Broadband: Level the Playing Field for NC Families
An essential utility, High Speed Broadband makes it possible for students to learn online, parents to work from home, and for subscribers to see their doctor even if they can’t get into the office. The Biden Administration and Governor Cooper unveiled the “Internet for All Initiative” that aims to bring Internet to every American by the end of the decade.
The plan would:
Increase the opportunities for laying more high speed fiber networks by collaborating with public interest organizations like United Way, Goodwill, Catholic Charities and UnidosUS.
Enroll more provider companies that support the Affordable Connectivity Plan that provides subsidies to low income families for purchasing Internet Services and devices. (276,000 North Carolinians are currently receiving subsidies).
Ramp up laying high speed fiber networks using Biden’s America Cares Relief funds.
Governor Cooper is a national leader in expanding broadband. According to the U.S. Commerce Secretary Paula Raimondo, “North Carolina was one of the first states to have a broadband offense, a Secretary of IT, and I think the first state to have the Digital Equity Office.” Governor Cooper has a shovel-ready plan to apply for funding.
Vote Democratic. Support NC leadership on Broadband extension!
Governor Cooper’s Plan
Infrastructure is a major challenge, affecting both rural and urban areas in North Carolina.
By investing $971 million, North Carolina can rapidly build crucial infrastructure in unserved areas to give internet speeds of 100/20 Mbps to households (with the ability to handle future speeds of 100/100 Mbps). American Rescue Plan and state funding would be allocated as described below.
The GREAT Grant Program ($380 million) will upgrade and expand the existing “Last-mile Grant Program” to invest in higher connectivity speeds. It will provide grants for high-speed fiber connections and supplement by fixed wireless and satellite options where fiber is infeasible.
Complete Access to Broadband Grant Access Program ($400 million) by creating a partnership between each county and North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) for a competitive bidding process to build infrastructure and provide services to unserved/underserved areas within each county.
Stop Gap Solutions ($90 million) targeted grants for connecting underserved households with children and/or elderly not likely to get fiber for 3-4 years and The Broadband Made Ready Accelerator ($100 million) provides funds for pole replacements.
Broadband Mapping ($1million) will help NCDIT to design the necessary strategies and direct funds and grants to achieve affordable broadband access and digital literacy for all.
References:
https://it.nc.gov/about/leadership
https://it.nc.gov/about/leadership/nate-denny
https://www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-divide
Dolder, L.; May 13, 2022; “In Durham, Gov. Cooper and US Commerce secretary unveil $45B internet expansion.” News and Observer.