convenient locations or call 910-755-1952 to learn more about our offers! *Price is per line, per month, with two or more lines and paperless billing. FOCUS Broadband internet subscription required. Per line activation and upgrade fee may apply. Service available pending credit approval. Offers may end without notice. Deposit and credit restrictions may apply. Mischief Managed Manage mischief day and night with Security by FOCUS Broadband. See when someone is up to no good with video monitoring and stop them in their tracks with instant alerts to authorities. Plus, control your home while you're away — manage lights, locks, your garage door and more all from an easy-to-use app.** Call 877-755-8023 for a free quote today! **Security by FOCUS Broadband services may require compatible monitoring plan, equipment, internet connection, agreement, and mobile device with Alarm.com app. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. 2023 Annual Meeting Coming Soon FOCUS Broadband's 66th Annual Meeting of Members will take place on October 6th at 6 p.m. There will not be an in-person meeting this year, but members will be able to hear more about the operations and health of the cooperative by viewing the meeting online at focusbroadband.com/annualmeeting or on FOCUS Broadband TV Channel 3. Instructions on how to register and vote will be sent out to active, eligible members on September 14th via mail and email. Registration will end October 4th. Click here for more information about our 66th Annual Meeting, the voting process, or this year's gift and cash prize drawing.

ORIGINAL SERIES

The Continental: From the World of John Wick TV-MA — This three-part event will explore the origin behind the iconic hotel-for-assassins centerpiece of the John Wick universe through the eyes and actions of a young Winston Scott, as he's dragged into the Hell-scape of 1970s New York City to face a past he thought he'd left behind. Winston charts a deadly course through the hotel's mysterious underworld in a harrowing attempt to seize the hotel where he will eventually take his future throne. (Peacock, September 22nd premiere) Still Up This new comedy series is about two people who are not sleeping together (or at all). Bonded by insomnia, best friends Lisa and Danny stay connected late into the night and find their way through a world of wonderfully weird surprises as their relationship deepens. (AppleTV+, September 22nd premiere)

FAQ/TUTORIAL

Did Netflix eliminate its $9.99 per month Basic subscription tier? Yes, Netflix decided to discontinue its $9.99 per month Basic plan — which had been its cheapest ad-free plan and offered 720p video. Netflix recently informed users on its American Help Center page that new customers and returning users will not be able to sign up for the Basic plan. It's been completely removed from the sign-up page. Customers who are currently on the Basic plan can remain on it until they change plans or cancel their Netflix account. Here are the monthly prices for the three current Netflix plan options: $6.99 for Standard with Ads, $15.49 for Standard, and $19.99 for Premium. Plan details can be found here.

ORIGINAL FILMS

Sitting in Bars with Cake PG-13 — Inspired by true events, this follows two best friends in their 20s navigating life in L.A. Extrovert Corinne convinces Jane, a shy, talented baker, to commit to a year of bringing cakes to bars, to help her meet people and build confidence. But when Corinne receives a life-altering diagnosis, the pair faces a challenge unlike anything they've experienced before. (Prime Video, September 8th premiere) A Million Miles Away PG — This follows the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández and takes us on the decades-long journey of Hernández and his devoted family of proud migrant farm workers — from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. (Prime Video, September 15th premiere)

FRESH FROM THE THEATER

Fast X PG-13 — The 10th film in the Fast & Furious car saga launches the final chapters of one of cinema's most storied and popular global franchises. Dom Toretto and his family must confront the most lethal opponent they've ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom's world and destroy everything and everyone he loves. (Peacock, September 15th premiere) The Little Mermaid PG — This live-action film reimagines the beloved story of Ariel (Halle Bailey), a curious mermaid who longs to experience life on land and, against her father's wishes, visits the surface. Ariel finds herself on an unexpected journey of self-discovery as she enounters a prince, a sea witch, and an incredible new world. (Disney+, September 6th premiere)

POPCORN NIGHT

The Little Mermaid — Past and Present PG — With the new live-action The Little Mermaid premiering on September 6th on Disney+, you can make a big splash during popcorn night by also watching previous versions of this beloved under-the-sea story. Start with The Little Mermaid (1989), the original animated classic. Then dive into The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea (2000), where Ariel and Eric must hide their precious daughter's mermaid heritage to protect her, and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008), a prequel to the 1989 film. (Disney+)

TRIVIA MANIA

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARE

Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory TV-PG — In this six-part series from National Geographic, you can immerse yourself in the amazing animal world like never before. Bertie Gregory follows animals for weeks at a time, building up an intimate picture of their daily battles and taking viewers deep into the natural world. (Disney+, September 13th premiere) Spy Kids: Armageddon TV-PG — When a game developer unleashes a powerful computer virus that gives him control of all technology, the children of the world's greatest secret agents must work together to save their parents — and the world. This film is the fifth in the popular Spy Kids series. (Netflix, September 22nd premiere)

DOCUMENTARIES AND DOCUSERIES

Spy Ops TV-14 — In this eight-part docuseries, intelligence operatives from MI6 to the CIA share insider stories of spy craft, Cold War campaigns, and coups carried out by covert agents. Featured are seven secret operations revealed by the spies who led them. This is real life — not the movies. (Netflix, September 8th premiere) Kelce This intimate and emotional feature-length documentary chronicles Philadelphia Eagles team captain and All-Pro center Jason Kelce's 2022-23 season. After deciding to return for his 12th NFL season, Kelce embarked on a remarkable journey, highlighted by the arrival of his third daughter, the debut of his chart-topping podcast New Heights, and a history-making Super Bowl appearance. (Prime Video, September 12th premiere) The Super Models TV-MA — This four-part docuseries spotlights the remarkable careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. Unprecedented access to the models takes viewers behind the camera and beyond the catwalk, revealing how they dominated the elite modeling world while illuminating a bond that single-handedly shifted the power dynamic of an entire industry. (Apple TV+, September 20th)

NEW STREAMING RELEASES

Please note: Streaming services sometimes make last-minute changes to the premiere dates of films and series. This calendar was prepared on August 28th, 2023, but changes may have been made since then. Remember, while the dates below indicate the first day you're able to stream the featured film or series, streaming enables you to enjoy them whenever you'd like! September 1st A Day and a Half — Original Film. In a desperate bid to reunite with his daughter, an armed man bursts into the medical center where his estranged wife works and kidnaps her. (Netflix) Disenchantment — TV-MA, Part 5. From Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, comes this adult animated comedy fantasy following the misadventures of a hard-drinking princess, her feisty elf companion, and her personal demon. (Netflix) Friday Night Plan — Original Film. When their mother takes off on a business trip, two bickering brothers unite to secretly attend the hottest party of the year before she returns. (Netflix) God. Family. Football. — Original Docuseries, Season 1. Legendary high school football coach Denny Duron comes out of retirement to lead the football program he founded at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. (Amazon Freevee) S.W.A.T. — TV-MA, Season 6. In his hometown of Los Angeles, a sergeant is tasked with leading an elite team of officers — and defusing deadly tensions in his community. (Netflix) The Wheel of Time — TV-14, Season 2. The lives of five young villagers change forever when a strange and powerful woman arrives, claiming one of them is the child of an ancient prophecy with the power to tip the balance between Light and Dark forever. (Prime Video) Click here for more September releases...

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