SUNBURY, N.C. – Students at T. S. Cooper Elementary School are enjoying a revitalized outdoor court thanks to the recent purchase and installation of four new basketball goals by Fybe. The goals replace worn and missing units that had stood on the courts for decades, restoring a recreational space used by both students and the broader Sunbury community.
The project, completed entirely by Fybe employees who supplied the manpower and equipment needed for installation, is the latest in a long line of community service initiatives undertaken by the company across northeastern North Carolina.
“Fybe believes strongly in supporting the communities we serve, not just through broadband access, but through hands-on projects that make a visible, lasting difference,” President, Bo Coughlin, said. “When we reached out to Gates County Community Partnership for ideas in Gates County, we were looking for something that would benefit families and children in a tangible way. We are incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to provide something that the school and the community will enjoy for years to come.”
The project began when Sarah Tinkham, Grants and Compliance Coordinator for Fybe, reached out to Gates County Community Partnership seeking recommendations for a meaningful service initiative in the county. Tinkham connected with Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership, to explore possibilities.
After discussions among Tinkham, Saunders, and T. S. Cooper Elementary Principal Lovie Roscoe, the group agreed that replacing the four outdoor basketball goals was the most impactful and achievable project.
Saunders noted that the courts hold deep personal and historical significance for the community and his family.
“My father, Benjamin C. Saunders, Sr., was principal at T. S. Cooper when the original basketball goals were installed some 40 years ago,” Saunders said. “He was adamant that the courts not only serve students during school hours but also remain open for community use after hours. That spirit of accessibility and community engagement is something we are proud to see continue today.”
For Principal Lovie Roscoe, the new goals represent more than upgraded equipment, they symbolize renewed opportunity for physical activity, teamwork, and community gathering.
“We are extremely grateful to Fybe for purchasing and installing the new basketball goals for T. S. Cooper Elementary School,” said Principal Lovie Roscoe. “Our students deserve safe, functional spaces to play, grow, and build friendships, and we appreciate the Gates County Community Partnership’s continued support.”
Fybe’s community service efforts in Gates County complement its significant investment in broadband infrastructure throughout the region. The company recently completed a major fiber expansion project in the county, bringing high-speed fiber internet to nearly 5,000 homes and businesses. Through fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, residents now have access to speeds up to 2 Gbps, enabling improved access to education, telehealth services, local government resources, and economic opportunities.
About Fybe
Fybe delivers broadband internet and voice services to residential and business customers throughout rural North Carolina. Fybe is also a founding member of eNCore, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in partnership with MCNC and Roanoke Cooperative to improve the technology, economic and social landscape of North Carolina. eNCore and its member organizations aim to bridge the digital divide in North Carolina by empowering overlooked, unserved, and underserved communities with technology resources needed to fully participate in today’s digital economy. At Fybe, we believe every community deserves the digital tools to thrive and are committed to building a network that expands access to education, healthcare, and more.