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Commissioners probe broadband and cellular coverage gaps as residents report unserved pockets
Summary
Commissioners and residents reported local broadband and cellular dead zones despite provider assurances of countywide coverage; staff agreed to identify specific unserved areas and pursue potential grants or letters of support to encourage provider action.
Commissioners told residents they continue to hear reports of broadband and cellular gaps in parts of Bladen County even though providers have represented that coverage should reach "from county line to county line." At the meeting, commissioners said constituents — including Reverend Keith Graham and other East Arcadia residents — reported no service in specific pockets.
Officials discussed what actions the county can take to encourage build‑out. Options raised included compiling a map of unserved areas, contacting federal programs (including potential FCC funding), writing letters of support, and working with legislative contacts to press providers. Commissioners agreed staff will research grant and funding opportunities and confirm whether known provider deployments are complete in areas reported as unserved.
Several commissioners referenced prior vendor briefings and the governor’s stated goal that "every home will have access," and noted the county still experiences localized gaps on rural roads. Commissioners directed staff to follow up and return with a more granular list of addresses or routes lacking service so the county can make targeted requests to providers and pursuit of outside funding.
What’s next: Staff will compile reported unserved pockets and investigate available grants or outreach channels; commissioners encouraged residents to file specific service complaints to aid mapping efforts.
