Dear Member-Owners,
This month marks a major milestone in Roanoke Cooperative’s broadband journey—one that began nearly a decade ago and is now entering its most transformative phase.
A Vision Realized
In the mid-2010s, Roanoke Cooperative started building a fiber ring across our electric system to improve how we deliver power. That investment helped us strengthen grid reliability, speed up outage response, and prepare for smart technologies like meters, thermostats, and water heater controls. It was part of a bigger plan to manage wholesale power costs and serve our member-owners better.
As that network grew, we saw that it could also meet another big need in our communities—fast, reliable internet access.
At first, we tried to partner with other providers to bring internet into homes and businesses. But after listening to your concerns, one message became clear—you wanted a local solution.
When no provider stepped forward, we made a bold decision: Roanoke Cooperative would step in and deliver high-speed fiber internet ourselves. We created a new company, Fybe, to offer this service directly to our member-owners.
To make the business sustainable, we also carefully extended the network beyond our electric footprint—into nearby areas where subscriber revenue could support ongoing operations. This strategy allowed us to strengthen Fybe’s long-term viability while protecting the investments made by our member-owners.
Today, fiber internet is available to over 10,500 member-owner locations, and nearly half of all eligible member-owners have signed up. Fybe is now approaching 8,000 subscribers. It consistently receives excellent customer satisfaction scores—more than 10 points higher than other providers—and is now recognized as the most reliable internet provider in northeastern North Carolina.
A Return to Our Original Vision
Recognizing the need to complete the job of connecting all member-owners—and to position the broadband effort for further long-term sustainability—Roanoke Cooperative began shaping a new solution more than a year ago. That solution is now ready and publicly launched: it’s called eNCore (www.encorenc.org), a new partnership created by Roanoke Cooperative, Fybe, and MCNC (www.mcnc.org), a nonprofit based in North Carolina.
The creation of eNCore is not only a new chapter—it brings us back to our original goal. From the beginning, we wanted to build the network and then support a trusted partner to manage broadband service for subscribers.
We launched Fybe when no one else stepped forward. But we always believed the right partner would emerge—capable of expanding service, reducing risks, and attracting funding. At the same time, this transition allows Roanoke Cooperative to focus on what we do best: delivering safe, reliable electricity—while fiber connectivity for all member-owners strengthens our ability to do just that.
eNCore fulfills that goal. It brings together the knowledge and experience of Roanoke Cooperative, Fybe, and MCNC, a respected nonprofit that runs one of the top research and education broadband networks in the U.S. Together, we will expand internet access across North Carolina.
eNCore will complete the buildout to the remaining 1,500–2,000 member-owner locations, apply for new funding to reach more rural communities, continue offering internet under the Fybe name, and manage subscriber billing and daily operations.
What This Means for Roanoke Cooperative?
Here’s what’s changing under this new structure:
- Roanoke Cooperative retains ownership of the fiber network, which eNCore will lease to generate steady revenue.
- eNCore will assume all broadband operations and related risks, operating under the Fybe name.
- Roanoke Cooperative will stay focused on electric service, using our connected network to continue delivering value.
Subscribers may notice some updates to billing or account management. But the same quality service and local support they’ve come to expect from Fybe will remain.
Why This Matters
From the very start, this work has been shaped by what we heard from you—our member-owners. You shared your struggles with poor internet. You asked us to act. You trusted us to make it happen.
That trust led to an investment that boosts our local economy, strengthens the electric grid, and promotes digital fairness—while creating long-term value for all member-owners.
We’ve seen these results in other electric cooperative broadband efforts across the country. What sets Roanoke Cooperative apart is that when others didn’t step forward, we did—acting with urgency and commitment to serve our communities. Roanoke Cooperative brought high-speed internet to this region, laying the foundation for what comes next. With eNCore, we are now building on that legacy—broadening our impact and continuing to lead with a model grounded in trust, quality, and community.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of what we’ve built—and ready to pass it to a capable partner who will help it grow. eNCore will help us reach the remaining member-owners still awaiting service—and go beyond to serve new areas across the state.
This isn’t the end of our broadband story—it’s the promise fulfilled: to connect, to empower, and to serve.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
In Service,
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO