Actions We Can Take

WNC Broadband Speak Out

Read about the broadband situation in Western North Carolina and actions that you, leaders, and schools can take to improve broadband. You can also view more resources from the Broadband Summit here.

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What Leaders and Candidates are Saying



Broadband Priority

Terri Wells




Building Infrastructure for the 21st Century

Governor Cooper

As our state and economy continue to grow, North Carolina’s families and businesses need roads, bridges, and technology infrastructure to keep thriving. Governor Cooper is working with state and local leaders to address our state’s infrastructure needs.

Governor Cooper and his Department of Transportation successfully passed the Build NC Bond Act with support from Democrats and Republicans. This law will help expedite critical highway projects, improving the everyday lives of people all over the state and encouraging businesses to grow and locate in North Carolina.

Governor Cooper also knows that access to broadband is a must for economic success in our rural communities and across the state. He proposed funding to improve internet access and service to households and businesses in underserved areas of North Carolina, including a grant program to help local governments partnering with private providers and utility cooperatives complete ‘last mile’ broadband projects.

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Republican Rep. Dean Arp comments on GREAT program

Dean Arp

Rep. Dean Arp (R-Union), a House Appropriations Committee co-chair who led the creation and implementation of the GREAT program, said H.B. 387 provides forward-looking investments to benefit North Carolina’s rural counties and increase economic connectivity statewide.

“Broadband is an essential utility for all North Carolinians in today’s global economy, and the GREAT program is successfully delivering on the General Assembly’s promise to encourage and assist providers in deploying internet connectivity at the highest possible speeds,” Rep. Arp said Tuesday.

North Carolina’s GREAT program uniquely incentivizes broadband companies to provide higher speeds to ensure that as much of the state as possible is well-positioned with broadband service for the future.

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Policy in WNC


Governor Cooper Launches Initiative to Increase Broadband Connectivity

Executive Order No. 91 Continues North Carolina's Work to Implement High-Speed Internet Across the State

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Steps You Can Take


Get Involved


Learn how to get started and take action for local and state policy positions to improve broadband in your area. See how you can get involved here.


Take Action!

  1. Join with the WNC Broadband Project, the State Broadband Office or Connect USA to volunteer to join the effort. Contact WNC Broadband Project members.
  2. Form or join a local committee to analyze broadband speeds and availability.
  3. Promote broadband friendly policies with decision-makers you are acquainted with or who represent you.
  4. Urge governmental and community leaders to communicate directly with providers about the state of current and future service levels. Ask these local leaders to identify underserved neighborhoods and areas, to bring them to the attention of both the community and their service providers.