Shallotte, NC – The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has awarded FOCUS Broadband four broadband expansion projects which will be funded through the state’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. These projects will allow FOCUS Broadband to extend its fiber optic network in Brunswick, Columbus, Chowan, and Perquimans counties and deliver gigabit-speed broadband service to addresses currently identified as underserved.

Collectively, the awarded projects will connect approximately 550 homes and businesses with reliable, high-speed internet. Project details include:

• Brunswick County: 192 homes and businesses along portions of Maco Road and in the Kendall Chapel community.
• Columbus County: 108 homes and businesses located in rural areas throughout the county.
• Chowan County: 132 homes and businesses in communities near Cannon Ferry.
• Perquimans County: 121 homes and businesses along Ainsley Road and in various parts of the county.

“FOCUS Broadband is honored to be selected for these projects and to continue our efforts in expanding high-speed internet access in rural areas,” said Keith Holden, CEO of FOCUS Broadband. “We’ve worked extensively in these counties and have seen firsthand how transformative a faster internet connection can be. We appreciate the dedication of both NCDIT and local county leaders in working to ensure all residents have access to high-speed internet, and we look forward to partnering with them to make these projects a success.”

The CAB program is administered by NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity. It allows county leaders to work collaboratively with the state to identify areas in need of improved internet access, solicit proposals from prequalified providers, and expedite funding awards. CAB projects are supported through a combination of American Rescue Plan funding and investments from participating internet service providers.

In this latest announcement, NCDIT reported more than $63 million in CAB project awards, which will connect 18,889 households and businesses across 30 counties in North Carolina.

"Access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity; it's about empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age," said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. "We will continue collaborating with counties and internet service providers to fund projects to expand high-speed internet access to all North Carolinians." 

Since 2019, FOCUS Broadband has secured approximately $120 million in federal and state broadband funding to help connect over 37,000 addresses in Brunswick, Columbus, Robeson, Pender, Duplin, Bladen, Hoke, Chowan, Perquimans and Scotland counties.

To view a map of current service areas or learn more about ongoing expansion projects, visit www.getfocusbroadband.com.