Expanded High-Speed Internet Access in Eight Eastern NC Counties: CAB Program Highlights
- Eight counties in Eastern North Carolina will get expanded high-speed internet access.
- This program aims to provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses that currently lack service.
- Internet service providers can apply to deliver broadband to eligible areas.
Expanded High-Speed Internet Access in Eastern North Carolina
Eight counties in Eastern North Carolina will get expanded high-speed internet access. This initiative is part of the “Completing Access to Broadband (CAB)” program by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity.
Counties Benefiting from Expansion:
- Bertie County: 1,683 locations
- Carteret County: 335 locations
- Craven County: 2,731 locations
- Greene County: 675 locations
- Hyde County: 1,346 locations
- Onslow County: 1,020 locations
- Tyrrell County: 323 locations
- Washington County: 1,076 locations
This program aims to provide high-speed internet to homes and businesses that currently lack service. The division has already awarded nearly $118 million for CAB projects in 44 counties, helping almost 47,000 homes and businesses gain access to the internet.
Internet service providers can apply to deliver broadband to eligible areas. This public-private partnership supports Governor Roy Cooper’s goal of closing the digital divide. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan.
The CAB program unites state government, county leaders, and internet service providers. They will identify project areas and fund broadband efforts with $400 million from the American Rescue Plan. Under the N.C. Session Law 2024-55, counties do not need to match funds for CAB projects.
Timeline for Locations and Proposals:
- Project scopes will be posted from November 26 to February 17, 2025, at ncbroadband.gov/active-cab-proposals.
- Internet service providers can submit proposals based on these scopes.
- A map of eligible locations is available on NC OneMap’s CAB Planning Tool.
- Providers may protest to identify locations they already serve from December 2 to December 13.
For more details about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, visit ncbroadband.gov. This initiative will greatly improve internet access in the region, making it easier for residents and businesses to connect online.