Press Releases

Governor Josh Stein today announced the launch of major broadband projects throughout North Carolina, following final federal approval from NIST for the state’s BEAD plan and budget. The NTIA completed its approval of the state’s plan in December. With $319 million in BEAD funding now unlocked, North Carolina is actively moving processes forward to connect 93,000 locations, transforming lives and communities statewide.

Governor Josh Stein today announced nearly $26 million in awards through the state's Stop-Gap Solutions program that will connect 5,161 rural North Carolina homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions in 66 counties to high-speed internet infrastructure by the end of 2026.

North Carolina’s $319 million for broadband deployment has been approved by NTIA, and we are carefully planning for the remaining funds. Our primary request is simple and clear: preserve state flexibility within the statutorily defined eligible uses for these funds.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity today announced the launch of the $86 million Stop-Gap Solutions program to accelerate the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure to eligible unserved and underserved rural households, businesses, community anchor institutions and state facilities in each county.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that the NTIA has approved North Carolina’s BEAD program proposal and infrastructure project awards for more than $300M to bring high-speed internet service to more than 93,000 homes, businesses, and other community anchor institutions across the state.

Broadband providers with infrastructure projects in the 39 counties designated under a disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, may apply for the $50 million in funding for reconstruction or repair broadband infrastructure needed to connect residents, businesses and community institutions to reliable high-speed internet.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity today announced the publication of the North Carolina Digital Skills Standards, a new framework designed to equip every North Carolinian with the digital tools and competencies necessary to thrive in today’s connected economy and society.

The NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, Kramden Institute and NC TECH Association brought together individuals, businesses, organizations and state government leaders to donate used computers for refurbishment to help close the digital divide.

The event will be held Friday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4000 West Chase Boulevard in Raleigh and will provide an easy, secure way to give digital devices a second life.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity today announced its draft Final Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been posted for public commentary, as well as its over $400 million in recommended BEAD awards to internet service providers. If approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), these federally funded awards will expand high-speed internet access to 93,512 households, businesses and community anchor institutions across the state by 2030.