RiverStreet Files for Chapter 11: What RiverStreet Internet Customers in NC and VA Should Know

If you have RiverStreet internet or phone service, nothing should change for now. RiverStreet filed for voluntary Chapter 11 on October 21, 2026 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It also agreed to sell substantially all of its assets to funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The company says service continues without interruption and existing customers shouldn't see changes to their service or support. The bigger question is for people waiting on a new RiverStreet fiber build, because some unfinished projects will move to other providers.

What RiverStreet says is happening

Topic	What the company says (Oct 21, 2026)
Current service	Continues without interruption; no expected changes to service or support
Buyer	Funds managed by Oaktree, under a Section 363 sale that's open to higher bids and needs court approval
Financing	About $20 million in new financing from its lender CoBank, pending court approval
Builds nearly done	Will be finished
Unfinished expansion	Some projects will move to other qualified broadband providers

If you're a current customer

• Keep paying your bill as usual. Service and support are continuing.
• Save copies of recent bills and any promo or price-lock terms in case ownership changes.
• Watch for official notices from RiverStreet about billing or account changes.
• You don't need to switch providers right now unless you were already unhappy with your service.

If you were waiting on a fiber build

RiverStreet is following what it calls a Modified Build Plan that focuses on existing customers and its current footprint. Builds that are close to finished will be completed. RiverStreet says it intends to transition certain unfinished expansion projects to other qualified broadband providers. Ask RiverStreet or your local broadband office whether a specific project will be affected. If you are waiting for installation, ask RiverStreet whether your address remains on its build schedule and check what else is available now.

Other internet options in RiverStreet areas

RiverStreet mostly serves rural communities in North Carolina and Virginia. Depending on your address, alternatives may include other wired, fixed-wireless, or satellite providers. Check address-level eligibility before making plans.

In rural areas with no cable or fiber, satellite is the usual fallback. Starlink uses low-Earth-orbit satellites and may be available where wired service is not. Viasat customers who order through RSINC are guaranteed at least 80 Mbps down and 3-5 Mbps up. Hughesnet may be another option, subject to address and installation eligibility.

How this compares with other providers' money troubles

RSINC has covered financial pressure at Sparklight (Cable One) and Optimum. These are separate situations with different terms. Follow RiverStreet notices for any change to your own service, bill or planned build.