- WNC Broadband

Work and Lifestyle of Young Adults Changed During the Pandemic

Between 2019 and 2021, the share of young adults ages 18 to 34 who worked from home increased by 12.0 percentage points

Buncombe County To Vote On Cell Phone Tower

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will soon vote on a contract with a communications tower company.

Why Broadband is a Game-Changer for Community Centers

Broadband Connectivity At The Spring Mountain Community Center Isn’t Just A Service, It Is A Community Lifeline

The History of the Internet: A Journey Through Digital Evolution

The internet, originating from Cold War-era defense projects like ARPANET, has evolved through the decades from a rudimentary network to the vast digital web we know today, driven by human ingenuity and a desire to connect the world.

14 counties, Including 4 In WNC Will Share $22 Million for Broadband Expansion

NC Rural Center receives grant from Dogwood Health Trust to expand broadband in WNC

“The timing of this grant could not come at a more important time in North Carolina,” said Patrick Woodie, President and CEO of the Rural Center. “Properly advising and engaging our rural communities and broadband service providers will help assure no one is behind in a globally connected economy.” Patrick Woodie “Broadband access has an impact in every one of Dogwood Health Trust’s strategic priority areas – housing, education, economic opportunity and health and wellness,” said Dogwood CEO Dr. Susan Mims. “The issue of access, especially in rural areas, is something that no single organization can address alone, so we […]

Upgrading to Fiber Broadband: A Leap from DSL into the Future of Internet Speeds

Leap into the future by upgrading from DSL to the reliability and scalability of fiber broadband

Internet Fiber Technician

An internet fiber technician installs, maintains, and repairs fiber-optic cables used for high-speed internet transmission.

FCC Broadband Map

The need for accurate data pinpointing where broadband service is available, and where it is not available, has never been greater. The new National Broadband Map provides information about the internet services available to individual locations across the country, along with new maps of mobile coverage, as reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the […]

Teaching Digital Citizenship

Support digital education and inclusion in your community by becoming a part of the WNC broadband stewards!

nc-broadband-survey

ACP for Aging Services

Buncombe Aging Services Alliance (BASA) received a virtual presentation on ACP or the FCC’s funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program on Wednesday, November 16th.

Computer Ownership – the Heart of Digital Equity

Computer device ownership is at the core of digital equity because it provides access to information, education, employment opportunities, civic engagement, and improved health outcomes.

Internet Connectivity Resources

Internet Connectivity in the Metro Asheville Area

Executive Summary

WNC Broadband Project 2023-24

Broadband and Digital Equity Draft 5-year Plan

Read the State of North Carolina’s BEAD Program Five-Year Plan Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program draft

Device Refurbishment Round Table

July 10th, 2023 – 1:00 – 3:00pm at the Land of Sky Regional Council Office

BRP Google Maps Offline Navigation

Planning a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Be prepared for little to poor mobile broadband! The Blue Ridge Parkway is a top tourist destination that has stellar views and overlooks. However, you should plan to have no to poor cellular service for your map navigation. Google Offline Maps Before you depart for the BRP, […]

LOSRC Staff Testifies Before Congress

On September 21st, 2023, Sara Nichols, Senior Planner with Land of Sky Regional Council, testified before the US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, Communication and Technology Subcommittee on rural broadband funding, representing the Council’s efforts to expand broadband in Western North Carolina.

Broadband News Posts

LOSRC Staff Testifies Before Congress
by Marc Czarnecki
September 20, 2023
On September 21st, 2023, Sara Nichols, Senior Planner with Land of Sky Regional Council, testified before the US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, Communication and Technology Subcommittee on rural broadband funding, representing the Council’s efforts to expand broadband in Western North Carolina.
Work and Lifestyle of Young Adults Changed During the Pandemic
by admin
September 16, 2023
Between 2019 and 2021, the share of young adults ages 18 to 34 who worked from home increased by 12.0 percentage points
Buncombe County To Vote On Cell Phone Tower
by admin
September 15, 2023
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will soon vote on a contract with a communications tower company.
Why Broadband is a Game-Changer for Community Centers
by Marc Czarnecki
September 10, 2023
Broadband Connectivity At The Spring Mountain Community Center Isn’t Just A Service, It Is A Community Lifeline
14 counties, Including 4 In WNC Will Share $22 Million for Broadband Expansion
by admin
September 6, 2023
14 counties, Including 4 In WNC Will Share $22 Million for Broadband Expansion
Please don’t take my ACP
by Marc Czarnecki
August 30, 2023
The future of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is in jeopardy. Join the Fight for ACP– New NDIA Toolkit Helps You Take Action!

Broadband 101

What is broadband and why is it important? Learn more about broadband and test your speed.

Broadband 101 >

Community Initiatives

What is broadband and why is it important? Learn more about broadband and test your speed.

UNCA Mass Communication Student Project Work – visit Broadband Bulldogs.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Community Initiatives >

Actions We Can Take

Learn more about broadband initiatives and the digital divide in WNC, what candidates and policymakers are saying, and how to get involved.

Advocacy >

Speed Test and Mapping

Take the speed test to learn more about the capabilities of your speed and to contribute your speed data to further improve broadband in your community.

Speed Test >

The WNC Broadband aims to support communities interested in ensuring access to reliable, truly high-speed internet service. It develops tools to empower individuals, communities, and area leaders in advocating effectively for their digital needs. As a community-supported initiative building on the work of West Next Generation Network (WestNGN), it is not owned or controlled by any affiliate of WestNGN. The WNC Broadband team is also not financed by any corporate entity, as such financing would be inconsistent with the Project’s independent community engagement focus. The views, opinions and products of the WNC Broadband team are the sole responsibility of the team members and its advisory board, acting in their personal capacity and not in any capacity related to WestNGN, UNC Asheville, or any other WestNGN affiliate.