New high-speed internet company expands into Fayetteville market. What to know.

Editor's note: Brightspeed's investment numbers have been updated to reflect the most recent information.

People in Cumberland County will soon have another option for home internet service as a new fiber internet network company sets up shop.

Brightspeed, founded in 2022 and headquartered in Charlotte, aims to connect more than 138,000 homes and businesses across Cumberland County that are planned for fiber connection, said Gene Rodriguez Miller, director of public relations. She said the company, to date, has connected more than 5,300 customers and businesses online located in Fayetteville.

"Our company is focused on improving the customer experience and making a multi-billion-dollar investment in deploying our fiber broadband network in communities, like Fayetteville, that lack quality options for high-speed internet service," Miller said.

She said Brightspeed aims to support internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, or 1 gigabyte. In Cumberland County, both Spectrum and Metronet offer similar speeds, including 1 gigabyte internet packages.

What is Brightspeed?

According to a March news release, the new fiber network will use XGS-PON technology to provide increased gig-speed capabilities and reliable service . The release said the network will simultaneously support various activities, such as working, studying, streaming and gaming, across multiple devices.

"Families and businesses have likely already seen our Brightspeed trucks in their neighborhoods as our crews work to bring them online," the release said.

Miller said the company is currently building and anticipates completing the planned network build in the next few months.

"Our pricing varies and is subject to seasonal promotions. We encourage Cumberland County residents to go to www.Brightspeed.com to check availability and pricing," she said.

Miller said Tuesday that Brightspeed invested billions of dollars to construct its network, with plans to reach more than four million homes and businesses across 20 states. Brightspeed is also seeking state and federal funding to further expand its network in North Carolina, the release said.

How does Brightspeed compare to other providers in the area?

In addition to Brightspeed's promise of supporting internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps, other providers in the Fayetteville area, like Spectrum and Metronet, also offer 1-gigabyte packages for Cumberland County residents, though prices vary by provider. All three companies provide fiber internet options, but internet speeds vary depending on one's area.

She said the service will vary based on the address, with "no guarantee that all addresses will receive 1-Gig speeds, as some addresses may not be part of the build plan."

Price comparison

Spectrum offers 1-gigabyte internet starting at $79.99 per month, with prices varying depending on the address, according to its website . This is their fastest internet package.

Metronet offers 1-gigabyte internet starting at $49.99 per month, with 2- and 5-gigabyte packages available for $89.95 and $109.95, respectively, although prices vary depending on the address, according to its website .

Brightspeed offers 1-gigabyte internet starting at $75 per month, with a 2-gigabyte package available for $99 per month, although service and prices vary depending on the address, according to its website .

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: New high-speed internet company expands into Fayetteville market. What to know.