BOC Special Meeting on Broadband

Burke County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting on Broadband: A Recap for Residents

On February 8, 2024, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting dedicated to discussing and advancing broadband expansion efforts within our county. The meeting, attended by Commissioners and representatives from key internet service providers (ISPs) – BrightSpeed, Foothills Broadband, and Spectrum – underscored the Board’s unwavering commitment to bringing reliable, high-speed internet access to all Burke County residents. This recap provides a clear overview of the discussions, decisions, and next steps resulting from this important meeting.

A central theme throughout the meeting was the Board's recognition of broadband as a critical element for Burke County’s future. Commissioners emphasized its importance for supporting economic development, enhancing educational opportunities, improving healthcare access, and ensuring our county remains competitive. The meeting highlighted that Burke County is being recognized by the state as a leader in broadband expansion, with only approximately 3% of households (1,294 rooftops) currently unserved or underserved. Discussions focused on two key grant programs: the state-funded Great Grant Program, which has already spurred significant investment from BrightSpeed and Spectrum, and the newly available Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. Burke County is among the first five counties in North Carolina selected to participate in the CAB program, allowing for local input and targeted expansion efforts. The Board also anticipates significant opportunities through the upcoming Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a major source of federal funding.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The Board unanimously approved the agenda and, crucially, voted to accept a County Manager’s report outlining priority areas for broadband expansion. This map will serve as a guiding document when working with the state on the CAB program, demonstrating the county’s proactive approach to addressing remaining underserved areas. Presentations from BrightSpeed, Foothills Broadband, and Spectrum provided valuable insights into their individual expansion plans. BrightSpeed is focusing on the eastern part of the county and highlighted its commitment to a future-proof fiber optic network, as well as matching subsidies for low-income households through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Foothills Broadband emphasized their dedication to rural areas like Flat Gap Mountain and Jones Ridge, pledging local hiring and partnerships with our county’s towns. Spectrum provided updates on their existing infrastructure and plans to leverage the CAB program for further expansion, with all providers discussing efforts to provide affordable broadband options.

The meeting wasn't just about plans; it was about action. The County Manager will now move forward with the state's CAB program, developing a detailed plan identifying priority areas for expansion. Commissioners stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between the Board, ISPs, and state agencies to maximize broadband access throughout Burke County. Furthermore, the Board will continue to monitor the BEAD program and prepare for future funding opportunities. Commissioner Carsville noted the state’s recognition of Burke County's leadership, and the County Manager reiterated the Board's ultimate goal: achieving 100% broadband coverage for all residents.

This special meeting demonstrated a unified commitment from the Burke County Board of Commissioners and our local ISPs to bridge the digital divide. By actively pursuing state and federal funding opportunities, Burke County is taking concrete steps to ensure that all residents have access to the essential resource of high-speed internet, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future. Residents can expect to see further progress as the CAB program application is submitted and the BEAD program unfolds.