Tuesday Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. representatives of Spectrum and the Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club will be joined by state Sen. Danny Britt and state Rep. Charles Graham to conduct a discussion exploring the impact of broadband connectivity in rural and unserved areas. 

The collaborative session offers a chance to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of digital equity in Robeson County. The Real Rural Tech Talk discussion will take place at the Two Stream Community Center at 16 Rosie’s Drive in Maxton. 

In addition to the discussion, Spectrum will present a $5,000 donation to the Lumbee Tribe Boys & Girls Club to assist in funding its ongoing programs for Robeson County youth and families.

“We applaud Spectrum for their continued commitment to expand broadband services in our local communities,” said Sen. Britt in a press release. “It’s been a priority of mine to continue expansion across Robeson County so that businesses, educators and community members in our area stay connected.”

Through a North Carolina Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology Program grant awarded in 2020, Spectrum has brought gigabit high-speed internet access to more than 1,600 homes and small businesses in Robeson County. Alongside this public-private partnership, Spectrum has aligned its existing Rural Digital Opportunity Fund buildout to help bring fast, reliable internet to an additional 2,900 homes and small businesses in the county, with hundreds of additional locations reached in 2023.

“In order to complete school assignments at home, access healthcare online, and start a business, an Internet connection is vital to families today,” added state Rep. Graham in a press release. “Spectrum’s commitment to broadband expansion means more families and businesses will have the access they deserve in Robeson County.”