North Raleigh Today

Governor Roy Cooper persists in advocating for Congress to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program, aiming to lower high-speed internet expenses for qualified residents of North Carolina. This persistent advocacy seeks to maintain accessible and affordable internet connectivity across the state.

Initiating the series of related events, In a collaborative effort with Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah) and endorsed by 24 governors nationwide, Governor Roy Cooper dispatched a letter urging Congress to sustain funding for the crucial Affordable Connectivity Program, according to press release by Governor Cooper. He journeyed to Washington, D.C., participating in a broadband event hosted by The Pew Charitable Trusts that focused on the pivotal role of states in achieving universal and affordable broadband access. "High-speed internet is imperative for economic and educational success, and the Affordable Connectivity Program is aiding nearly a million North Carolinians in accessing the internet at a reduced cost. The substantial nationwide response underscores the critical nature of this need, emphasizing the necessity for Congressional action to extend its reach," asserted Governor Cooper.

Furthermore, shedding light on certain important aspects, Administered by the Federal Communications Commission, the Affordable Connectivity Program extends a $30 monthly discount to eligible low-income households for internet subscriptions and a $100 reduction for device costs, according to press release by Governor Cooper. Without bipartisan federal intervention, the program faces potential depletion of funds as early as April 2024, jeopardizing connectivity for over 21 million currently enrolled households nationwide, including more than 861,000 in North Carolina. Governor Cooper and the N.C. General Assembly, transcending party lines, have collaborated to allocate over $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA SLFRF) to expand high-speed internet. This initiative aims to equip North Carolinians with the necessary skills, devices, and support. Additionally, North Carolina is set to receive over $1.5 billion through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, ensuring widespread access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.

On a broader perspective regarding federal funding, North Carolina was set to secure more than $1.53 billion in federal funding to bolster high-speed internet infrastructure, constituting the state's portion of the $42.45 billion designated to enhance internet access nationwide, according to an article by The News and Observer. The funding, disclosed on Monday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, originates from a federal program established by Congress within its infrastructure legislation. In this distribution, North Carolina ranks fifth in funding allotments among all states, following California, Missouri, Michigan, and Texas - the latter receiving a substantial $3.31 billion. Nineteen states are set to receive allocations exceeding $1 billion. The funding amounts were primarily determined by assessing the number of unserved locations – defined as those lacking access to internet services with adequate download and upload speeds – in each state or jurisdiction.