NC broadband expansion clears federal hurdle, could benefit rural Burke County residents

Homes and businesses in Burke County and other rural parts of North Carolina moved a step closer to expanded high-speed internet access after federal officials approved the state’s next phase of broadband funding.

Gov. Josh Stein announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved North Carolina’s final proposal under the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. The approval allows the state to begin awarding more than $300 million for broadband expansion projects aimed at reaching more than 93,000 unserved or underserved locations statewide.

While specific project areas have not yet been announced, state broadband officials have consistently identified rural counties such as Burke as priorities due to gaps in reliable, high-speed internet access. Local leaders have said improved broadband is critical for economic development, remote work, education and access to health care services.

“Reliable high-speed internet opens doors of opportunity,” Stein said in a statement. “Broadband empowers students to learn, helps businesses grow, supports our health care system and strengthens our economy.”

The funding represents the first major tranche of North Carolina’s $1.53 billion BEAD allocation. Projects funded under this phase are expected to launch in mid-2026.

N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione said the state is taking a data-driven and technology-neutral approach, with an emphasis on reaching primarily rural areas.

“This federal approval is a critical step in launching more high-speed internet projects across primarily rural areas to change people’s lives,” Piccione said.

Separately, broadband expansion is already underway across North Carolina through $670 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. State officials estimate those projects will bring high-speed internet access to more than 250,000 homes and businesses by the end of 2026, including locations in western North Carolina.

After the initial awards, more than $1 billion will remain from the state’s BEAD allocation. Stein has asked federal officials for flexibility in how those remaining funds may be used, citing potential investments in cybersecurity, workforce development, artificial intelligence training, infrastructure resiliency and efforts to reduce household barriers to internet access. State officials say those initiatives could improve telehealth access and digital skills training while strengthening network security.

More information about the BEAD program and North Carolina’s broadband initiatives is available through the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity.

— AVN