Gov. Stein announces broadband expansion for 30 counties, including 3 from Triad

RALEIGH, N.C. — On Tuesday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that 30 counties across North Carolina, including several in the Triad, will be part of a new project to expand high-speed internet to more than 18,000 households and businesses.

The $63 million in broadband projects will be awarded by the North Carolina Deparment of Information Technology. The expansion is being funded by $19 million from “select broadband providers” and $44 million from the federal American Rescue Plan.

The following counties in the Triad are part of the expansion.

• Alamance: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) and Spectrum Southeast, LLC These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 469 homes and businesses (20.51% of the county’s 2,287 eligible locations).
• Rockingham: Spectrum Southeast, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 198 homes and businesses (13.24% of the county’s 1,495 eligible locations).
• Yadkin: Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation (Zirrus) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 210 homes and businesses (88.61% of the county’s 237 eligible locations). 

“North Carolinians need access to high-speed internet to connect them with friends and family, business opportunities, telehealth, and more,” Stein said in a statement. “Broadband is key 21st Century infrastructure, and these partnerships between counties across the state and internet providers will help connect more North Carolinians.”