The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), partnering with Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) and ElectriCom Inc., will soon expand their fiber network. The project aims to install a new fiber internet line from Nags Head to Buxton.

Work will start the week of September 16. The first phase will include fiber installation in the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, and Buxton. This phase is expected to take about 18 weeks.

The fiber will be installed within the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s right-of-way. Crews will bore under driveways, side roads, and wetlands, with trenching in suitable areas. Additionally, taps will be installed at substations in Waves and Avon.

NCEMC and CHEC planned this project after several communication outages impacted Hatteras Island. The new fiber line will significantly enhance NCEMC’s communication with its Buxton generation plant. It will improve CHEC’s connectivity with its substations and the mainland as well.

This upgrade aims to reduce the risks associated with the island’s only fiber line, ensuring more reliable service for the area.