Governor Stein's Plan Brings High-Speed Internet to 26 Rural NC Counties

Across North Carolina's rural landscapes, where reliable internet has long been out of reach, Governor Josh Stein is igniting change. His announcement of $58 million in Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) projects will link 10,076 households and businesses in 26 counties to high-speed internet. This effort promises faster downloads and offers families, students, and entrepreneurs a chance to thrive in a world that runs on connectivity.

For years, rural communities have faced a stark disadvantage. Weak or nonexistent internet has blocked access to virtual healthcare, online learning, and digital markets. In places like Martin County, where 99.48% of eligible locations will soon be connected, Stein's plan delivers hope. With nearly $630 million in CAB and GREAT grants targeting 245,000 premises, the state is rewriting the rules of opportunity.

This work matters deeply. Internet access is a foundation for economic survival and personal dignity. Why should a child in Hoke County miss school because of a bad connection? Stein's vision ensures they won't have to.

High-speed internet transforms lives. Data shows rural U.S. counties with robust broadband enjoy 44% faster GDP growth and 213% higher business creation than those without. Telemedicine, reliant on strong connections, brings critical care to remote patients. During the pandemic, communities with reliable internet adapted to remote work and school, while others were isolated.

In North Carolina, the impact is tangible. A farmer in Northampton County can leverage digital tools to increase crop yields, contributing to the $18 billion the USDA estimates precision agriculture could add annually. A student in Person County can study online without interruptions. These advancements level the playing field, establishing broadband as a necessity.

Some argue private companies should lead this charge, claiming government involvement distorts markets. History proves otherwise. Left to their own devices, private providers prioritize profitable urban areas, leaving rural communities stranded. Public investment is essential to bridge this gap and reduce inequality.

Opponents, often advocating for market-driven solutions, criticize programs like CAB as government overreach. They reference plans like the "Mandate for Leadership," which pushes for reduced public funding and deregulation to spur private investment. They suggest vouchers or relaxed rules would drive competition. Yet decades of this approach have left rural areas disconnected. A family in Bladen County can't wait for market forces to deliver telehealth access.

These critics also claim public networks unfairly compete with private firms. North Carolina's model refutes this. CAB's public-private partnerships combine $41 million in public funds with $17 million from providers like Brightspeed and Spectrum. Strict requirements ensure ISPs deliver 100 Mbps speeds, balancing accountability with efficiency. This collaborative approach drives results and avoids bureaucracy.

North Carolina sets a standard for others. The CAB program's competitive bidding and county partnerships streamline deployment, connecting nearly 245,000 locations since 2023. The state's Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, backed by $971 million for devices and training, ensures access translates to empowerment. This comprehensive strategy tackles infrastructure, adoption, and affordability.

Contrast this with earlier policies that hindered progress. In the 2000s, some states banned municipal broadband, stalling rural growth. North Carolina built on its 2015 Broadband Infrastructure Office to create a system that delivers. States like Louisiana and Indiana are now adopting similar models. Why shouldn't every state follow this path to equity?

This effort transcends technology. When a small business in Randolph County reaches global markets or a patient in Surry County accesses care online, the benefits are clear. Connection fosters opportunity and strengthens communities.

Challenges remain. Affordability and digital literacy are critical to success. Without programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program, low-income households may struggle to afford service. Training ensures people can use these tools effectively. North Carolina's Digital Equity Grants are promising, but expanding them requires ongoing commitment.

The momentum is strong. The 2021 Infrastructure Act's $42.5 billion BEAD program, paired with state and private funds, signals a national shift toward treating broadband as vital infrastructure. North Carolina leads by example, proving that strategic investment can close gaps and build fairness.

The digital divide is a test of our values. Every unconnected household represents lost potential. Governor Stein's plan, though it has challenges, is a vital step toward a future where every North Carolinian is part of the digital world.