News Summary
Greenwood County is set to receive an $11.6 million investment from West Carolina for a fiber-optic broadband expansion, providing high-speed internet access to nearly 1,875 addresses. This project aims to enhance connectivity across the region, impacting local communities such as Shoals Junction, Hodges, Coronaca, and Cokesbury. With a total investment reaching $76 million, the collaboration is expected to service 24,000 addresses by mid-2026, marking a significant leap forward for residents.
Greenwood County Gets a Mega Internet Boost!
Hey there, Greenwood County! A wave of excitement is hitting the area as West Carolina gears up to sprinkle some serious fiber-optic magic all over your neighborhood. Yup, you heard that right! A whopping $11.6 million investment is on the horizon, bringing high-speed broadband to your favorite spots like Shoals Junction, Hodges, Coronaca, and Cokesbury.
What’s the Buzz?
So, here’s the scoop: West Carolina has decided it’s time to step up the broadband game in our lovely little corner of South Carolina, and they’re teaming up with the State Broadband Office from the Office of Regulatory Services for this *fantastic* project. With a friendly nod to the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Project Fund, this collaboration is poised to connect approximately 1,875 addresses over an impressive 153 miles of newly installed fiber-optic lines!
A Community Leap Forward
Now, let’s just think about that for a sec. In total, when we add this expansion to previous investments made, we’re looking at a grand total investment of $76 million flowing right into Greenwood County. West Carolina is putting its money where its mouth is, covering all but $12 million of that amount, making sure we all get to enjoy faster internet speeds.
Connecting the Dots
When everything’s said and done and the dust settles, an impressive 24,000 addresses in Greenwood County will be serviceable by this shiny, new fiber-optic network. Imagine the possibilities! Remote working, streaming your favorite shows without any hiccups, and online gaming without those pesky lag spikes will soon be reality.
Community Leaders Unite!
This ambitious project didn’t just pop up out of thin air; it’s also thanks to the hard work of several local leaders and organizations that believed in a brighter, more connected future. This includes folks from the Greenwood County Council, as well as leaders from Piedmont Technical College and VisionGreenwood, among others. Their teamwork has really made this ambitious endeavor possible.
When’s It Happening?
Construction on this shiny new fiber-optic network is set to kick off in mid-2025! That’s right; you won’t have to wait too long before you’re surfing the net at lightning speeds. The plan is to have the first lucky customers connected by mid-2026, so mark your calendars, because this is one notification you don’t want to miss!
The Future Looks Bright!
Joining the digital age never looked so promising in Greenwood County! With such a solid partnership and a strong community backing, it’s safe to say that rapid advancements in technology and connectivity are on the way. So, as we prepare to embrace this digital revolution, let’s get excited about what lies ahead and keep tech-savvy dreams alive! Get your devices ready, Greenwood; high-speed internet is knocking at your door!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Internet Outage Updates
- CNET: Free Internet After Hurricanes
- Charter Newsroom: Gigabit Broadband in Michigan
- Google Search: Broadband Expansion Greenville
- GSA Business: Broadband for Underserved Areas
- Wikipedia: Broadband in the United States
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
