South Raleigh News

A state award announced by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) will provide high-speed internet access to 125 households and 19 businesses in Wake County. This initiative, called the Completing Access to Broadband award, aims to cover 11.5% of the 1,251 eligible unserved locations in the area.

Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas highlighted the importance of this development, stating, "This is a priority for our Commission, because we know it’s essential for education, business, healthcare and staying connected in today’s world. This investment will help bridge the digital divide by bringing reliable broadband to more families and businesses in our community, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive."

The project involves a collaboration between NCDIT and internet provider Brightspeed, with an investment of $691,168.80 in federal American Rescue Plan funds by NCDIT, complemented by a $296,215 contribution from Brightspeed, under a matching program. Collectively, these contributions form part of more than $18 million in public and private investments intended to extend high-speed internet access to over 4,300 locations.

Wake County's strategy includes a focus on digital equity, a goal supported by the release of its first Digital Equity Plan in 2024, which was based on substantial community engagement. This Plan details current digital inclusion efforts and identifies the obstacles local residents face in achieving digital connectivity.