Source: CAROLINA COUNTRY, MAY 2021


While the pandemic has shone a bright light on the need for broadband access in rural areas, the issue has been a known priority for electric cooperatives for many years. As community-focused organizations based in rural areas, cooperatives are committed to supporting efforts —including rural broadband connectivity— that provide students, businesses and families opportunities to compete and thrive.

“Statewide broadband access is critical to the success of rural communities and our state as a whole,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, senior vice president and COO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

“We support broadband availability and affordability for all, and we are exploring solutions and working with partners to close the gaps in rural broadband access quickly, efficiently and at as low a cost as possible.”

For more of this story, click here.