About the Biltmore Lake Initiative

Biltmore Lake Association and High-Speed Broadband

The Biltmore Lake community is served by a small number of private companies that provide telephone, television and internet services. In North Carolina, high-speed broadband is not a public utility. State law prohibits governmental units to own and operate broadband services available to their residents.

When Biltmore Lake was built, a decision was made by Biltmore Farms Inc to all open public “right of way” to any private broadband company meeting state and federal laws. The “right of way” is depicted on the plat maps submitted by the developer to the county prior to construction. They follow standard practices and criteria (such as distance from the road.) Plat maps are available to residents.

Because broadband is not a public utility and the decision by Biltmore Farms to open access to their private development, the Biltmore Lake Association has very limited authority over where, when, and how fiber or copper cable is distributed. Homeowners have little authority over where and when broadband companies lay cable.

Biltmore Lake is presently served largely by AT&T and Charter/Spectrum telecommunications. Service availability varies based on when the homes were built, the availability of fiber connectivity, and the providers' corporate policies for updating technology. A few homes have “fixed wireless” from SkyRunner, Inc. In a 2017 survey, most residents were pleased with their broadband company and the services provided.

The Biltmore Lake Association and its residents can have an impact on broadband services through speaking collectively with providers, mapping where services are and aren’t provided, monitoring the quality of service and being engaged in legal changes that might affect our area. Biltmore Lake residents can advocate for (a) comprehensive coverage, (b) a competitive market so every part of the community has at least two providers, and (c) high-value quality service.

Local Contact:     William Sederburg     wsederburg@gmail.com