Press release from Buncombe County:
Just five minutes could help increase internet access in Buncombe County. North Carolina is offering counties $1 billion to increase broadband infrastructure, and funding will be distributed based on an online survey. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need for effective countywide internet access as virtual learning and work from home culture has become normalized. “Previous surveys of Buncombe County residents determined there were significant underserved and unserved areas and showed that 9.2% of the surveyed population had no internet access,” notes Buncombe County Management Analyst Amanda Stratton.
With North Carolina looking to divvy up $1 billion between the state’s 100 counties, Buncombe County is asking the public to help by completing this brief survey so we can ensure the State is aware of all unserved residences. Funding will be competitive, and discovering where broadband is lacking is vital to securing money from this one-time opportunity. “There has never been the level of funding for broadband as is available right now. If you want to have access to internet now or in the future, this is the best time to make it known that your area is currently unserved,” exclaims Stratton. “We know that the map the state is currently using to indicate who is unserved is inaccurate. We need your help making sure all areas without broadband are known.”
So if you have five minutes and want to improve internet access for yourself and our community at-large, please take the brief survey. The County’s Community Engagement team will also be out in the community with iPads helping those without internet access complete surveys. If you would like more information about Buncombe County’s effort to increase broadband infrastructure, click here.
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