Raleigh-Durham News

North Carolina Awards $22 Million Grants to Expand Broadband Access

Alcove Team ยท 10/2/23

North Carolina Awards $22 Million Grants to Expand Broadband Access

Fourteen counties in North Carolina will receive funding through the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, totaling $22 million.

Why It Matters:

The grants aim to improve broadband access in underserved and unserved areas of North Carolina, connecting households and businesses to high-speed internet. This is significant as reliable internet access is essential for education, economic growth, and access to vital services.

The Details:

  • Private sector partners contribute additional funding to state grants.

  • The CAB program is administered by the N.C. Department of Information Technology and complements the GREAT grant program.

  • Grants were awarded by the NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office, a part of the Division of Broadband and Digital Equity.

  • Awarded counties and their respective partners:

    • Alexander County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Franklin County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Granville County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Haywood County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Hertford County: Roanoke Connect Holdings (FYBE)

    • Madison County: Skyrunner Inc.

    • Mitchell County: French Broad Electric Membership Corp. (French Broad Fiber)

    • Onslow County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Robeson County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Rutherford County: Bellsouth Telecommunications LLC (AT&T)

    • Sampson County: Spectrum Southeast LLC (Charter Communications)

    • Stokes County: Surry Telephone Membership Corp.

    • Vance County: Zitel LLC

    • Wilkes County: Wilkes Communications Inc.

Conclusion:

The $22 million in grants awarded through the CAB program will help expand broadband access in North Carolina, benefiting underserved communities and promoting economic development. This initiative aligns with the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet services.