A farmer sits on his porch in rural North Carolina, giving a thumbs up during a telehealth appointment made possible through affordable internet from Apollo Net. AI-generated image.

A new local initiative is helping North Carolina residents bridge the digital divide with low-cost, high-speed internet access. Apollo Net, a social enterprise founded earlier this year by entrepreneur Michael Abensour, is bringing affordable 5G home internet service to rural communities across the state, including right here in Bertie County.

For just $35 a month, Apollo Net provides reliable, fixed wireless broadband with no contracts, data caps, or surprise fees. The flat monthly rate allows users to connect more than 40 devices at once, offering the kind of connectivity often found in larger cities at a fraction of the usual cost.

“There are more than one million North Carolinians without adequate connectivity, either because they cannot afford it or do not have access to it,” said Michael Abensour, founder and CEO of Apollo Net. “Internet access is no longer a luxury. It is a fundamental resource that no North Carolinian should go without.”

Addressing a Longstanding Need

In rural counties like Bertie, where many households still lack reliable broadband options, Apollo Net’s arrival marks a significant step toward digital equity. According to state data, thousands of homes across northeastern North Carolina remain underserved by traditional internet providers because of cost and infrastructure limitations.

For students, small business owners, and families, that lack of access has real consequences. It can mean missed assignments, limited job opportunities, and difficulties staying connected with healthcare and community resources.

“Apollo Net is meeting a critical need,” said Cyndy Yu-Robinson, Executive Director of the Kramden Institute, a nonprofit that provides refurbished computers and digital literacy training across North Carolina. “Lower-cost internet access is something we are delighted to share with the families and communities we serve. Together, we can help more Carolinians cross the digital divide with computers, technology education, and internet access.”

A Mission Rooted in Community

Abensour, who has spent more than two decades working in leadership roles in the nonprofit and political sectors, co-founded Apollo Net in 2025 to tackle what he calls one of the state’s toughest challenges. His vision, supported by the technical expertise of colleague Bradley Upchurch, shaped the company’s community-centered business model.

Rather than focusing on profit, Apollo Net operates as a social enterprise that reinvests in partnerships promoting connectivity and opportunity. The organization collaborates with local governments, schools, and nonprofits to ensure its service reaches the households that need it most.

“Our goal is simple,” Abensour said. “We want every North Carolina family, no matter where they live, to have access to affordable and reliable internet. Kids should be able to do their homework without worrying about Wi-Fi. Parents should be able to apply for jobs and connect to telehealth appointments. Small businesses should be able to grow beyond their local boundaries.”

How to Get Connected

Apollo Net’s fixed wireless service is now available to eligible households and students throughout North Carolina. The $35 monthly rate includes equipment, taxes, and customer support, ensuring there are no hidden fees or price increases over time.

Their routers use the T-Mobile network, and since T-Mobile recently completed its acquisition of U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations, many Bertie residents are likely to have sufficient coverage near their homes to take advantage of Apollo Net’s program. Actual coverage will still depend on local tower availability and signal strength.

Households are eligible for the $35-per-month Apollo Net service if they participate in any government assistance program or fall at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Eligibility also includes any household with a member enrolled in an educational program, from elementary school through graduate studies. Seniors on Medicaid qualify automatically, while those on Medicare are eligible only if they are enrolled in a low-income assistance program such as QMB, SLMB, or QI.

Residents interested in learning more or signing up can visit apollonet.org or email help@apollonet.org for assistance.

As Abensour explained, “This is not just about internet. It is about connection, opportunity, and community. We are proud to help make that possible for families in Bertie County and beyond.”