Transylvania County Gets Gigabit Boost with $4.7M Fiber Network

BREVARD, NC – March 26, 2026 – More than 500 homes and businesses across Transylvania County are entering a new era of digital connectivity following the completion of a $4.7 million fiber-optic network expansion by Comporium. The project, which involved laying approximately 64 miles of new fiber infrastructure, now offers residents and businesses in previously underserved areas access to internet speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps), a significant leap forward for the mountainous region.

This high-speed access is poised to transform daily life, enabling seamless remote work, advanced online education, reliable telehealth services, and high-definition entertainment. The initiative marks a critical step in closing the digital divide that has long challenged rural communities in Western North Carolina.

A Blueprint for Public-Private Collaboration

The successful deployment of this extensive network was not a solo effort. The $4.7 million project was financed through a strategic blend of Comporium's private capital and significant public funding. A major contributor was North Carolina's Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program, which is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT).

This program is specifically designed to accelerate broadband deployment in economically distressed counties by forming partnerships with private providers. Under the GREAT program's rules, providers are required to match a portion of the state funds, effectively leveraging public dollars to achieve broader infrastructure goals. In this case, Transylvania County also provided local support to facilitate the project's progress, creating a multi-layered partnership model.

“We believe access to advanced technology is essential for strong communities,” said Comporium’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Shaun Barnes. “This investment in fiber infrastructure allows us to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity that supports economic growth and improves everyday life across Transylvania County.”

This collaborative approach is central to North Carolina's strategy for broadband expansion, particularly since a 2011 state law largely restricts municipalities from building their own public networks. The success in Transylvania County serves as a powerful case study for how state, county, and private entities can work together to overcome the significant financial and logistical hurdles of rural infrastructure development.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Mountain Terrain

Prior to this expansion, the broadband landscape in Transylvania County was a patchwork of varying speeds and reliability. While cable internet from providers like Comporium was available to over 87% of the county, true high-speed fiber was accessible to less than 40% of residents. Many in the county's more remote areas, including communities around Balsam Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Lake Toxaway, were left with limited options, often relying on slower DSL connections or costly satellite internet, which is often hampered by latency and data caps.

The GREAT grant program defines "unserved" areas as those lacking access to speeds of at least 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. The new fiber network shatters that baseline, offering symmetrical speeds that are crucial for modern applications like video conferencing and large file transfers. This upgrade is not merely an improvement but a fundamental change for the 517 newly connected locations.

The mountainous topography of the region makes laying fiber a uniquely challenging and expensive endeavor. The 64 miles of new cable represent a significant engineering feat, navigating difficult terrain to reach homes and businesses that have been on the wrong side of the digital divide for years. By bringing gigabit-capable infrastructure to these areas, the project directly addresses long-standing inequities in digital access.

A Catalyst for Economic and Social Growth

The arrival of high-speed fiber is widely seen as a foundational investment for the county's future. Economic development experts consistently link robust broadband access to significant growth in rural economies. Studies have shown that well-connected rural counties can experience substantially higher business growth and a notable increase in self-employment, as entrepreneurs gain access to global markets and digital tools.

For Transylvania County, this infrastructure is expected to act as a powerful economic catalyst. It enhances the region's appeal for remote workers seeking a better quality of life without sacrificing professional connectivity. It also equips existing businesses to compete more effectively and creates an environment that can attract new investment and innovation. The long-term impact is projected to include higher GDP growth and increased per capita income as the digital economy becomes more accessible to the entire community.

Beyond the economic benefits, the social implications are profound. Students gain the ability to fully participate in online learning, and residents can access a wider range of telehealth services, reducing the need for long-distance travel to medical appointments. This enhanced connectivity strengthens the social fabric, reduces isolation, and provides the tools necessary for workforce development in an increasingly digital world.

Navigating a Competitive and Challenging Market

Comporium's expansion solidifies its position as a leading provider in Transylvania County, where it now offers both extensive cable and a growing fiber footprint. The market also includes other providers such as Vyve Broadband, which offers fiber to a smaller portion of the county, and Optimum, with a limited cable presence. For the most remote locations, satellite providers like Starlink and Viasat remain vital alternatives.

As a condition of receiving GREAT grant funding, Comporium participates in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly discount on internet service for eligible low-income households. This requirement ensures that the benefits of the new network are accessible to a broader segment of the population, addressing affordability alongside availability.

The project underscores the ongoing commitment required from both private industry and government to ensure that rural areas are not left behind in the digital age. As Comporium continues its phased investments in the region, this latest expansion serves as a critical building block for a more connected and resilient Transylvania County.