Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Materials

Burke County Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Recap: Expanding Broadband Access

On February 8, 2024, the Burke County Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting dedicated to discussing and advancing broadband expansion efforts across the county. The meeting highlighted Burke County’s leadership in rural broadband deployment and outlined significant progress toward a key goal: ensuring 90% of households have access to broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents.

A major focus of the meeting was reviewing updates from key internet providers currently working within Burke County. BrightSpeed presented on their ongoing build, transitioning from CenturyLink and aiming for a million fiber passings statewide. Foothills Broadband detailed their expansion efforts in areas like Valdez, Drexel, Conley Springs, and Rutherford College, emphasizing their commitment to county-wide coverage and local partnerships. Spectrum provided an update on their existing infrastructure and participation in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program. These presentations underscored a collaborative effort between providers to improve connectivity throughout the county.

The Board also discussed several funding programs crucial to broadband expansion. The GREAT Grant Program has already supported projects from BrightSpeed and Spectrum, while the current focus is on the CAB (Completing Access to Broadband) program. Burke County has allocated $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for this program, which will be matched by the state at a 3:1 ratio, resulting in a $4 million investment. This funding aims to address the remaining 1,294 unserved or underserved locations in Burke County. Looking ahead, the Board acknowledged the potential impact of the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program – a future federal initiative that could bring even more funding for expansion.

The Board took a significant step forward by unanimously approving the county manager’s report and accompanying map identifying priority areas for broadband expansion under the CAB program. This approval signifies a commitment to strategically targeting resources and maximizing impact within the county. Following this decision, the county manager will work with state officials to submit the prioritized list for consideration under the CAB program. The Board emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with internet providers, recognizing that a partnership approach is vital to ensuring residents have access to affordable and reliable broadband.

For Burke County residents, this meeting highlighted several important considerations. Spectrum offers the "Spectrum Internet Assist" program for low-income households, and residents should also be aware of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), although its future funding remains uncertain. The ongoing investments by providers are designed to ensure the infrastructure is "future-proofed" and capable of supporting even faster speeds as demand increases. Residents can find more detailed information, including meeting minutes and the approved map, on the Burke County Board of Commissioners website.

This special meeting demonstrated a strong commitment from the Board and local providers to expanding broadband access, laying the groundwork for improved connectivity and opportunities for Burke County residents in the years to come.