MCNC Finishes $19 Million Rural Broadband Expansion

The High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity initiative centered on two major fiber routes: a 74-mile stretch connecting Albemarle to Winston-Salem and a 135-mile path linking Sanford, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville. MCNC secured the majority of the funding through an $11.1 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, supplemented by $2.6 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation and $5.1 million in internal investment.

This expansion brings the total reach of the North Carolina Research and Education Network to 4,745 miles. The project serves over 350,000 housing units and nearly 700 community anchor institutions. According to MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks, the infrastructure serves as a catalyst for economic development, allowing last-mile commercial providers to offer more affordable options in regions that previously lacked reliable service.

State CIO Nate Denny noted that the project addresses a critical barrier for rural education and healthcare access. By strengthening the middle-mile backbone, the organization aims to ensure that communities between major municipalities are no longer left behind in the state's broader digital growth strategy.