Brightspeed Fires Up its Ultra Fast Fiber Internet Network Across Nash and Edgecombe Counties; Strengthens Commitment to Home-State Communities
August 14 2024 - 12:21PM
Today, Brightspeed, one of the nation’s largest fiber broadband
builders, officially launched its high-speed fiber internet for
families and businesses in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and across
Nash and Edgecombe Counties. The company’s investment in the area
means 33,000 more North Carolinians will have access to
state-of-the-art fiber connectivity.
"Internet reliability is essential for living, working and
learning in today's digital age," says Steve Brewer, director of
Government Affairs at Brightspeed. "Our goal is to enhance access
to high-speed connectivity, particularly in rural areas that are
often overlooked. We take pride in collaborating with local
municipalities and organizations to develop the necessary
infrastructure needed by communities like Rocky Mount."
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, U.S. Representative Don
Davis (NC-01), Nash County Public School Board Chair, Dr. LaShawnda
Washington, and fellow community leaders helped Brightspeed
celebrate the launch of the company’s blazing fast internet service
in the community, and personally welcomed local teachers back to
Rocky Mount High School as they embark on a new school year.
“All North Carolinians deserve access to high-speed internet to
be able to take advantage of health care, jobs, educational
opportunities and more,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Brightspeed’s
investments in eastern North Carolina and beyond are helping to
bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet and digital know-how
to all corners of our state.”
North Carolina currently ranks 29th in the nation when it comes
to internet coverage, speed and availability according to
BroadbandNow—with Nash County ranking 42nd out of North Carolina’s
100 counties. This paints a challenging picture for those who need
high-speed internet to look for employment, work remotely, write a
school paper, or use telehealth.
In its home state of North Carolina, Brightspeed has invested in
reaching nearly 800,000 locations with its blazing fast fiber
network and nearly 285,000 families and businesses already have
access to Brightspeed Fiber Internet. In addition, the North
Carolina Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of
Broadband and Digital Equity Completing Access to Broadband (CAB)
program funds, together with the Growing Rural Economies with
Access to Technology (GREAT) grants awarded Brightspeed
approximately $177 million in funding. This additional funding will
extend the company’s planned fiber network build to 81,000 more
North Carolina households and businesses across 41 counties,
including Nash and Edgecombe Counties.
Beyond opening up access to broadband, Brightspeed is also
committed to making high-speed internet more affordable. Today, the
company introduced its affinity program benefiting educators and
those going back to school. This initiative will be available for
new, Brightspeed Fiber Internet customers who are teachers and
students, further bolstering the company’s dedication to those in
education.
“Our teachers and students are among the more than 900,000
families across North Carolina – about 1 in 5 across the state –
who currently rely on the internet to access health care, receive
an education, and so much more,” stated U.S. Representative Don
Davis (NC-01). “Brightspeed’s network and championing of support
programs will significantly enhance the lives of North Carolinians,
empowering them to thrive and actively participate in the digitally
driven economy."
To further show its commitment to the area’s education
community, Brightspeed presented a $3,000 donation to Communities
In Schools NC (CISNC), which provides resources to enhance
educational success for students in Nash and Edgecombe County
Schools.
Rocky Mount residents and business owners can check fiber
availability in their area by visiting
www.brightspeed.com/brightspeed-fiber-internet/ and signing up to
receive alerts when service is available at their location.
About Brightspeed Headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20
states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications
services through a network platform capable of serving more than
6.5 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed
to building a future where more communities benefit from a more
connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a
customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it
should be. For more information about Brightspeed and today’s
event, please visit www.brightspeed.com
Gene Rodriguez Miller
Brightspeed
9803761837
gene.miller@brightspeed.com