Federal Approval Clears $319M for North Carolina Broadband Projects
State unlocks $319 million to connect more than 93,000 locations.
April 24, 2026 – North Carolina has received federal approval of its Broadband Equity Access, and Deployment plan, unlocking $319 million in funding, Gov. Josh Stein announced Thursday.
The projects will connect more than 93,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions by 2030, the first phase of the state’s $1.53 billion BEAD allocation.
Nationwide, 46 states have so far received federal approval from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for their BEAD plans and budgets. Mississippi, Oklahoma, California, and Illinois are still awaiting federal approval to begin subcontracting providers.
“Reliable high-speed internet opens doors of opportunity, helps businesses grow, connects people with health care, and strengthens our economy,” Stein said, adding, “These new projects will move us ever closer to connecting every household and community in the state with broadband.”
Expanding access is critical to the state’s economic competitiveness and quality of life, said Nate Denny, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.
Patrick Woodie, president and CEO of the NC Rural Center, called the BEAD program a “once in a generation” investment to close the digital divide and expand opportunity in rural North Carolina, adding that broadband will help those communities thrive in a digital economy.
Kevin Leonard, executive director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, said the BEAD approval is a “powerful reflection” of the counties’ long-standing commitment to broadband.
State officials said additional funding rounds are expected as the BEAD program moves forward.
North Carolina has already launched nearly $700 million in broadband projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, expected to connect more than 257,000 locations this year.
