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Martin County backs CloudWyze GREAT grant application to expand broadband service
Summary
CloudWyze told the board it plans to use a hybrid fiber/fixed-wireless model to serve unserved and underserved parts of Martin County; the board unanimously approved a motion to support the company's GREAT grant application with no local match required.
CloudWyze representatives told the Martin County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 12 they plan to apply for a state GREAT grant to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas of the county.
Jason Semple, Martin County EDC president, introduced CloudWyze representatives Chris Utesch and Adrian Wilson. The presenters described CloudWyze’s hybrid network that pairs fiber with fixed wireless to reach rural customers and contrasted fixed wireless favorably with satellite for lower latency. Mr. Utesch said CloudWyze was developing a community survey to document where service was lacking to support the GREAT application; the board was asked to endorse the application. Grant applications were due March 16, 2020, and the company said no fiscal match was required from Martin County.
Commissioner Ronnie Smith questioned reliance on FCC broadband maps and whether advertised service would match customer experience, saying the county should be cautious and do additional research. Mr. Utesch responded that the company used local surveys and existing structures (for example, water towers) to identify coverage gaps and design service; he told the board the number of households that could be served was "unlimited," describing the fixed‑wireless approach and range from each radio site.
Commissioner Elmo “Butch” Lilley said Martin County had a known need for broadband and, given there was no local match required, supported moving forward; Commissioner Joe R. Ayers seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to support CloudWyze’s GREAT grant application.
The county manager reiterated that survey responses were key evidence for the application and encouraged widespread public participation.
What happens next: CloudWyze will complete the GREAT application (deadline March 16) and the county will assist by promoting the survey and providing support documentation. If the grant is awarded, the timetable and exact coverage would depend on the awarded scope, N.C. grant terms and subsequent engineering work.
