By BC News Staff
March 25, 2026
Thousands of rural North Carolinians – including families across Columbus, Bladen, Robeson, and New Hanover counties are one step closer to reliable high‑speed internet. Governor Josh Stein has announced nearly $26 million in new broadband awards through the state’s Stop‑Gap Solutions program, targeting the small, hard‑to‑reach pockets of homes that have long been left without service.
The funding will connect 5,161 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across 66 counties by the end of 2026, marking another major push to close the digital divide in rural communities.
“These broadband projects will ensure more families can soon access telehealth, students can complete their homework, businesses can compete in larger markets, and communities can thrive,” Governor Stein said. “I am committed to improving broadband access across the state and making sure no community is left behind.”
Local Counties See Targeted Gains
While the statewide announcement spans dozens of counties, the impact is especially meaningful in southeastern North Carolina, where rural gaps in service remain a daily challenge.
Columbus County
Columbus County is included through a Brightspeed project that will extend high‑speed internet to scattered rural addresses. These are the “last‑mile” homes — the ones just beyond existing fiber lines that often fall through the cracks of larger broadband programs.
Bladen County
Bladen County benefits from two separate awards:
• Brightspeed, covering multiple counties
• Star Communications, which will connect 78 new locations in Bladen and Sampson
These projects aim to reach residents in remote areas where service has been unreliable or unavailable.
Robeson County
Robeson County will see new connections through LREMC Technologies / RIVR Tech, which received funding to serve 43 locations across Robeson, Hoke, and Scotland counties. These targeted builds focus on rural clusters that have struggled for years with limited or no broadband options.
New Hanover County
New Hanover County is also included in the Brightspeed expansion, addressing underserved pockets outside the urban core where residents still lack dependable high‑speed access.
A Statewide Push with Local Impact
The Stop‑Gap Solutions program is administered by the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The initiative focuses on filling coverage gaps by funding line extensions to unserved and underserved homes, businesses, and community institutions.
“High‑speed internet access is the foundation for health care delivery, public safety operations, workforce development, and economic growth in our state,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “This program allows us to move with urgency and precision to connect more North Carolinians.”
The state has already contracted more than $670 million in broadband projects scheduled for completion this year, connecting more than 252,000 homes and businesses. Another $50 million has supported digital literacy training and the distribution of more than 40,000 computers to residents statewide.
What It Means for Local Families
For many rural households, this expansion represents more than convenience, it’s access to:
• Telehealth appointments
• Remote learning
• Job applications and remote work
• Online banking and essential services
• Staying connected with family and community
These new projects won’t blanket entire counties, but they will fill the stubborn gaps that have kept many rural residents offline for years.
As construction begins, residents in Columbus, Bladen, Robeson, and New Hanover counties can expect updates from their local providers as service areas are finalized.
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