North Carolina is actively addressing the digital divide, a persistent issue that separates communities based on their access to digital resources and internet connectivity. This divide hampers individual progress and affects generations, businesses, and the balance between rural and urban areas.
The state’s initiatives aim to ensure digital equality, where every citizen can access and utilize digital technologies effectively.
Statewide Initiatives for Digital Inclusion
Statewide initiatives for digital inclusion in North Carolina are comprehensive and target the multifaceted nature of the digital divide. The North Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Office, a key player within the Department of Information Technology, is at the forefront of these efforts. The state’s commitment to digital access as a fundamental right underscores its initiatives to enhance broadband access and affordability.
The state’s strategy for achieving digital equity and inclusion is detailed and multifaceted, addressing the core issues of infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy. Governor Roy Cooper’s administration has been proactive in this regard, channeling significant resources toward mitigating the digital divide.
The allocation of nearly $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds, supplemented by $30 million in state funds, underscores the state’s determination to bridge this gap by the end of 2026.
These funds are earmarked for critical areas. A substantial portion, $971 million, is dedicated to building crucial infrastructure in unserved areas. This initiative aims to provide households with internet speeds of 100/20 Mbps, scalable to future speeds of 100/100 Mbps, thereby laying the groundwork for universal access to high-speed internet.
The Role of the Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative
The North Carolina Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative (NCDEIC) is a cornerstone in the state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. This group, convened by the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, brings together various stakeholders, including state and local government agencies, nonprofits, coalitions, and individuals. A common goal unites these members: to ensure that all North Carolinians have the access, skills, and opportunities necessary to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
The collaborative’s mission is to foster cooperation among digital equity and inclusion leaders, thereby creating a more connected and inclusive North Carolina. By sharing best practices and supporting each other’s digital inclusion efforts, the NCDEIC amplifies the impact of individual initiatives.
This synergy is crucial for addressing the complex challenges of digital access and literacy, which vary significantly across different communities and demographic groups, including those interested in North Carolina sportsbooks. Including sportsbooks highlights the broad spectrum of digital engagement and the need for comprehensive digital literacy encompassing various aspects of online activities and interests.
One of the NCDEIC’s key functions is to serve as a bridge between grassroots efforts and policymakers. By providing feedback to local, state, and federal policymakers, the collaborative ensures that the voices and needs of underserved communities are heard. The feedback loop is essential for designing effective strategies that promote digital equity across the state.
Funding and Support for Broadband Expansion
Financial investment is a critical component in the effort to bridge the digital divide in North Carolina. Recognizing the importance of this, the state has committed substantial resources to expand broadband infrastructure, focusing particularly on underserved and rural areas. This commitment involves not only state funds but also the strategic use of federal funds and the cultivation of public-private partnerships to extend high-speed internet access across the state.
The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has been instrumental in these efforts. Through a series of initiatives and listening tours across the state, the division has gathered input from nearly 400 participants, highlighting the community’s needs, ranging from infrastructure development to digital literacy and the cost of internet services. These insights are shaping the state’s approach to ensuring that broadband expansion efforts are inclusive and meet the diverse needs of all local communities.
The state is executing Governor Roy Cooper’s comprehensive plan to provide all North Carolinians with access to affordable, high-speed internet and the necessary devices and skills to participate in the digital economy. The plan is supported by planning funds of $1.4 million for the Digital Equity program and $5 million for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These programs are designed to address the various facets of the digital divide, from infrastructure and affordability to digital literacy and workforce development.
Public Engagement and Feedback
Understanding local needs is critical to the success of any initiative aimed at closing the digital divide. North Carolina has undertaken efforts to gather public feedback through statewide tours and consultations.
The feedback informs the development of five-year plans for digital equity, ensuring that the strategies implemented are aligned with the specific needs of communities across the state.
Final words
Through these initiatives, North Carolina is addressing immediate needs and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity. By ensuring that all residents have access to digital resources and the skills to use them effectively, the state is building a foundation for innovation, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all its citizens.
