North Wake News

Governor Josh Stein has revealed a new initiative aimed at expanding internet access across North Carolina, awarding over $41 million to 17 counties through the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. This funding will connect over 11,800 homes and businesses to high-speed internet.

Governor Stein emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "Connecting North Carolinians online helps strengthen our state. Broadband plays a crucial role in our development, and I look forward to seeing how these funds expand economic opportunities for people in every corner of North Carolina."

The NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Teena Piccione, remarked, "Internet access is a necessity in today’s world. These grants will fund projects to provide that crucial access to residents in communities across the state. We will continue to partner with counties and internet service providers to make more awards this month as we work to expand high-speed internet to every North Carolinian."

The financial support will include over $29 million from the federal American Rescue Plan and nearly $12.5 million from various broadband providers. The funds will be distributed among counties as follows:

- In Anson County, Windstream North Carolina, LLC will connect 945 homes and businesses.

- Caldwell County will receive service from Connect Holding II, LLC for 203 locations.

- Connect Holding II, LLC will also serve Carteret County, Caswell County, Edgecombe County, Greene County, Onslow County, Pitt County, Sampson County, Tyrrell County, Vance County, and Wilson County, while Spectrum Southeast, LLC will cover Lincoln County.

- Skyrunner will extend services in McDowell County.

- French Broad Electric Membership Corp is the provider for Mitchell County.

- RiverStreet Networks will assist Wilkes County, with Windstream enhancing services in Davidson County.

These efforts are part of Governor Stein’s broader initiative to close the digital gap, incorporating the Great grants program. As a result of these initiatives, over 200,000 households and businesses in North Carolina will gain access to high-speed internet.

All projects funded through the CAB program will be listed on NCDIT’s dashboard, designed to detail the progress and specifics of federally funded projects. For further details, individuals can refer to the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity at ncbroadband.gov.