Burgaw, NC – In a recent announcement from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), FOCUS Broadband was named a recipient of $1.65 million in Stop-Gap Solutions program awards. With the funding, FOCUS Broadband will expand its fiber optic network through targeted broadband line extensions, connecting underserved addresses in rural areas of Duplin and Pender counties with high-speed internet service.

The Stop-Gap Solutions program is administered by NCDIT and is designed to accelerate the expansion of broadband infrastructure to eligible locations across North Carolina. This program is meant to complement previous broadband funding programs, as well as statewide deployment efforts, by addressing coverage gaps through broadband line extensions.

“We’ve been fortunate to secure funding in the past to expand high-speed internet service to rural areas of Duplin and Pender counties, and we’ve seen firsthand what a transformative impact a reliable and fast internet connection can have,” shared Keith Holden, FOCUS Broadband CEO. “Through the Stop-Gap funding, we will now be able to ensure more households have access to the same high-quality connectivity. We are grateful for NCDIT’s ongoing commitment to expanding broadband access across North Carolina and are proud to be a part of this statewide effort.”

FOCUS Broadband’s expansion efforts in Duplin and Pender counties began in 2020, when the company secured approximately $28.6 million in state and federal broadband funding to construct a 100% fiber optic network capable of delivering gigabit internet speeds to more than 6,500 underserved addresses. In 2022, FOCUS Broadband was awarded an additional $7.8 million through the NCDIT GREAT Grant program, making service available to more than 2,000 addresses across both counties. Last year, FOCUS Broadband was also selected to receive funding through the NCDIT Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, supporting continued expansion to underserved addresses in Pender County.

To learn more about FOCUS Broadband services in Duplin and Pender County, visit www.focusbroadband.com or call 888-367-2862.