WNC counties to receive broadband upgrades
The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity posted Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program scopes of work to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses at approximately 67,724 eligible locations, in several counties, including Haywood, Macon and Swain.
The division posted 53 additional CAB program scopes of work on Nov. 26 to serve approximately 93,674 eligible locations and previously awarded nearly $118 million to fund CAB projects in 44 counties, bringing high-speed internet to almost 47,000 homes and businesses.
Internet service providers that are prequalified to participate in state broadband expansion programs may submit proposals to provide broadband to all or a portion of eligible locations within each county.
“This public-private partnership will help achieve Governor Roy Cooper’s goal to close the digital divide and ensure more North Carolinians can access affordable and reliable high-speed internet,” a press release stated. “Funds come from the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plan.”
Each county’s scope of work will be posted until Feb. 17, 2025, at ncbroadband.gov/active-cab-proposals and will include the evaluation criteria by which an internet service provider will be chosen and the instructions for submitting proposals. A map of each county’s eligible locations is located on NC OneMap’s CAB Planning Tool.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, visit ncbroadband.gov.
