Broadband internet is connectivity to the internet with a minimum 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps update (100/20), according to the Federal Communications Commission.

Broadband is delivered in Union County by several technologies and speed ranges:

• Fiber Optic Cables (Typically up to 10 Gbps upload and download)
• DSL via Copper wires (1-400 Mbps download/8 Mbps upload)
• Cable via Coaxial cables (10–500 Mbps download/5-50 Mbps upload)
• Wireless: Cellular 5G (4-300 Mbps download/10-50 Mbps upload)
• Satellite (25-200 Mbps download/5-20 upload)

Speeds can vary greatly depending on internet service provider (ISP) packages, equipment and distance to local ISP facilities. Click here for more information on broadband service for the home.

The purpose of Union County's Broadband Committee is to provide input on how to expand high-speed internet access to residents and businesses. The Board of County Commissioners appointed the seven members to oversee the development of a broadband plan for the County and review the implementation of other approved recommendations in the Union County 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which identifies broadband internet as a focus area.

The Broadband Committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except in December, at 6 p.m. Meetings are located in the Board Room on the first floor of the Union County Government Center at 500 N. Main St., Monroe, NC 28112.

The meetings are open to the public, and public attendance is welcome. Click here for prior meetings and agendas.

North Carolina laws do not allow local governments to own or operate an internet service provider, and prior to 2021 county governments largely were not involved in broadband funding. However, in recent years, Union County has been among the local governments actively pursuing funding opportunities to expand high-speed internet access in the community.

Check back here for updates on the County's broadband expansion funding.

LATEST UPDATE (JUNE 2024): Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) - North Carolina's Department of Information Technology's (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity selected Union County to receive the a portion of the $400 million in federal funding to expand internet access. The state coordinated CAB, which requires a county, state and internet service provider match. The County will work with internet service provider Windstream North Carolina LLC – which NCDIT selected – to construct, install, and operate broadband infrastructure. Click here to learn more. Completion required by 10/31/26.  

Tentatively 2025: Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) - The state coordinates over $1.3 billion in federal funding to ensure 100% of the county has broadband service by the program's completion. No county match is required. Completion is required by the end of 2026.

2024 (Q3): The Stop-Gap Program - The state coordinates $90 million in federal funding to expand broadband in unserved or underserved areas following investment from the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program and the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. No county match is required. Completion date requirements are to be determined.

2021: Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) -  The state coordinates $350 million in federal funding for private broadband service providers to connect unserved areas of North Carolina with broadband service as quickly as possible. Counties had no input in the decision making. Completion is required by 12/31/26.

2020: Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) - The funding was established in 2019 to provide the Federal Communications Commission subsidies to build out to 668 Union County rural residences. The County was not involved in this process. Completion is required by 12/31/26. 

Q: Why is an internet service provider digging near my property or in my neighborhood?

A: A fiber optic internet provider is installing lines for new fiber optic service expanding throughout parts of Union County to offer more high-speed internet optic to residents.

Q: Are internet service providers allowed to install fiber lines where I live? Do they need to obtain a permit from the County before starting construction?

A: No, a fiber optic company does not need approval from a city, town, county, or other local government before installing fiber lines as long as they have prior approval from the State of North Carolina. State law authorizes access to rights of way and utility easements for providing utility services. As a result, the company is considered a regulated utility.  

Q: What do I do if there is damage to my property?

A: If the damage is not major or does not pose an immediate danger, wait until the work is done and restoration attempts have been made. Also, contact the fiber optic company directly. If another utility goes out, then immediately report the outage to the impacted utility provider and notify the fiber optic contractor utility workers in the area.

How to File a Complaint

If you are experiencing an issue with a fiber optic internet provider, click here to visit the North Carolina Utilities Commission website for instructions on how to file a complaint.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the fiber optic internet provider directly.

North Carolina Division of Broadband

North Carolina Broadband Map

CAB Planning Tool Map

BEAD Program

Stop-Gap Solutions

Digital Equity Grant

For more information on broadband in Union County, please contact Jon Amelio.