North Carolina Seeks $28 Million in Broadband Stimulus

MCNC -- an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community -- has applied to receive $28.1 million in broadband recovery funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support fiber acquisition for the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) in North Carolina. MCNC's application, submitted on Aug. 17, was coordinated through the North Carolina Office of Economic Recovery & Investment and endorsed by the entire North Carolina delegation to the United States Congress. The application is part of a coordinated strategy to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas and enhance feasibility of Health Internet Technology (HIT) initiatives across the state, resulting in improved access to health services.