In a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein announced a sizable investment in the state's high-speed internet infrastructure. Securing more than $63 million for the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, this latest funding initiative will enable 18,889 households and businesses across 30 counties to connect with the world at high speeds, according to a statement obtained by the Governor's office.
"Broadband is key 21st Century infrastructure, and these partnerships between counties across the state and internet providers will help connect more North Carolinians," said Governor Stein, highlighting the importance of the internet as a modern utility. Needing access to high-speed internet, the people of North Carolina will use it for connecting with friends and family, seizing business opportunities, and accessing telehealth services. The projects awarded will be a joint effort by NCDIT and are supported by over $44 million from the federal American Rescue Plan and nearly $19 million from broadband providers, as per the Governor's office.
Underpinning this development is the shared vision of better connectivity as a means to empower individuals and communities, noted NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. "Access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity; it's about empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age," Piccione said in the Governor's office release. The state is committed to ongoing collaboration with counties and internet service providers to fund projects catering to the expansion of high-speed internet to all corners of North Carolina.
The CAB program uses a process that helps counties work with NCDIT to identify areas in need, request proposals from approved internet providers, and speed up funding decisions. According to the Governor's office, providers who receive funding must offer reliable high-speed internet with at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds. These awards support Governor Stein's goal of closing the digital divide and add to the $533 million already invested through GREAT grants and earlier CAB projects, which aim to connect over 211,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina to high-speed internet.
