Iredell County Included in Statewide Broadband Expansion Effort

Iredell County is set to benefit from a new round of state funding aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across rural North Carolina.

Governor Josh Stein announced nearly $26 million in grants through the state’s Stop-Gap Solutions program, which will connect more than 5,100 homes, businesses, and community institutions across 66 counties by the end of 2026.

Locally, Iredell County is included in a regional project led by Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation, also known as Zirrus. The project will serve a total of 65 locations across Iredell and several neighboring counties, including Alexander, Forsyth, Rowan, and Yadkin.

State leaders say the program is designed to close remaining coverage gaps by targeting smaller, hard-to-reach areas that often go unserved by larger broadband projects.

“These broadband projects will ensure more families can access telehealth, students can complete their homework, and businesses can compete in larger markets,” Governor Stein said in the announcement.

The Stop-Gap Solutions program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act and is administered by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology. Officials say the goal is to accelerate infrastructure buildout while making sure no communities are left behind.

High-speed internet access continues to be a major issue in rural parts of Iredell County, where some residents still lack reliable service. State officials say these targeted investments will help improve connectivity for education, healthcare, public safety, and economic growth.

The newly announced projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.