Last Updated on June 24, 2026 10:38 am
Carolina West Wireless, the regional carrier that has served northwestern North Carolina for 35 years, announced Wednesday that it is shutting down its wireless network and transitioning customers to Verizon, with service ending September 30, 2026.
The company confirmed the news in a post to its official Facebook page Wednesday morning and in a letter sent to customers. Customers who wish to keep their current phone number must transfer their account to Verizon or another wireless provider beginning July 1, 2026.
“Carolina West Wireless is transitioning our wireless network to Verizon and will discontinue wireless service on September 30, 2026,” the company stated. “To keep your current phone number and avoid an interruption of service, you must transfer your service to Verizon or another wireless provider beginning July 1, 2026.”
The Wilkesboro-based carrier was formed in 1991 as a partnership among rural telephone companies serving northwestern North Carolina, including Skyline Telephone and Surry Telephone. The company has provided wireless service across 11 western North Carolina counties, including Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes, Surry, and surrounding areas.
As part of the transition, Verizon is offering Carolina West customers an exclusive limited-time deal: switch before July 30 and receive a $150 Mastercard gift card per line of service with no activation fees. Business customers will be contacted separately with special offers.
Beginning July 1, Verizon representatives will be available at pop-up locations and all Verizon retail store locations during normal business hours — Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Customers can also bring their own device or choose from Verizon device offers. Device eligibility can be checked at verizon.com/bring-your-own-device. Additional information on the transition is available at carolinawest.com/change-faq or by calling 1-800-235-5007.
The shutdown ends a 35-year run for one of the High Country's last independent wireless carriers. Carolina West had previously sold wireless spectrum to Verizon in a transaction that closed in June 2023, a deal that set the stage for Wednesday's announcement.
