Dear Member-Owners,
Several years ago, Roanoke Cooperative made a commitment to expand high-speed internet access across our communities because we believed reliable connectivity was becoming essential for education, healthcare, business, communication, and opportunity.
That commitment led to the construction of more than 2,200 miles of fiber across our service territory.
Today, that investment continues creating value for our member-owners and communities.
In 2025, Roanoke Cooperative intentionally transitioned out of managing the day-to-day business of broadband operations. Instead, we established a long-term structure that allows the network to continue growing while positioning the organization for long-term sustainability.
That structure led to the creation of eNCore, a nonprofit organization formed in partnership with MCNC, a North Carolina-based nonprofit organization that operates one of the nation’s leading research and education broadband networks.
Under this arrangement, Roanoke Cooperative continues to own the fiber network that was built, while eNCore leases the system through a long-term agreement that supports continued broadband expansion while generating ongoing value for the Cooperative and its member-owners.
Fybe remains the trusted broadband brand providing service to homes, businesses, schools, and communities throughout our territory.
This structure allows eNCore to pursue grants, financing, and other funding opportunities that support continued expansion. As eNCore grows, the Cooperative also benefits through the lease arrangement tied to the network.
Most importantly, the commitment we made to our member-owners remains unchanged.
Today, the network built by Roanoke Cooperative is serving nearly 8,800 subscribers, and approximately one out of every two member-owners who have access to service are choosing to participate. We are grateful for the continued support we have received from the membership as more families and businesses experience the value of reliable broadband service.
In 2026, eNCore continues building in portions of Halifax and Bertie counties as part of the ongoing commitment to achieve universal digital access for all member-owners.
Additional work also remains underway in smaller pockets of Hertford and Northampton counties, while construction to all member-owner locations in Gates County has now been completed.
These efforts represent continued progress toward the commitment Roanoke Cooperative made years ago to ensure that every member-owner has access to reliable broadband service.
We are also encouraged by the partnerships that continue developing across the region. eNCore and Fybe are expanding relationships with local governments, schools, and community organizations. In Gates County, the network is supporting educational connectivity efforts for the local school system. Strong partnerships also continue with Bertie County, Gates County, and Halifax County as local leaders work alongside eNCore to support additional network expansion. Several counties have also worked closely with the eNCore team to support financing and grant opportunities that help continue broadband expansion across northeastern North Carolina.
While the broadband investment made by the Cooperative was significant, it was always intended to be a long-term investment in the future of our communities. Over time, the financial structure supporting the network continues to mature while the value of connectivity continues growing.
Beyond internet access alone, the fiber network also supports the Cooperative’s long-term operational strategy by strengthening communications, system visibility, data management capabilities, and future technology investments that improve reliability and member service.
This work aligns closely with Connect 2030, Roanoke Cooperative’s corporate strategy focused on strengthening rural communities through reliable energy, digital connectivity, operational innovation, and economic opportunity.
Across our region, we are seeing increasing interest in housing development, expansion by existing member-owned businesses, and conversations tied to technology-oriented investment and other opportunities that depend on reliable connectivity and electric service.
For Roanoke Cooperative, this investment is about more than broadband. It is about creating a stronger digital foundation that helps support economic growth, expand opportunity for our member-owners, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Cooperative itself.
We believe rural communities deserve the same opportunities to connect, compete, learn, and grow as anywhere else.
Thank you for your continued support as we continue building toward that future together.
In Service,
Marshall Cherry
President & CEO