North Carolina broadband initiative kicks off new, $104 million phase

The Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative has launched a $104 million, second phase of its project to increase access to broadband service in North Carolina’s rural communities. The initiative seeks to improve access to broadband capabilities in rural communities and promote economic growth.

The overall project is targeted for completion by July 31, 2013. It will create one of the largest broadband networks in the country, says Joe Freddoso, president and chief executive of MCNC. The project’s second phase received a $75.75 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. It also received $28.25 million in private donations, including $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The Rocky Mount-based foundation administers funds from North Carolina’s share of a 1990s national settlement with cigarette manufacturers. It uses the money to aid economic advancement across the state. In total, the initiative will invest $144 million in broadband services for rural communities. It will add 1,620 miles of fiber-optic cable in 79 of the state’s 100 counties.