Charlotte fiber provider plans expansion in Wake, Halifax, Nash, Person counties

CHARLOTTE – More fiber-optic network connectivity is coming to Halifax, Nash, Person and Wake counties, says Charlotte-based communications company Brightspeed. A key factor: $12.1 million in funding through North Carolina’s Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant Program.

Brightspeed says its expansion will reach nearly 4,900 households and businesses. Funding from the state and the federal government has now surpassed $100 million, the company says.

The announcement is one of several made recently as more fiber providers expand footprints in the state.

“We live in a digital world, and our board is committed to making high-speed internet access easy, affordable and equitable for everyone in Wake County,” said Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners and its representative on the statewide Connecting Counties Task Force. “This grant will allow Brightspeed to provide broadband access to more than 1,100 households and businesses in Wake County, which is a big step forward in leveling the digital playing field for our residents.”

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Brightspeed’s long-range target is to make fiber available to some 800,000 locations.

“Expanding access to faster, more reliable, and user-friendly internet has never been more important, whether for work, education, telemedicine, entertainment or simply staying connected,” said Steve Brewer, Brightspeed director of state and local government affairs, in a statement. “We are looking forward to introducing customers in our home state to our innovative Brightspeed products and services that will help these communities’ residents and businesses thrive in today’s highly connected world.”

“We live in a digital world, and our board is committed to making high-speed internet access easy, affordable and equitable for everyone in Wake County,” said Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners and its representative on the statewide Connecting Counties Task Force, which is dedicated to expanding high-speed internet access in North Carolina. “This grant will allow Brightspeed to provide broadband access to more than 1,100 households and businesses in Wake County, which is a big step forward in leveling the digital playing field for our residents.”