In 2026, high-speed internet is no longer a utility; it is a property value driver on par with a new roof or HVAC system. For the influx of remote workers targeting New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties, the ability to Zoom without buffering is the difference between a dream home and a deal-breaker.

But the connectivity landscape in Southeastern NC is shifting rapidly. The old duopoly of Spectrum and AT&T has been disrupted by aggressive new entrants and massive rural expansion grants. If you are buying a home in Wilmington or Hampstead today, relying on generic "high-speed available" listings is a mistake. You need the insider map.

The New Wilmington Landscape: Metronet & Lumos

For years, Wilmington buyers were limited to whatever the local cable incumbent offered. That has changed.

Metronet: Officially launched in early 2025, Metronet has deployed a 100% fiber-optic network across significant portions of Wilmington, offering symmetrical speeds (same upload/download) up to 5 Gig. This is a game-changer for video editors and tech professionals.

Lumos: Investing over $56 million into New Hanover County, Lumos is actively trenching fiber in Ogden, Carolina Beach, and Castle Hayne.

Strategic Insight: If you are house hunting in these areas, look for the "fiber pedestal" (a small green or gray box) in the yard. A home connected to these new networks often commands a premium from tech-savvy buyers over a neighbor stuck on legacy copper lines.

The Rural Savior: FOCUS Broadband (formerly ATMC)

In the rural stretches of Brunswick and Pender counties, the story is different. Here, FOCUS Broadband is the hero of the "last mile."

The "Faster Pender" Initiative: Thanks to USDA ReConnect and GREAT grants, FOCUS has brought true fiber speeds to previously dead zones in Burgaw, Rocky Point, and western Pender County.

Brunswick Roots: As a cooperative born in Shallotte, FOCUS has long served the rural pockets of Brunswick County that national providers ignored. If you are looking at acreage in Supply or Bolivia, a FOCUS fiber connection is often more reliable than a satellite alternative.

The "Micro-Climate" of Connectivity

The most dangerous trap for buyers in 2026 is assuming that coverage is uniform. In coastal NC, connectivity is hyper-local.

The "One Street Over" Rule: In expansive communities like Hampstead, it is common for the main road to have fiber while a home down a 500-foot gravel driveway is stuck with DSL or satellite.

Starlink as a Bridge: For the ultimate seclusion in the Green Swamp or northern Onslow, Starlink remains a viable option. However, our region's dense pine canopy can obstruct the required northern sky view. A drone survey is often needed to verify signal viability before closing.

Your Next Step

Do not take "high-speed internet" at face value on a listing. You need to verify the specific provider and speed tier available at the exact address.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we treat connectivity audits as part of our due diligence. We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—digitally and physically. Let’s verify the bandwidth of your potential new home before you sign the offer.