The Challenge

Internet access is essential—but many people in Western North Carolina still don’t have it.

The Blue Ridge Mountains, while iconic, present serious challenges for broadband deployment. The rugged, rural terrain makes construction costly and complex, and dense tree cover disrupts both satellite and cellular signals. To make matters worse, much of the existing infrastructure was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Although the state has made progress, significant gaps remain. In some areas, internet service doesn’t meet even the basic definition of “broadband.” In others, it’s entirely unavailable. And everywhere, residents face barriers to affording service, accessing devices, and fully using digital tools.

The consequences are real: students fall behind, job seekers miss opportunities, and patients go untreated. Western North Carolina needs stronger, more affordable connectivity. And we need it now.

The Opportunity:

A potentially unprecedented wave of federal funding is flowing into North Carolina. And for the first time in a generation, there is strong bipartisan support at every level of government to deliver high-speed, affordable internet to every home, business, and farm in our region. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Blue Ridge Broadband Alliance was formed to ensure that Western North Carolina doesn’t get left behind. Now is our chance to build the digital infrastructure our communities need to thrive in today’s connected world. 

Together, we can make it happen.

The Blue Ridge Broadband Alliance is bringing together community leaders, local governments, nonprofits, and everyday residents to ensure no one is left behind.