Vance County is set to get about $3.4 million of a $41 million funding pie as state and local leaders work with utility companies further shrink the gap to internet access.
N.C. District 32 Rep. Bryan Cohn said this latest project will bring broadband internet access to an additional 1,327 homes and businesses in the general area of Kerr Lake north of I-85 and south of 85 toward Kittrell.
If homeowners were to foot the bill, it could cost as much as $2,500, Cohn said on Tuesday. Having this kind of grant funding makes it more affordable for everyone, including the utility companies responsible for providing the service.
Brightspeed is the service provider for this particular project, which has a completion date of Dec. 31, 2026. That gives construction crews about a year and a half to get the work done.
It’s one of several projects and programs designed to bring broadband internet service to rural areas.
“We’re trying to close the gap at every opportunity with every available program and resource that we have,” Cohn said.
As the project nears completion, Brightspeed will inform customers within the new service zone through mailers, flyers and even door-to-door canvassing to let them know about what they’ll offer and what the price will be.
Whether it’s enhanced coverage or new service, Cohn said having access to broadband internet service is becoming increasingly essential for households and businesses.
“We need to provide that opportunity to get that infrastructure to every home,” he said. “
You almost can’t do business today without access to the internet – and good, reliable internet…it’s a necessity, not a luxury.”
And while 99.75% of homes within Vance County have broadband availability, the percentage of those who have accessed it is lower – more like 82 percent, he said.
These programs will help lower costs for qualifying residents who may be on fixed incomes, Cohn said.
It’s not just a matter of closing that gap in getting utilities to homes, but it’s about
“helping people get connected to it and not have to break the bank doing it.”
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