The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. Broadband is essential for the social and economic benefits it provides to residents, businesses, governments and communities.  It is also crucial for increased health, educational and economic opportunities, as well as for job and business creation and growth.  Available Private-Sector Broadband can help close the digital divide between rural and urban communities.

According to National Data current through June 2016, maps from the North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, and results from a 2016 Rowan County broadband survey of citizens, there are clearly three underserved areas in the Northern, Western, and Southeastern parts of the County.