The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity is holding the statewide Closing the Digital Divide: From Mountains to Coast listening tour to collect feedback from residents, businesses and organizations.
The listening tour feedback will add to mapping data, which NCDIT already collects, to create a more complete picture of the digital divide. It will be used to create comprehensive state plans to connect all North Carolinians.
"This information is critical to fully connect state residents with the access, devices and training they need to safely participate in the modern economy," said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Jim Weaver.
The listening tour will make eight stops in each of the eight prosperity regions defined by the N.C. General Assembly:
- April 25: Fayetteville
- April 26: Rocky Mount
- April 27: Jacksonville
- May 2: Kernersville
- May 4: Morganton
- May 8: Cherokee
- May 11: Elizabeth City
- May 16: Wingate
The listening tour follows the planning requirements for the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program and Digital Equity Program. It will support plans to connect all North Carolinians, including the aging, rural residents, veterans, low-income households, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQI+ individuals, incarcerated persons, individuals with disabilities and people with language barriers.