Governor Josh Stein unveiled a $48 million broadband expansion, promising ultra-fast internet to over 14,000 homes and businesses in 22 North Carolina counties. Backed by federal and private funds, this ambitious upgrade will empower businesses with superior remote work capabilities, faster data handling, and modern digital communication systems, propelling them toward unprecedented connectivity and productivity.
North Carolina Expands High-Speed Internet Access Across 22 Counties

In a significant development for businesses in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has announced a $48 million investment under the Completing Access to Broadband program. This ambitious initiative is set to connect over 14,000 households and businesses spread across 22 counties to high-speed internet services.
This strategic move, which combines over $14 million from broadband providers and $33 million from the federal American Rescue Plan, underscores the state’s commitment to digital inclusivity. According to the Governor’s office, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) is managing these funds to ensure successful execution and substantial community impact.
“Connecting all North Carolinians, especially in our rural areas, opens doors of opportunity,” remarked Governor Stein. Reliable, ultra-fast internet access of 100 Mbps download and upload speeds will revolutionize the operational capabilities of local businesses, enhancing their ability to compete in a digitally-driven marketplace.
For businesses heavily reliant on data-intensive tasks such as handling high-definition multimedia or large datasets, this upgrade is pivotal. High-speed internet significantly reduces task completion time, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
The impact extends beyond mere data handling. Stable, high-speed connections facilitate seamless remote work, clear video conferencing, and uninterrupted distance learning, ensuring that businesses in North Carolina can maintain high productivity and service levels even during peak usage hours.
Scott Palcher of Atlantic Business Systems highlights the strategic advantage this brings, noting, “Businesses can now confidently move away from outdated phone systems, adopting modern communication solutions that support remote working and high-definition call quality. Companies previously restricted by legacy technologies, vulnerable to outages and productivity losses, will find themselves empowered by these robust digital capabilities.”
As the rollout of this high-speed infrastructure progresses, North Carolina businesses can look forward to enhanced operational efficiencies and a strong competitive edge in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This is a Business News and information article from First Business Journal
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