North Carolina Office of the Governor
North Carolina Launches $24 Million Digital Equity Grant Program
Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) is launching North Carolina's first digital equity grant program, which will help North Carolinians afford high-speed internet, obtain digital devices, and access digital literacy resources. The multi-phased program, administered by the NC Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, will invest up to $24 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for collaborative digital equity projects. The program’s first phase will invest $10 million in total funding to support 10-15 state government entities to develop or expand digi
Gov Cooper Announces $206 Million in GREAT Grants to Expand Internet Access in North Carolina
Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) announced that nearly 85,000 households and more than 2,400 businesses in 69 North Carolina counties are set to receive access to high-speed internet thanks to more than $206 million of Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants. This is the state’s largest round of GREAT grant awards to date. With this announcement, over $260 million in GREAT grants have been awarded to providers since July 2022.
North Carolina Awards $30 Million in Grants to Expand Internet Access in 11 Counties
Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) announced that more than 13,000 households and 582 businesses across North Carolina are set to receive access to high-speed internet thanks to more than $30.8 million in grants. The NC Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) awarded the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants to expand broadband infrastructure in the state.
North Carolina Awards $23 Million to Expand Broadband Access in 12 Counties
Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) announced that nearly 7,000 households and 374 businesses in North Carolina are set to receive high-speed internet thanks to more than $23.4 million in grants. The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office has awarded Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants to expand broadband infrastructure in 12 counties. The grants are part of Gov Cooper’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in federal and state funds to close the digital divide in North Carolina.
Application Window Open for $350 Million to Expand Internet Access in Rural North Carolina
Qualified internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives providing internet service can now apply for up to $350 million in grants to expand broadband infrastructure in North Carolina and get more people connected to high-speed internet. Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan are being used to provide the largest-ever round of Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grants available in North Carolina.
Gov Cooper Urges Congress to Pass the Infrastructure Bill
More than 180,000 North Carolina households are getting critical assistance in affording high-speed internet service thanks to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. With 182,473 households enrolled in the Federal Communications Commission’s initiative, North Carolina’s level of enrollment ranks sixth among the 50 states. Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) urges Congress and the North Carolina delegation to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the monthly discount permanent for eligible households.
Governor Cooper Declares Rural Broadband Week in North Carolina
Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC) proclaimed August 16–20 as Rural Broadband Week to call attention to the urgent need to improve broadband access and adoption across the state.
Digital Divide Tops North Carolina Governor's Recommendations on How to Use American Rescue Plan Money
Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) shared his recommendations for how North Carolina can most effectively invest in its recovery through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The $5.7 billion in federal funds offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in North Carolina and ensure a shared recovery from the global pandemic. The Governor’s recommendations include assisting families most impacted by the pandemic, upgrading our infrastructure, helping more people get a degree or trade after high school, preparing the state’s workforce and promoting business development and innovation.