Providing Western North Carolina with the Best High Speed Fiber Internet Service!
Providing Western North Carolina with the Best High Speed Fiber Internet Service!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RiverWave Broadband is building a new fiber-optic internet network in Mills River through North Carolina’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program. Below are answers to the most common questions from residents.
RiverWave Broadband is constructing a fiber-optic internet network to bring high-speed, reliable internet to homes and businesses in the Mills River area that previously had limited broadband options.
This project is supported in part by funding from the State of North Carolina’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program, which is designed to expand internet access to underserved communities.
RiverWave Broadband is a local Western North Carolina fiber-optic internet provider and part of ERC Broadband, which has operated a regional fiber network since 2001.
Our team lives and works in this community, and we are committed to bringing modern connectivity to our neighbors.
Please see the map located on the Connect Mills River Page or reach out to us directly.
The State of North Carolina determines CAB-eligible addresses using statewide broadband availability data.
RiverWave must follow the State’s approved address list when applying grant funding.
Yes, in many cases.
Some nearby homes may be able to connect to the network if they are close to the newly built infrastructure. These homes are considered Non-CAB addresses.
Because they are not covered by State funding, a one-time construction fee may apply depending on distance from the network.
Construction funded through the CAB program must be completed by December 31, 2026.
Homes that sign up during the project window will benefit from the program funding.
Submitting a pre-order or interest form lets RiverWave know that you would like service when the network reaches your home.
This helps our construction team plan the final network design and schedule installations efficiently.
Submitting the form does not commit you to service, but it ensures we can contact you when service becomes available.
Typically we ask for:
• Name
• Property address
• Contact phone number
• Email address
• Any special installation notes
This allows our team to coordinate installation when the network is ready.
During construction you may see crews:
• Installing fiber on utility poles
• Placing underground conduit
• Working along road rights-of-way
• Marking utilities and property boundaries
• Installing small ground boxes or equipment
Construction may occur in stages as the network expands.
Possibly.
If you request service, crews will install a fiber drop line from the road to your home. This may involve placing cable underground or along existing utility routes.
Our team coordinates with homeowners before installation.
A drop is the individual fiber line that runs from the main network to your home.
This is the final connection that delivers service to your residence.
Installation typically involves minimal disturbance. If any digging is required, crews will restore the area after installation.
A typical installation includes: *NOTE* The exterior installation and interior installation are completed by different teams and may occur on a separate day than the installation inside your home.
Most installations take 2–3 hours depending on the distance from the road and the layout of the home.
For addresses designated as CAB-eligible, the cost of extending fiber to the home is covered by the program during the project period.
This means no installation construction fee for eligible addresses.
Homes outside the State’s approved list may still connect, but a one-time construction fee may apply based on the distance from the network.
RiverWave will provide a quote before any work begins.
Payment options may include installment plans.
RiverWave provides the necessary fiber modem equipment. Our technicians will ensure your home is connected properly.
Construction is taking place in phases across the Mills River area.
Once the main network infrastructure is completed on your road, our team will contact residents who have submitted interest forms to schedule installation.
Residents who have submitted contact information will receive:
• Email updates
• Direct installation scheduling outreach
• Notifications when service becomes available
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