Broadband Service

Broadband Availability MapThe 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.

Broadband Task Force

In February 2018, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners determined it necessary to form a Broadband Task Force that would include key stakeholders to promote community involvement.  Goals of the task force will include:

  • Promote broadband services countywide
  • Address the needs of unserved and underserved residents
  • Foster public-private innovation
  • Enhance existing capabilities
  • Support good governance

Task Force Members

The task force is comprised of seven members representing Technical, Political, Management, and Citizenship.

  • County Commissioner Leadership
  • County IT Technical Advisory
  • County Public Safety Official
  • Rowan-Salisbury School System - IT Technical Advisory
  • Rural Leadership (Cooperative Extension, 4H, Rural Fire)
  • Citizen Involvement from unserved areas
2016 Broadband Citizen Survey Results Map

Internet Provider Questionnaire

The Rowan County Rural Broadband Task Force is developing a provider list that will help us engage in positive public-private partnerships to promote internet service extension and broadband speed increases based on citizen needs.

Join our provider list (button)