The Digital Divide

Too many North Carolinians lack access to an internet connection, cannot afford an internet subscription or do not have an adequate device. Many also lack the skills to take advantage of digital services like telehealth, online education or online job boards. The state's plan aims to close the digital divide by addressing:

• Infrastructure and access
• Digital literacy
• Digital devices

The nearly $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds (and $30 million in state funds) invested in this plan must be spent by the end of 2026. North Carolina is also participating in the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, to fund high-speed internet infrastructure projects to connect remaining locations across the state. 

An additional $15 million would cover administrative and operational costs to supplement existing state administrative capacity to support high-speed internet efforts. The plan also will require significant private sector investment. 

As North Carolinians in every corner of the state can get, afford and use high-speed internet, they can take advantage of job, education and health opportunities. That can drive the state's economy.

This vision is possible by achieving three goals:

• Raising the percentage of North Carolina households with access to high-speed internet
• Raising the percentage of North Carolina households with computers
• Raising the percentage of North Carolinians who have digital skills

Infrastructure is a major challenge, affecting both rural and urban areas in of the state. North Carolina has the second largest rural population in the country, along with hard-to-reach areas in our mountains and challenging topographies in our coastal areas. 

Thanks to the vision and leadership from Governor Stein, former Governor Cooper and the N.C. General Assembly, North Carolina has made tremendous strides over the past several years in connecting our remaining households and businesses across the state to high-speed internet. With the appropriations for nearly $1 billion in broadband infrastructure through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from our general assembly and the dedication private investments from broadband providers in the state, we are getting closer to closing the infrastructure access gap.

Through this investment, we 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).

We appreciate our partners' participation in these crucial programs to create a more connected and resilient state. 

Affordability is a barrier to low-income households. The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided eligible, low-income households a monthly discount on internet service, has ended.

Without additional funding from Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could no longer administer the program. It was fully funded through April 2024. 

Having broadband access does not mean being able to use it. By investing $50 million, the state is improving awareness and enable more North Carolinians to utilize the benefits of high-speed internet through programs aimed at accessing the digital economy (e.g., education, job seeking, telehealth).

Funding has been allocated as described below.