The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) today announced a $1 million notice of funding opportunity for the Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program designed to strengthen local resiliency and provide high-speed internet redundancy for public and community institutions serving North Carolinians. The program provides funding for satellite “resilience in a box” tools to preserve essential communications when other networks go down during emergencies and natural disasters.
“Hurricane Helene underscored the consequences of losing communication when it matters most,” said NCDIT Secretary and State CIO Nate Denny. “The low-Earth orbit satellites provided through this program offer continuity and a lifeline for North Carolinians as we continue into this hurricane season.”
The Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant will provide funding for eligible organizations, including state agencies, local government units, volunteer fire departments, and community anchor institutions—including schools, libraries, community colleges, and community centers—to purchase satellite internet equipment and installation materials for secure, dependable backup connectivity. The program uses state funds appropriated through the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grant program.
Applications are open statewide, but priority will be given to organizations operating in the 39 North Carolina counties designated in the Hurricane Helene federal disaster area, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey (including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) counties.
Entities interested in participating must complete the NCDIT Application and Certification Form by Sept. 23.
To learn more about the program, visit the Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program page on the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity website.