Ripple Fiber Expanding Network to Over 45,000 Residences in Union County, North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2024--

Ripple Fiber, a fiber optic internet provider based in the Southeast, announces the most recent expansion of its robust footprint across Union County, North Carolina. Residents across multiple municipalities in the area now or will soon have access to the provider’s 10GB-ready fiber internet network: Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Monroe, Sun Valley, Indian Trail, Weddington, Lake Park, and Stallings. Expected to be completed by the end of 2024, this build will enhance digital access for over 45,000 residences in Union County.

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“Union County represents our largest service area to date, and we are proud to see more households gaining access to fiber internet,” adds Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber. “Since the start of this project, we have greatly appreciated the support and communication received from local shareholders. We are confident that our intentionally designed network, which supports open access deployment, will enhance connectivity for years to come.”

Driving digital transformation around the world, fiber internet is a powerful solution that functions at the speed of light. It transmits data through light pulses and is less susceptible to outside interference, making the fiber optic connections uniquely durable and strong. With Ripple Fiber’s future-focused approach, residents now have access to an infrastructure that will power the area for decades to come. Whether subscribers are using their internet for remote work or video streaming, they can rely on this service for exceptional bandwidth and impressive upload and download speeds.

“Our team believes fiber internet brings speed, convenience, reliability, and more to the lives of residents we serve,” says Steve Boyle, Regional Executive of Ripple Fiber. “We’re thrilled to continue the expansion of enhanced digital access across Union County, while also supporting the various local initiatives that promote prosperity and growth throughout the community.”

With its 10GB-ready network, Ripple Fiber provides thousands of homes with lightning-fast connectivity through the utilization of its fiber optic network and patented software. Its team is dedicated to expanding access and constructing strong infrastructures in communities nationwide. Embracing optimism and recognizing the importance of digital access, Ripple Fiber strives to empower its customers by equipping them with the necessary tools to build a bright future.

Ripple Fiber’s local office is located at 100 W John Street, Suite E, Matthews, North Carolina. Residents in Union County who would like to learn more about Ripple Fiber’s offerings and confirm availability in their neighborhood can visit ripplefiber.com and follow along on social media (@ripple.fiber) for updates.

ABOUT RIPPLE FIBER

Ripple Fiber is the brightest and fastest fiber internet company based in the Southeast, providing thousands of homes with lightning-fast internet connectivity via its powerful fiber optic network and patented software. With community at the forefront of its mission, Ripple Fiber strives to expand digital access for people across the nation. This approach empowers generations to create the futures they want and deserve. Ripple Fiber believes the biggest wave starts as a ripple. Learn more about Ripple Fiber at ripplefiber.com.

Ripple Fiber announces the most recent expansion of its robust footprint across Union County, North Carolina (Photo: Business Wire)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that it has opened a criminal investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations against Motown music luminary Smokey Robinson.

The department said in a statement that its Special Victims Bureau is “actively investigating criminal allegations” against Robinson.

Last week, four former housekeepers of Robinson filed a lawsuit alleging that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them, in some cases for years, while they worked for him.

The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024.

Robinson's lawyer said there was no merit to the allegations against the 85-year-old musical icon who was among the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s.

The attorney, Christopher Frost, said Tuesday the only reason for the suit is “unadulterated avarice.”

“We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong, and that this is a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make even more of a media circus than the Plaintiffs were previously able to create,” Frost said.

John Harris and Herbert Hayden, the lawyers for the women, say they are pleased to learn that law enforcement is pursuing the allegations.

“Our clients intend to fully cooperate with LASD’s ongoing investigation in the pursuit of seeking justice for themselves and others that may have been similarly assaulted by him," the lawyers said.

The sheriff's statement said the investigation is in its early stages, and no other details would be provided.

Robinson's attorney said last week that the allegations “defy credulity” and are full of inconsistencies.

The four women, whose names have not been made public, each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them. One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times.

Harris called Robinson a “serial and sick rapist” who must be stopped.

When asked at a May 6 news conference whether the women had talked to police, Hayden said no, but felt the allegations merited law enforcement getting involved.

All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status.

Robinson churned out a host of hits as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including “Tears of a Clown” and “The Tracks of My Tears.” He also wrote and co-wrote songs for other Motown artists, including the Temptations' “My Girl.”

He is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

FILE - Smokey Robinson attends the screening for "The Apollo" during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival on April 24, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)