STAR GRANT

Clinton, North Carolina – StarVision Inc., (dba STAR Communications), a local broadband cooperative headquartered in Clinton, North Carolina, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) and Cumberland County from the Connecting America Broadband (CAB) initiative. This grant will fund the deployment of a fiber-optic infrastructure in rural areas of Cumberland County, North Carolina, significantly enhancing internet connectivity and access for underserved communities.

STAR Communications has a proven track record of delivering reliable and high-speed internet services across five eastern North Carolina counties. The grant will enable STAR Communications to extend its state-of-the-art fiber-optic network to more than 294 homes and businesses in Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Key Benefits of the Project:

  • High-Speed Internet Access: Residents and businesses will experience internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, facilitating smoother online education, telemedicine, and remote work
  • Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity will attract new businesses and support existing ones, fostering economic development and job creation
  • Educational Opportunities: Students will have improved access to online resources and remote learning platforms, bridging the educational gap
  • Healthcare Improvements: Telehealth services will become more accessible, improving healthcare outcomes in rural areas

“Winning the CAB grant is a significant milestone for STAR Communications and the communities we serve,” said Donna Bullard, CEO of STAR Communications. “This investment highlights our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to reliable high-speed internet. We are excited to bring the benefits of fiber-optics to the rural areas of North Carolina and to empower these communities with the tools they need for a brighter future.”

STAR Communications will begin the deployment of the fiber-optic infrastructure within the next few months, with completion expected within 24 months. The project will involve close collaboration with Cumberland County local government, the Department of Information Technology, the Department of Transportation, and residents to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout.

About STAR Communications:

Star Communications, the area’s leading communications company headquartered in Clinton, NC, was founded in 1959 as Star Telephone Membership Corporation. Star provides voice, video, broadband, security, hosted cloud solutions, and surveillance services across southeastern North Carolina. For more information, call (800) 706-6538, or visit www.starcom.net.