North Carolina Broadband Division Publishes Guidance for Broadband Pole Replacement Program

Final guidance for North Carolina's Broadband Pole Replacement Program as part of ongoing efforts to connect more North Carolinians to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. This program, established with $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, will reimburse high-speed internet service providers for eligible pole replacement costs in connection with qualified projects. Broadband providers deploy infrastructure in remote areas by attaching fiber and other communications assets to utility poles. When utility poles lack space for additional attachments, a pole replacement often is required to accommodate the new infrastructure attachments. Service providers were required to prequalify for the Broadband Pole Replacement Program. The program guidance was posted for public review and comment in August and September of 2023 and will be used by service providers when applying for reimbursement through the program. The program will launch February 1, 2024, and service providers will be able to submit reimbursement requests for eligible expenses dating back to June 1, 2021.