Application Window Open for $350 Million to Expand Internet Access in Rural North Carolina

Qualified internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives providing internet service can now apply for up to $350 million in grants to expand broadband infrastructure in North Carolina and get more people connected to high-speed internet. Funds from the federal American Rescue Plan are being used to provide the largest-ever round of Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grants available in North Carolina. The grants are part of Gov Roy Cooper (D-NC)’s plan to give 95 percent of North Carolina households access to broadband of 100/20 Mbps by expanding access and addressing issues of affordability and digital literacy. Administered by the NC Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the GREAT Grant program provides matching grants to broadband providers and electric membership cooperatives that compete for funding to expand access to high-speed internet service to unserved areas of all counties across the state. Applications for the spring 2022 award period will be accepted through April 4. An information session for applicants will be held February 10. Additional details can be found here.