Jean Davis, who took over as CEO of MCNC just over a year ago, is spearheading a new strategic plan to expand broadband Internet access across North Carolina.

In the first of a two-part in-depth Q&A, Davis discusses the “Create the Future” initiative, which also ties in with state of North Carolina efforts to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural, under-served areas.

MCNC already operates North Carolina’s first state-wide fiber network, the

The Q&A:

  • What were the triggers for the creation of a new plan? Why do this now?

I joined MCNC as President and CEO just over a year ago and knew it would be the perfect time to build upon the success we’ve had and think about what’s next for the organization, our clients, and our statewide community.

There is growing consensus regarding the move to online services and the increasing reliance on the Internet for commerce, education, health care, public safety, government services, workforce development and economic development. MCNC believes that reliable, fast, and affordable Internet is a basic requirement of being a productive citizen in the 21st century, and we want to convene people across the state to push for widespread connectivity.

  • Is this related in any way to N.C. Department of Commerce plan to expand Internet access? (Little has been said publicly about what Commerce has in mind.)

Absolutely, our plan is designed to dovetail and complement the work happening at the N.C. Department of Commerce. State government is a key stakeholder, customer and partner for MCNC.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology (DIT) has an important role in MCNC’s work for school connectivity, service to community colleges, and potentially for any services for public safety. We’ve had great discussions with the new state CIO Keith Werner and his fantastic team at DIT on the new statewide broadband plan coming out this spring from (DIT General Counsel and Policy Director) Jeff Sural’s office and have gathered in a number of subgroups to discuss everything from the “homework gap” to telehealth.

This state broadband plan will provide a great framework for all of us and will include efforts to develop a “toolkit for communities” so they know what possible funding sources are available, for example, and it also might include best practices so each community can learn from each other. We have a great relationship with DIT as leaders look to leverage both incumbent providers throughout the state and the NCREN backbone for all the things they want to accomplish in future.

  • Will MCNC seek to expand partnerships with private sector firms to expand use of dark fiber on NCREN and thus help them tackle the last-mile challenge?

MCNC has forged great partnerships with all the major telecom companies.

As you know, our network is an open access model where any partner can utilize the fiber. We’d love to see more firms partnering with us to use our dark fiber for providing residential services to their client. Supporting the entire ecosystem of high-function broadband Internet will be important over the next few years.

Residential access is critical for student success as we move towards all digital education. Ubiquitous access is also necessary to support research sensors for research and next generation health care and public safety networks. MCNC has the expertise, services, and capability in all those areas.

  • Can you tell me what the investment total MCNC has designated for implementation of the plan? Can you break it down by year?

The MCNC Board of Directors has committed to the goals we’ve outlined in our action plan as well as the budgets to pursue those goals are in development.

In the spring, we should have a better idea of cost implementation and more.

Coming in Part Two: Examining each of the key points in the new plan.

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