Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Josh Stein announced on Thursday May 1, more than $63 million in broadband infrastructure projects aimed at connecting nearly 19,000 homes and businesses in 30 counties across North Carolina to high-speed internet, marking a major milestone in the state’s effort to close the digital divide.
The funds are part of the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program, a public-private partnership overseen by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT). The initiative is supported by more than $44 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds and nearly $19 million in matching investments from internet service providers.
“North Carolinians need access to high-speed internet to connect them with friends and family, business opportunities, telehealth, and more,” said Governor Stein. “Broadband is key 21st Century infrastructure, and these partnerships between counties across the state and internet providers will help connect more North Carolinians.”
The awarded projects target underserved and rural areas, with internet providers committing to deliver service speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload.
Teena Piccione, NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, emphasized the broader impact of the program. “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. “We will continue collaborating with counties and internet service providers to fund projects to expand high-speed internet access to all North Carolinians.”
Highlights of the CAB Program Awards Include:
- Granville County: Over 90% of eligible locations will be connected by Roanoke Connect Holdings (Fybe).
- Washington County: Brightspeed will serve 96.48% of eligible locations.
- Camden County: RiverStreet Networks will bring internet access to nearly 83% of eligible areas.
- Montgomery County: Brightspeed will reach more than 73% of eligible homes and businesses.
Other counties receiving significant service expansions include Alamance, Alexander, Brunswick, Chowan, Currituck, Franklin, Martin, Northampton, Perquimans, and Warren, among others.
The CAB program uses a competitive procurement process in which counties and NCDIT jointly identify areas in need and solicit proposals from prequalified internet providers to ensure the fastest and most effective deployment.
Today’s announcement builds on North Carolina’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital infrastructure statewide. With more than $533 million already awarded through the GREAT (Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology) grant program and previous CAB projects, more than 211,000 households and businesses across North Carolina are now on track to gain high-speed internet access.
For more details about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and to track broadband expansion progress, visit ncbroadband.gov.
