The digital landscape in Chatham County is set for a significant upgrade thanks to a cluster of new high-speed internet projects. These developments arrive courtesy of grant awards from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), announced by Governor Josh Stein and are poised to enhance connectivity for roughly 2,043 homes and businesses in the region.
These efforts see light under the state's Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing gaps in reliable internet across rural and peripheral areas. According to an official release by Chatham County, this program is fueled by federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and necessitates collaborative ventures among counties, NCDIT, and ISPs, given the state law's prohibition against county-built broadband networks. Chatham County is actively filling pivotal role in pinpointing areas with limited service, engaging community stakeholders, and endorsing ISP-led solutions.
Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed), Spectrum Southeast, LLC, and Windstream North Carolina, LLC are the ISPs chosen for the CAB projects in Chatham County. Construction on some of these projects has already started, while others are setting up stages for work expected to commence in the near future.
Adding to the county's broadband tapestry, several programs have previously seeded investments in this domain. Noteworthy initiatives include the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant, which facilitated Spectrum and Brightspeed, alongside AT&T, to extend service to thousands of additional residents. These endeavors are complemented by a 2024 CAB award also won by Brightspeed. Once all projects reach completion, an aggregate of 10,450 homes and business stands to gain from improved internet access. In spite of these advancements, an estimated 1,813 locations in Chatham County remain on the docket for future funding opportunities targeted at unserved areas.
Chatham County Manager Bryan Thompson underscored the import of these initiatives. "High-speed internet is essential for daily life," Thompson told Chatham County. "These projects move us closer to closing the digital divide and ensuring all Chatham communities have the internet access they need to thrive." For further details about the county's broadband expansion, the Chatham County Broadband Hub Site serves as a repository of information, alongside a contact avenue through Policy and Legislative Analyst Brenton Hart.
