The Orange County Board of Commissioners is seeking community members to serve on its recently-launched Broadband Task Force.

The advisory board will discuss solutions to improve the quality of high-speed internet services for Orange County residents, and then recommend a plan to the Board of Commissioners on how to expand reliable internet to all county residents and businesses.

“We have poor coverage in our rural part of the county,” former Board of Commissioners chair Penny Rich said in a November interview with 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck. “Until broadband is a utility, it’s going to be hard to fix — because the telecommunications companies have a lot of money.”

There are a total of 12 seats on the Advisory Board, five of which will go to Orange County residents.

All residents selected by the Board of Commissioners to participate should have a background in telecommunication networks, public infrastructure projects, customer service or residency in an underserved area of the county.

“Our children have to learn, our children need the internet,” Rich said. “Business needs the internet. So, I think this is a good step in the right direction and we’ll start talking about the make-up of that board.”

Those interested in applying to be on the Advisory Board can do so on Orange County’s website.

 

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Government, Local School Districts Try to Do 'More With Less' Amid State Funding Uncertainty
Orange County's school districts will likely not get the full extent of their proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.
Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate Flat
Both Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.
Orange County: Details of the Budget Presentation and Tough Decisions to Make — (May 6, 2026)
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, May 6.
Orange County Schools Board of Education Reviews Budget Requests for the Upcoming Academic Year
The Orange County Board of Education recently presented its preferred budget for the upcoming school year.
Orange County Commissioners Explore Options for Expanding Affordable Housing in Mebane
Orange County’s recently met with Mebane to discuss ways to plan for the future of the city and how to accommodate its growing population.
'Recreation for Folks from Orange County:' Commissioners Further Plans for Millhouse Road Site
Orange County is continuing to make progress on its plans for a recreational playing field facility north of Chapel Hill.
Following Recount, Bronson's 25-Vote Lead Holds Over McKee in Orange County District 2 Commissioner Race
UPDATE: Following Wednesday’s recount, the margin between Beth Bronson and Earl McKee remained 25 votes and the Orange County Board of Elections ratified the District 2 Democratic primary results on Friday. Bronson shared a statement about officially winning the race, saying she holds “a lot of respect” for McKee and the sitting commissioner has offered […]
In Carrboro and Orange County, A Push Back Against Pollution
The Carrboro Town Council and Orange County Commissioners both passed resolutions this week to tackle climate change.
Bedford, Stegman Projected to Win Orange County Commissioner Seats; Bronson Leads Tight District 2 Race
Karen Stegman won the Democratic primary for the open at-large seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners, while District 1 incumbent Jamezetta Bedford appears poised for re-election on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the closest race of the night unfolded in District 2, where Beth Bronson holds a slim lead over long-time Commissioner Earl McKee. With […]
2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primaries for the Orange County Board of Commissioners
After only one of the 2024 races for the Orange County Board of Commissioners was contested in the primary cycle, all three have competition this year.
›