Displaying items by tag: rural
Broadband funding will capture lawmakers’ attention this session
Pandemic, shutdowns have staggered tourism, imperiling rural N.C.
DILLSBORO — As he stood on his porch, watching the flames consume his studio, Brant Barnes wasn’t thinking about the fire.
SECU Foundation provides new pilot to benefit public charities in rural North Carolina
RALEIGH — To expand its reach in rural North Carolina counties, SECU Foundation has announced a new capacity building pilot program to support public charities in the Northwest, Northeast, and Sandhills regions of the state.
Legislative leaders, governor announce deal on rural broadband funding
RALEIGH — Leaders in the General Assembly and governor say they have reached a deal to ensure $30 million for the GREAT rural broadband program.
OP-ED: Rural broadband a great grant issue
On Sept. 3, a bipartisan supermajority in the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $30 million for rural broadband to help rural areas impacted by the pandemic.
Richmond County could gain a new internet service provider in the near future
HAWTHORNE, Calif. - Space launch provider SpaceX has begun to roll out its “Better Than Nothing” beta test of its Starlink internet service.
Rural health care buckles under pressure of COVID shutdowns
RALEIGH — The COVID-19 shutdowns have ravaged rural health care.
Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration froze elective surgeries to prepare for an onslaught of coronavirus patients and at the same time destroyed a major revenue source for hospitals.
Hometown Strong effort to help rural NC with COVID-19, economic recovery
RALEIGH — Hometown Strong, an effort created to forge partnerships between rural communities and state government, will expand its focus to help all 80 rural North Carolina counties respond to COVID-19 and strengthen local economies.
Butterfield’s bill would speed rural broadband deployment and protect taxpayers
RALEIGH — Movement to eliminate a rule for landline telephone carriers that remains in force for broadband providers could speed expansion of high-speed internet to areas lacking it. Legislation from U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, D-1st District, Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Development Act, would make it easier to bring broadband service to rural and unserved areas.
Rising N.C. farm bankruptcies could signal broader rural crisis
RALEIGH — Family farm bankruptcies are on the rise in North Carolina, a signal the rest of the state’s farm economy could be in trouble.