Governor Josh Stein has announced a $48 million investment in the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. This initiative aims to connect 14,514 households and businesses across 22 counties in North Carolina to high-speed internet.
“Connecting all North Carolinians, especially in our rural areas, opens doors of opportunity,” stated Governor Stein. “I am proud to continue to bring high-speed internet access to all corners of our state.”
NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione emphasized the importance of reliable internet access: “With reliable high-speed internet, North Carolinians can access online services necessary for remote work, virtual education, and telehealth, ensuring they can fully participate in the modern digital world.” She added that this connectivity is an investment in the future prosperity and resilience of communities.
The funding comprises over $33 million from the federal American Rescue Plan awarded by NCDIT and more than $14 million from selected broadband providers. The projects span multiple counties with specific allocations:
– Alexander County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) will provide access to 125 locations.
– Bladen County: Star Telephone Membership Corp (Star Communications) will cover 88 locations.
– Burke County: Foothills Broadband, LLC will serve 113 locations.
– Chatham County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) will connect 1,006 locations.
– Craven County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) will reach 1,790 locations.
– Currituck County: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks) will connect 162 locations.
– Guilford County: Spectrum Southeast, LLC will provide service to 463 locations.
– Halifax County: Roanoke Connect Holdings, LLC (Fybe) plans to connect 2,613 locations.
– Harnett County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) targets 1,019 locations.
– Hoke County: LREMC Technologies, LLC (RIVR Tech) plans for 716 connections.
– Iredell County: Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation (Zirrus) will serve 517 homes and businesses.
– Lee County: Windstream North Carolina, LLC aims for connections at 617 sites.
– Mitchell County: Zito West Holding, LLC (Zito Media) targets 84 connections.
– Moore County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) plans for service at 1,573 sites.
– Pender County: Atlantic Telephone Membership Cooperative (FOCUS Broadband) targets coverage for 224 sites.
– Rowan County and Sampson Counties have similar initiatives with Spectrum Southeast and Star Communications respectively covering several hundred homes each.
Additional efforts include partnerships between counties and NCDIT through the CAB program’s procurement process. These collaborations aim to identify areas needing service enhancements quickly. Awardees must ensure their service meets or exceeds speeds of both download and upload at a minimum rate of 100 Mbps.
Governor Stein’s ongoing commitment includes today’s awards adding onto previous grants totaling $596 million through GREAT grants. These efforts collectively aim to bridge the digital divide by connecting over 230 thousand households across North Carolina.
Further details about these initiatives are available on ncbroadband.gov.
