NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced $30 million for projects that will help connect nearly 16,000 homes and 700 businesses in rural areas of the state to broadband internet. In the Triad, Spectrum Southeast LLC in Rockingham County is one of 18 counties that will receive funds.
Governor Cooper explained the money will address the growing need for internet access in the state's less populated areas.
"This pandemic is shining a light on the need for better high-speed internet access in rural communities,” Governor Cooper said. “These projects will make sure the internet can connect people to the education, health care, and jobs they need.”
The grants are part of the 2020 Special Supplementary Round of the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant program. The GREAT program matches grants to internet service providers and electric membership cooperatives that compete for funding to expand high-speed internet service.