From internet access to student success, Brightspeed’s commitment to Craven County goes beyond the network
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — August 19, 2025 — Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber broadband builder empowering families and businesses with reliable, high-speed connectivity, announces the expansion of its reliable, high-speed fiber network now available to nearly 13,000 New Bern homes and businesses. This milestone reflects Brightspeed’s ongoing commitment to building fast, reliable connectivity while supporting the communities it serves — including significant investments in local education and youth programs throughout Craven County.
Investing where we live and work
In addition to its network buildout, Brightspeed is contributing to impactful local initiatives focused on education, student wellbeing and community enrichment. Recent support includes:
- Pancakes for PIE – Brightspeed sponsored this annual fundraiser for Craven County Partners in Education (PIE), helping provide classroom grants across the county’s public schools.
- Stuff the Bus – As a sponsor and donation site, Brightspeed helped PIE collect school supplies for local students in need. Community members dropped off donations at Brightspeed’s downtown New Bern office.
- Kicks for Kids – Partnering with the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club, Craven County Schools, and Coastal Sole, Brightspeed is helping fund new sneakers for local elementary and middle school students.
- New Bern High School Booster Club – Brightspeed’s donation will support athletic programs and school spirit at New Bern High.
“At Brightspeed, we’re not just delivering internet, we’re investing in the foundation of strong, connected communities,” said Sabrina Anderson, Brightspeed local marketing manager. “Whether it’s funding classroom resources, supporting youth athletics, or helping students start the school year with the essentials they need, we’re committed to being a partner in New Bern’s future. These programs do more than provide immediate support—they help create opportunity, equity, and a sense of belonging for every child and family we reach.”
Fiber network expansion continues
The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity CAB program funds, together with the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants awarded to Brightspeed, provide approximately $244 million in funding to help connect nearly 108,000 North Carolina households and businesses across 55 counties to its blazing fast network. Between these grants, and the company’s own investment, Brightspeed is all-in on bringing its fiber-enabled network to nearly 899,000 locations in its home state.
Connecting with the community door to door
As part of its community-first approach, Brightspeed representatives are currently visiting neighborhoods across New Bern to share information about the availability of fiber internet service.
Here’s what residents can expect:
- Who: Friendly, fully trained sales representatives wearing Brightspeed-branded apparel.
- What: Information about Brightspeed’s fiber internet service, plan options and benefits.
- Why: To help bridge the digital divide by expanding access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet in areas where quality options have historically been limited.
To learn more about Brightspeed’s services or check availability, visit www.brightspeed.com.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.
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