Source: Vicki Hyatt, THE MOUNTAINEER, 5/1/21


A broadband bill that would allow counties to help expand internet services in rural areas is drawing opposition from electric cooperatives across the state. N.C. Sen. Kevin Corbin, who is a primary sponsor of the bill, called the bill the third leg of a stool in the quest to ensure those in remote and underserved areas have internet services. The first part of the bill requires electric cooperatives and municipalities to allow broadband providers the use of their poles, while the second section gives counties a way to help financially to bring broadband to areas that need it.

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