Broadband Access in Chatham County

Broadband access in Chatham County is essential for enabling residents to engage in education, work, and communication. Recognizing the importance of reliable high-speed internet, Chatham County is dedicated to enhancing broadband access throughout the region. However, due to state laws, counties in North Carolina cannot build their own broadband networks. Instead, Chatham County collaborates with internet service providers (ISPs), community partners, and other stakeholders to improve internet infrastructure and services. The County focuses on identifying areas with inadequate or no broadband access and works closely with ISPs to address these gaps. By providing grants to ISPs, the County supports the expansion of broadband services to unserved and underserved areas.

Efforts To Improve Broadband Infrastructure

Chatham County is actively engaged in several ongoing efforts to improve broadband infrastructure and ensure high-speed internet access for all residents. Recognizing the limitations imposed by state law, which prevents counties from building their own broadband networks, Chatham County focuses on strategic partnerships and funding initiatives. The County works closely with internet service providers (ISPs), community partners, and state offices to address broadband gaps. Below are some significant efforts Chatham County is engaged in:

GREAT GRANT: 

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office offers grants to internet service providers to help bring internet to areas in North Carolina that don't have it. The Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Program funds internet setup in unserved areas of counties. Participating counties had to match part of the funding.

These grants help bring high-speed internet to many residents, businesses, and farms in the state's most rural parts. Two Chatham County internet service providers have received grants through this program. To the right is a map showing where these grants have been awarded in the county (Green: Brightspeed and Yellow: AT&T).

Brightspeed GREAT Grant:

Chatham County Contribution:	$350,000.00
Locations to be Served:	1,914
Completion Date:	4/10/2025

 

AT&T GREAT Grant:

Chatham County Contribution:	$169,228.20
Locations to be Served:	558
Completion Date:	10/20/2025

---

CAB Grant

The North Carolina General Assembly authorized the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office to institute the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. This program authorizes the department and counties to give grant funds to ISPs to support broadband projects. The NC legislature has allocated $400 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for this program, which requires a contribution from counties.

As a participant in the CAB Program, Chatham County Government worked with the NC Department of Information Technology to award the grant to Brightspeed. The map of the award is to the right (green: awarded locations):

Chatham County Contribution:	$2,265,946.90
Locations to be Served:	2,555
Completion Date:	10/31/2026

Broadband Resources for Residents

InMyArea.com and BroadbandNow.com - Website resources that allow residents to input their zip code or address to get a comprehensive list of providers, contacts and even basic details of plan offerings.

NC OneMap - NC OneMap Broadband is an online mapping tool that shows detailed information about broadband availability in North Carolina. Besides showing where broadband infrastructure is located, the platform also provides information on grants and funding opportunities to help expand broadband access.

NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office - The North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office manages and supports the growth of broadband infrastructure across the state. Besides overseeing and planning broadband projects, the office also provides information on grants and funding opportunities to help improve broadband access for communities and organizations.

What is Digital Inclusion?

Digital inclusion is the idea that all residents should have the necessary information, infrastructure, accessibility, knowledge, and skills to navigate digital tools and technology satisfactorily. 

What Digital Inclusion efforts are ongoing?

Chatham County is committed to ensuring all residents have access to digital resources. Understanding the importance of internet access, the County is partnering with community organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to remove barriers. Current efforts focus on making technology affordable, providing digital literacy resources, and equipping residents with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively use digital platforms. Below are ongoing digital inclusion efforts in Chatham County.

Public Broadband Access Points

One of the most important steps in addressing the challenges of internet affordability and access is providing public access points. Chatham County offers a Free Public Wi-Fi Location Map, to help residents find the nearest access point. Businesses and other organizations may also provide free Wi-Fi according to their own policies.

Public Computer Access Points

The three public libraries in the county are the primary locations that house public computer access points. These libraries are in Siler City, Goldston, and Pittsboro. Chatham County Public Libraries (CCPL) provide fair and equitable access to library computer resources. Computer access and Wi-Fi are offered to all visitors and Chatham County Public Library cardholders at no cost.

