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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-04-10

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill makes several changes to North Carolina's broadband programs under the Department of Information Technology. It redirects satellite broadband grant funding to disaster relief in Hurricane Helene-affected counties, allows up to $50 million in broadband funds to be used for repairing damaged broadband infrastructure, expands the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to include underground facility placement, and creates flexibility for mobile carriers to provide Lifeline service.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill helps North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene by quickly redirecting existing broadband funds to repair critical infrastructure and provide temporary internet access in devastated areas.
• •The bill also streamlines broadband deployment by allowing funding flexibility between programs and expanding pole replacement assistance to include underground placement, which better protects infrastructure from future natural disasters.
• •Additionally, allowing mobile carriers to provide Lifeline service could expand affordable internet options for low-income residents.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may contend that repurposing $50 million in broadband funds away from the original Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology program delays broadband expansion to underserved rural areas.
• •Some stakeholders could argue that emergency procurement authority and the ability to reimburse costs already incurred may lack sufficient oversight or accountability measures.
• •Additionally, the shift from satellite broadband grants to disaster relief may reduce support for long-term broadband solutions in rural communities that were already struggling with connectivity before the hurricane.