North Carolina Launches $86M Effort to Fill Broadband Gaps Left by Earlier Grants

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2026 – North Carolina is utilizing federal rescue plan funds to tackle broadband gaps that previous grant programs have yet to reach.

The state launched the Stop-Gap Solutions Program, a $86 million broadband initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, designed to fund small, targeted broadband line-extension projects that connect individual homes, businesses, community anchor institutions, and state facilities that were missed by larger grant programs.

Administered by the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office, the Stop-Gap program targets fast-turnaround projects that can be completed by the end of 2026.