The town of Robbins is launching a new public Wi-Fi initiative to bridge the digital divide for residents in northern Moore County. Three town properties will soon host high-speed internet access hubs: Tracy Brown Park, Milliken Park, and Town Hall. This move comes after the disappearance of temporary hotspots that served students and families during the pandemic years.
A Local Response to Connectivity Gaps
Internet access remains a persistent issue in rural areas where infrastructure often lags behind population growth. During the remote-learning requirements prompted by COVID-19, many students relied on ad-hoc arrangements in grocery store and school parking lots to stay connected. Those temporary measures stopped working over the last few years, leaving a void for those without home access.
Robbins Town Manager Clint Mack confirmed the project is reaching completion. The town prioritized getting the service active in time for the current school season. To ensure cost-efficiency, the town managed a competitive bidding process, eventually selecting Randolph Communications to supply the network equipment.
Strategic Partnership and Grant Funding
This project exists due to a collaboration between the municipal government and Moore County Schools. The district is covering initial equipment installation costs, while the town assumes responsibility for monthly usage fees and routine maintenance. The district secured the necessary funding through a $300,000 Digital Champion grant administered by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology's Office of Digital Equity and Literacy.
Will Herring, the district’s assistant director for technology, noted that Robbins was a high-priority location for their efforts. The region faces technical hurdles due to limited cellular tower density, making traditional personal hotspots unreliable for many households. The town-owned outdoor hubs are designed to broadcast a signal reaching at least 500 feet, covering parking areas and public spaces.
Wider Implications for Robbins
Beyond student needs, the new service acts as a general utility for all residents and visitors. Parents waiting for children at sports practices can now access the web from these town sites. The setup includes mandatory website filters, ensuring compliance with municipal safety policies for public networks.
This initiative marks a shift in how Robbins addresses modern infrastructure. By using existing town property as distribution points, the local leadership is providing a stable, fiber-backed connection. This model may serve as a template for other municipalities in North Carolina seeking to leverage state grants to improve local connectivity. Residents should monitor for future announcements regarding final activation dates for each location as the rollout concludes.