Bill > H838

This bill makes several significant changes related to broadband infrastructure and technology funding in North Carolina. The Department of Information Technology is authorized to use funds from the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology program to award grants for satellite internet service installation and usage, with priority given to entities in counties affected by Hurricane Helene and those providing essential services. The bill also establishes emergency funding for communications service providers to rebuild and repair broadband infrastructure damaged by the hurricane, with up to $50 million available from existing broadband appropriations. Additionally, the bill expands the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to include reimbursements for underground infrastructure installation and clarifies definitions of eligible areas, particularly those impacted by natural disasters. The legislation provides more flexibility for the Department of Information Technology to transfer funding between broadband programs and introduces a new provision allowing the Utilities Commission to designate mobile radio communications service providers as eligible telecommunications carriers for Lifeline service. These changes aim to improve broadband access, support disaster recovery efforts, and provide more technological infrastructure support in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H838