South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has announced the launch of North Carolina's Tech Resource Finder, a new website aimed at helping residents access and use the internet more effectively. The platform offers over 1,100 resources to assist in finding public computers, Wi-Fi, technical support, and digital skills classes throughout the state.

"All North Carolinians need the resources to access high-speed internet and use it safely and effectively," said Governor Cooper. "This website will help ensure that more people can be part of the growing digital economy to work, learn, access telehealth and connect with others online."

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has compiled information on organizations across North Carolina that provide these services. This effort is intended to facilitate online access and identify community gaps for future projects.

Users of the Tech Resource Finder can search by county, zip code, or type of resource and choose between map or table views. Each listing provides a description, address, website link, contact details, and directions. The division is collaborating with NC State University’s William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to keep the resource listings current.

"The internet is essential in almost every aspect of today’s world," said State CIO and NCDIT Secretary Jim Weaver. "Our goal is to ensure that North Carolinians are aware of nearby resources available to help them get online and build their digital skillsets."

In partnership with United Way/NC 211, the Tech Resource Finder's offerings will be integrated into the NC 211 system. This integration allows trained community resource specialists to connect callers with verified community sources. NC 211's service operates around-the-clock in most languages.

For further details about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity or Governor Cooper’s initiatives to bridge the digital divide, visit ncbroadband.gov.