Governor Josh Stein Announces Launch of Statewide High-Speed Internet Projects to Connect 93,000 Locations by 2030

Governor Josh Stein (D-NC) announced the launch of major broadband projects throughout North Carolina, following final federal approval from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment plan and budget. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration completed its approval of the state’s plan in December. With $319 million in BEAD funding now unlocked, North Carolina is moving forward to connect more than 93,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions, transforming lives and communities statewide. The BEAD program, administered by the NTIA nationally and by the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) at the state level, provides North Carolina an allocation of $1.53 billion—one of the largest in the country. This approval of $319 million kicks off the first wave of projects, reflecting North Carolina’s commitment to strategic, data-driven, and technology-neutral broadband expansion.