Digital Devices

Chatham County residents have access to low-cost computers through the Kramden Institute, a non-profit that provides technology tools and training to bridge the digital divide. Since 2003, Kramden has awarded more than 48,000 computers to deserving families across North Carolina. All K-12 students have access to free computers from Kramden if their family does not have one that they own. Adults may also be eligible for Kramden's programs.

Discount Programs

The Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers supports broadband and phone service. It provides up to $9.25 monthly in service availability for qualifying individuals.

Digital Literacy Programs

Chatham County has programs that support digital literacy and STEM training, including computer training classes. Some businesses and universities provide more advanced training. Here are some examples:

1. The Chatham County Public Libraries and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) provide computer classes.
2. The Chatham County Public School System has various computing classes, and Chatham Early College offers a pathway focused on STEM Courses.
3. Right Here Right Now Project provides free, small group, basic level classes for new computer users, leading to Northstar Digital Literacy certification. At the end of these trainings RHRN provides a computer to participants.

Not everyone is ready, able, or desires to learn in a formal class. Some other programs and partnerships include:

1. N.C. Cooperative Extension has expanded its digital skills and literacy training programs for community members across the state.
2. Chatham Literacy includes computer literacy training.
3. Innovate Chatham provides STEM Club activities through partners.

Additional Resources?

For more information on Chatham County Digital Inclusion efforts, please visit the Chatham County Public Libraries Digital Inclusion Initiatives page.

What is a Digital Inclusion Plan?

A digital inclusion plan is a strategy to make sure everyone in a community has equal access to digital tools and technology. It focuses on several key areas:

• Tools and resources counties currently have: Identifying what resources, like grants and partnerships, are available to help improve digital access.

• Areas and populations lacking access: Finding regions and groups of people who do not have good or any broadband service.

• Resources or strategies needed: Figuring out what more is needed, such as additional funding or new strategies, to connect everyone.

• Internet-enabled device accessibility: Making sure affordable and suitable devices are available to those who need them.

• Digital literacy training: Offering more programs to teach people how to use digital tools and the internet effectively.

• Technical support availability: Providing help for people who need assistance with their digital connections and devices.

Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan Effort

On December 16, 2024, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved and adopted the Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan. This section will provide more information about how Chatham's plan was initiated and the process for developing it.

Internet and broadband are crucial for everyday life. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for better broadband in Chatham County. In response, local governments, organizations, schools, businesses, and non-profits teamed up to create a Digital Inclusion Plan for the Chatham community. This plan will provide a clear guide for improving availability, access, and adoption across the county.

Availability

Availability means the broadband infrastructure in place. It's crucial to have reliable and widespread broadband for everyone in Chatham County to be digitally included and have equal access.

This section will provide details on the current state of broadband in the county, including where it is available and where there are challenges. The coalition will look at the problems related to broadband availability and where they are most common. Additionally, this section will address the ongoing efforts to improve broadband access and outline the goals and strategies to address these issues and reduce digital inequity in Chatham County.

Access

Access means being able to use the available broadband. There are several barriers to this access, such as high costs and not having the right devices like computers or tablets.

This section will look at these challenges in detail. The coalition discussed the issues related to accessing broadband, what is being done to overcome these problems in Chatham County, and the goals and strategies that will be used to help those who face barriers to getting online.

Adoption

Broadband adoption means using internet services in daily life, or at least for important tasks. Many residents struggle with technical skills and knowledge needed to use computers and the internet, putting them at a disadvantage.

This section will explore the challenges people face in adopting broadband, ongoing efforts to improve digital skills through training programs, and the goals and strategies to help residents become more comfortable with using the internet. The County's aim is to close the digital divide and ensure more people can benefit from broadband.

The Plan's Process 

In July 2024, the Digital Inclusion Coalition released a draft of the Digital Inclusion Plan, and the public had the opportunity to review the plan through September through the Chatham Community Nexus platform designed to foster two-way communication between Chatham County government and community members.

Individuals were encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback to ensure it addresses the community's needs effectively. Much of the input received and incorporated into the plan relates to availability of cybersecurity, expansion of internet broadband, and needs of residents related to digital inclusion. 

Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation of the plan and opportunities to get involved!