Special to IFN
RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein has announced the launch of major broadband projects throughout North Carolina, following final federal approval from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) plan and budget.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) completed its approval of the state’s plan in December. With $319 million in BEAD funding now unlocked, North Carolina is moving forward to connect more than 93,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions, transforming lives and communities statewide.
“Reliable high-speed internet opens doors of opportunity, helps businesses grow, connects people with health care, and strengthens our economy,” Stein said. “These new projects will move us ever closer to connecting every household and community in the state with broadband.”
The BEAD program, administered by the NTIA nationally and by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) at the state level, provides North Carolina an allocation of $1.53 billion – one of the largest in the country. This approval of $319 million kicks off the first wave of projects, reflecting North Carolina’s commitment to strategic, data-driven, and technology-neutral broadband expansion.
“Expanding high-speed internet access is foundational to North Carolina’s long-term economic competitiveness and residents’ quality of life,” added Nate Denny, NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer. “We are very excited to get to work bringing reliable access to every North Carolinian.”
Adding to the BEAD program momentum, NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity has already launched nearly $700 million in American Rescue Plan Act-funded broadband projects, all scheduled for completion this year, to extend internet access to more than 257,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions.
The division has also awarded nearly $50 million to agencies and organizations throughout the state, enabling the distribution of 40,161 computers and providing digital skills training to 68,284 people.
These initiatives empower residents to use the internet for essential services, workforce development, and economic growth as new infrastructure comes online.