Fybe Brings High-Speed Internet to Granville

Granville County’s Broadband Revolution: Connecting Homes and Businesses

Granville County is experiencing a broadband revolution.A significant partnership between the N.C.Department of Information Technology and Roanoke Connect Holdings (Fybe) aims to deliver fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to over 2,164 homes and businesses.This initiative, part of the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) programme, promises to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

The Investment Powering Connectivity

The project represents a considerable financial commitment. Fybe is set to invest $973,276, complemented by a $2,270,978 CAB grant from the State of north Carolina. Once final contracts are approved and executed, Fybe has two years to complete the installation. This swift timeline means residents could soon experience the transformative power of high-speed internet.

Did You Know? According to a recent study by BroadbandNow, nearly 42 million Americans still lack access to high-speed internet. Initiatives like Granville County’s are crucial steps in closing this gap.

A Unified Effort for Digital equity

“On behalf of the board of commissioners, I would like to thank the State of North Carolina and Fybe for continuing their commitment to investing in high-speed internet access for Granville County residents,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Jimmy Gooch in 2024. “County staff has worked diligently with NCDIT and several isps to provide what we certainly know is a necessity for our residents and businesses. This latest grant award shows that our hard work is being rewarded, and we are committed to exploring every possibility to ensure that every corner of our county has access to reliable high-speed Internet.”

This project underscores a shared commitment to digital equity. Local government,state agencies,and private companies are collaborating to ensure that all residents have access to the resources thay need to thrive in the digital age.

Granville County: A Hub of Broadband Expansion

This isn’t Granville County’s first foray into broadband expansion. In mid-2024, a similar partnership with Fybe aimed to service 1,697 addresses, and another collaboration with spectrum targeted 1,530 locations earlier in the same year. Brightspeed also joined the effort in 2023 through a Growing Rural Communities with Access to Technology program grant, planning to service 1,914 locations. Moreover, Spectrum received federal funding in 2020 via the Rural Digital Prospect Fund (RDOF) to install broadband infrastructure at 1,120 addresses.

The cumulative impact of these projects is staggering. Once completed, over 8,425 homes and businesses in rural Granville County will have access to high-speed internet, marking a significant leap forward in connectivity.

Overcoming Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

As 2019, Granville County has proactively sought ways to bridge the high-speed internet access gap. State laws and regulations often prevent county and city governments from directly providing internet service or installing infrastructure.Though, by incentivizing ISPs to participate in eligible projects like the NC CAB or GREAT programs, local governments can facilitate the expansion of service access using public funds.

The CAB Grant Program leverages funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. this allows ISPs to competitively bid and partner with counties, extending internet access to previously underserved rural areas of North Carolina.

Pro Tip: Check Regularly for Updates. Broadband projects are dynamic. Check official county and provider websites for real-time updates on project timelines and service availability in yoru area.

FCC Data and the Challenge Process

The NCDIT relies on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data to identify eligible locations for these projects. High-speed internet is defined according to FCC standards. If residents believe their address is incorrectly classified as served, they are encouraged to utilize the FCC challenge process. This ensures that no one is left behind in the digital expansion.

Project	Provider	Addresses Served	Funding Source
Completing Access to Broadband (CAB)	Fybe	2,164	State of North Carolina & Fybe Investment
Completing Access to Broadband (CAB)	Fybe	1,697	State of North Carolina & Fybe Investment
Completing Access to Broadband (CAB)	Spectrum	1,530	State of North Carolina & Spectrum Investment
Growing Rural Communities with Access to Technology (GREAT)	Brightspeed	1,914	State of North Carolina & Brightspeed Investment
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)	Spectrum	1,120	Federal funding

The Future of Connectivity in Granville County

What will these expanded broadband capabilities unlock for Granville County? Imagine students accessing online educational resources, entrepreneurs launching digital businesses, and families connecting with loved ones across the globe. High-speed internet is more than just a convenience; it’s a gateway to opportunity.

The partnerships forged between local government,state agencies,and private companies serve as a model for other rural communities seeking to bridge the digital divide. By working together, they are building a brighter, more connected future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program?

The CAB program is a state initiative in North Carolina that provides grants to internet service providers (ISPs) to expand broadband access in unserved areas.

How can I check if my address is included in these broadband expansion projects?

Contact your local internet service providers or check the NCDIT website for project maps and coverage areas.

What should I do if I believe my address is unserved but not included in any current broadband expansion projects?

Utilize the FCC challenge process. this allows you to formally dispute the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband availability data for your location.

Why can’t the county government directly provide internet service?

Various state laws and regulations prohibit county and city governments from directly providing internet service or installing infrastructure themselves.

How does the American Rescue Plan Act contribute to these projects?

The CAB Grant Program utilizes funding that the State of North carolina received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act,enabling ISPs to competitively bid and partner with counties to provide internet access to rural locations.

What specific measures are being taken to ensure the project remains on schedule, considering potential unforeseen obstacles such as weather delays or supply chain disruptions?

Granville county’s Broadband Revolution: An Interview with Anya Sharma, Broadband Expansion Specialist

Welcome to Archyde News. today, we’re discussing the important broadband expansion underway in Granville County, North Carolina. To shed light on this crucial initiative, we have Anya Sharma, a Broadband Expansion Specialist with Fybe. Anya, thank you for joining us.

A conversation with Anya Sharma

Archyde News: Anya, the latest partnership between Fybe and the state, aiming to connect over 2,164 homes and businesses, is substantial. Can you break down the core objectives of this project from Fybe’s outlook?

Anya Sharma: Certainly. Our primary objective at Fybe is to bridge the digital divide in Granville County. This project, supported by the CAB program, allows us to deploy fiber-optic infrastructure to underserved areas.We aim to provide fast, reliable internet access, crucial for residents’ needs and businesses.

Archyde News: The financial investment, alongside a state grant, is noteworthy. How does this funding structure facilitate the project’s timeline and deployment strategy?

Anya Sharma: The investment model is a collaborative effort. The CAB grant substantially reduces the financial barrier. This funding streamlines our implementation phase and ensures timely project completion. We’re aiming to complete the installation within two years, allowing residents to experience the benefits of high-speed internet swiftly.

Archyde News: Granville County has seen several similar broadband projects already. What unique challenges or opportunities does this particular project address?

Anya Sharma: Each project has its unique set of challenges, but this one allows us to build upon our existing infrastructure, experience, and relationships with the community.We also have a better idea of where the service gaps exist, so we can prioritize and target service deployments effectively.

Archyde News: Digital equity is central to this initiative,as it is with all of the broadband projects. What specific impacts will this project have on the digital divide in Granville County?

Anya Sharma: The impact is multifaceted. Improved broadband access will enable students to access online resources,and new educational opportunities and allow local businesses to compete in the digital market,and empower the communities,creating a gateway of opportunity.

Archyde News: For residents eager to benefit from these projects, how can they ascertain the project’s progress and service availability at their specific address?

Anya Sharma: We encourage residents to monitor the project’s progress. They can visit our website, check local provider websites, and monitor community updates for real-time data and service availability details.

Archyde News: I have one final question,Anya. What excites you most about the future of connectivity in granville County following these aspiring expansions?

Anya Sharma: I’m excited to see the transformative impact on the community. Having access to high-speed internet will open doors to education, economic growth, and digital inclusion. It’s rewarding to be part of a project that helps make a real difference in people’s lives. In a way, it is about leveling the playing field.”

Archyde News: Anya, thank you for providing valuable insights, the success of a community built on connectivity is an excellent reason to be excited, Archyde News wishes you the best for the project.