WRAL Tech Wire

e-NC expands broadband reach with $945,185 incentive grants to Embarq, Verizon

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North Carolina’s e-NC Authority, which is seeking to expand broadband access across the state, is doing so in six rural counties through nearly $1 million in funding.

Using what e-NC calls “incentive grants,” the state-funded group is providing money to encourage telephone service providers Embarq and Verizon to make more high-speed net access available in Caswell, Cherokee, Duplin, Graham, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties.

The state funds are matched “at least dollar for dollar” by the phone companies, which responded to e-NC requests for proposals.

Embarq will expand access in caswell, Duplin, Pamlico and Tyrrell counties. It will receive $693,000 from e-NC.

Verizon will receive $252,185 to add more service in Cherokee and Graham counties.