ARPA qualified address not identified to be serviced through Lumos/TMobile

[Lila]

My family lives at the intersection of Ben Johnston and Dimmocks Mill Road in the annexed portion of TOH. As homeowners listed on the proposed "Not to be serviced" list, we are writing to express our deep concerns about the proposed amendment to the Lumos broadband contract. Currently, we find ourselves without any internet options, which raises the question: shouldn't ARPA funds be used to support the necessary infrastructure? Since the discontinuation of our DSL service in 2021, we have been eagerly anticipating service from Lumos (now T-Mobile). The lack of reliable internet access has meant that my children have had to rely on public Wi-Fi to complete their homework, which is far from ideal.

Our residence lacks both landline and cable connections, despite being in the annex portion of TOH. Additionally, the dense tree cover in our area makes satellite connections impractical without significant tree removal. We have tried using HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink services, but none have provided a viable solution. We have also repeatedly inquired with every possible provider about installing some form of connection, even DSL, which would be an improvement. However, CenturyLink, which previously serviced our road, has indicated they are no longer doing so.

This situation highlights a significant failure of public utility services that our county board aimed to address with the original contract. To compound our frustration, Lumos has already installed the fiber's underground conduit throughout our region, including along the right-of-way just a few feet from our house. Leaving this work unfinished, especially after county subsidies have been allocated, seems like a tremendous waste of government resources.

We strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed amendment to ensure that our family and neighbors are not left without essential internet services. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Concerned and hopeful,

Tym Cleve and Nitya Fiorentino

915 Dimmocks Mill Road

Hillsborough, NC 27278

Shared driveway with 907 and 901 Dimmocks Mill Road

[Jamezetta Bedford]

Tym and Nitya,

I was not able to read your email prior to our 7 pm meeting and do want to acknowledge your email, though I am tardy. The amendment did pass.  It does leave about 600 in the original agreement plus added without fiber and those in the "doughnut holes" as well.  We are reconvening the Broadband Task Force to study the issue and update funding sources, and possible means of obtaining broadband fiber services for residents. 

Following are the basics that I shared with the emails that I was able to respond to prior to the meeting:

On behalf of the Board, thank you for sharing your comments and concerns regarding internet access and the proposed amendment to the grant contract with Lumos. The Board will consider an amendment tonight during our meeting at 7 pm at Southern Human Services on Homestead Road. Here's the link to the agenda:  http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/WebLink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&startid=76599&row=1&cr=1   

Total contract:  $40 Million - $30 M investment by Northstate/Lumos and $10M from Orange County ARPA federal funds.

  OC would pay Lumos $1M to start, $3M more after 3,000 passes completed and the remaining $6M after the total 6,370 passes are completed.

Only unserved or underserved houses could be covered legally using these ARPA funds. Many have inadequate internet, but still do not qualify under these terms for ARPA funded coverage. Other providers sat with staff and went through the addresses one by one on this issue. 

In 2024 difficulties slowed progress and this summer Lumos reported that they have spent over $20M more than agreed upon ($50M+) and need to reduce the number served. To-date, 5,187 passes completed (81.4%) and $4M ARPA funds paid to Lumos. 

The contract is not in breach yet. The remedy if the 6,370 passes are not done is that Lumos does not get paid the remaining $6M. That's how an incentives/grant type contract works. 

And, the ARPA rules mean the only other use would be for very similar fiber installation, but 1) there is no time for a different rfp; 2) there is no other government doing this type of project for OC to transfer the funds so 3) if unused, the funds revert to the federal government. 

The final deadline is 12/31/26 to fully expend the remaining $6M. 

The amendment proposes that another 665 passes be constructed, a reduction of 518.  The revised payout schedule is: 

199 new passes and OC pays $2.6M (recognizing the large increase from 3,000 to 5,187 completed since the last payment).

111 more new passes and OC pays $1.3M.

final 355 new passes and OC pays $1.3M.

That sums to 665 new passes and $5.2M.  The total achieved would be 92% of the original goal and 92% of the $10M would be paid out. $800,000 would revert to the federal government.  If they can do more passes then more $ could be paid out.

Yes, there are risks that from 1 to 665 passes will not be completed. There is also no other remedy. 

The county will continue to apply for new programs like BEAD and others. The 518 addresses now cut and those that were in the "doughnut" areas are certainly disappointed and many are angry. I've attached a list of the 665 addresses to be covered in the amendment. 

Sincerely,

Jamezetta Bedford, Chair

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From: Lila <lair.o...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 3:16 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>; tymc...@aol.com <tymc...@aol.com>
Subject: ARPA qualified address not identified to be serviced through Lumos/TMobile

 

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