Strengthening broadband access across Wake County is a goal for the Wake County Board of Commissioners. To advance that effort, Chair Shinica Thomas and members of the NCACC Connecting Counties Task Force are working with Charter Communications and the N.C. Department of Information Technology to address needs in unserved and underserved communities locally and statewide.

“This initiative is focused on breaking down the barriers to broadband expansion, so we can increase connectivity for all,” said Chair Thomas. “We live in a society in which you can’t compete for jobs, advance your education or simply pay the bills without reliable, high-speed internet access.”

During a recent meeting, task force members gained insight from experts with NCDIT on standards for broadband service, digital equity grant opportunities for counties and building digital literacy skills for North Carolinians. 

They also met with Charter Communications Vice President of State Government Affairs Brian Gregory and Director of State Government Affairs Joe Prater to discuss funding opportunities to provide more affordable broadband access for county residents and the importance of effective communication between county commissioners and providers to maximize speed and connectivity.  

The task force will use the information gleaned to help develop resources for counties, such as a broadband playbook and toolkit, to meet their communities’ distinct needs. The group’s next meeting is set for April 2023.  

For more information on the initiative and the work of the task force, visit the NCACC website.