Broadband on the Ballot in North Carolina

Although a great deal of attention is on the 2024 elections at the national level, state elections could play a major role in how high-speed networks are rolled out, particularly in regards to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The need for reliable communications is very apparent in the state this week. Since Friday, September 27, Western North Carolina has been experiencing catastrophic flooding as a result of Hurricane Helene. Although towns like Asheville and Boone attract swaths of tourists, the area is generally very rural, and the rocky, mountainous terrain makes communications infrastructure difficult to install and maintain in the best of conditions. In the wake of the storm, the region has almost completely lost cell phone and internet service, making it nearly impossible for residents to communicate with friends and family—and for friends and family to get in touch with loved ones impacted by flooding. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are working to restore service, but the historic flooding and damage are making repair efforts difficult, and none have been able to provide timelines for full restoration. In the coming weeks and months as Western North Carolina recovers and rebuilds, support and investments in strong broadband and communications infrastructure will be critical.