Shallotte, NC – FOCUS Broadband proudly marks 70 years of delivering essential communication services to rural communities in eastern North Carolina. Incorporated on February 14, 1955, as Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation (ATMC) by a group of determined Brunswick County residents, the cooperative was founded to bring much-needed telephone service to the area. Just two years later, in 1957, the cooperative began serving its first 531 members. Today, FOCUS Broadband provides high-speed internet and communication services to more than 75,000 subscribers across multiple counties.

In a 1957 issue of the Raleigh News and Observer, the cooperative’s first Board President, Harry L. Mintz, predicted that the introduction of telephone service would propel Brunswick County from the bottom of North Carolina’s counties to a position among its leaders. Today, that vision has become reality—a testament to the transformative power of connectivity. Brunswick County is now one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, with FOCUS Broadband continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

Over the decades, the cooperative has embraced advancements in technology, expanding its services beyond telephone to include high-speed internet, wireless, and home automation and security. In 2005, the organization began operating under the brand name ATMC and in 2022 rebranded as FOCUS Broadband, reflecting its emphasis on providing cutting-edge broadband solutions.

This commitment to progress has also fueled the cooperative’s expansion beyond Brunswick County. Through federal and state broadband grant programs, FOCUS Broadband has extended high-speed internet to seven neighboring counties and two northern counties, helping to bridge the digital divide for thousands of residents. Simultaneously, the cooperative remains dedicated to its multi-million-dollar initiative to make fiber optic technology available for customers throughout its entire service area.

“The growth and progress FOCUS Broadband has achieved over the past 70 years is remarkable,” said Keith Holden, FOCUS Broadband CEO. “Our mindset has always been about embracing cutting-edge technology and recognizing new trends that will allow us to better serve our subscribers. That forward-thinking approach is what has made FOCUS Broadband what it is today.”

From the start FOCUS Broadband has remained deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves. Each year, the cooperative awards scholarships to local students and provides both education and community grants to fund worthwhile projects for schools and non-profit organizations.

As FOCUS Broadband embarks on its 70th anniversary, it remains committed to innovation, growth, and the communities it serves. With a legacy built on service, the cooperative looks forward to continuing its mission of connecting rural North Carolinians for generations to come.