South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper today called on North Carolina's local and tribal governments, nonprofits, and broadband service providers to assist in identifying areas across the state that require improved access to high-speed internet. These entities are encouraged to submit data challenging eligible locations for inclusion in the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, set to launch in early 2025. The program allocates $1.53 billion to North Carolina for enhancing high-speed internet infrastructure in underserved and unserved regions.

The BEAD Challenge Process allows entities defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Association to contribute input ensuring that the BEAD program’s eligible locations map accurately reflects residents’ and businesses’ high-speed internet needs. Individuals can submit data via the Consumer Input website at register.broadband.nc.gov/map-correction to eligible challenging organizations that can submit location challenges on their behalf.

“All North Carolinians need access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet so they can work remotely, access online learning opportunities, benefit from telehealth services and build a stronger digital economy for our state,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “I encourage everyone to share feedback to help us achieve internet for all.”

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity officially launched the BEAD Challenge Process today, with a deadline for challenge submissions set for Thursday, Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and broadband service providers may register on the division’s website at ncbroadband.gov/BEADchallenge. The site includes a user guide and downloadable data files detailing current broadband serviceable locations classified as unserved, underserved or served, as well as community anchor institutions. The location IDs in these data files correlate with the National Broadband Serviceable Location fabric used by the Federal Communications Commission.

“The BEAD Challenge Process continues to uncover locations across the state without internet access or adequate speeds,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Jim Weaver. “Updating our mapping data with input from local partners will help us create funding and implementation plans to ensure that all North Carolinians are connected to reliable high-speed internet by 2030.”

For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the BEAD Challenge Process, and Governor Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide, please visit ncbroadband.gov.

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