Day 1: HERO Project brings generational opportunity to North Carolina
MCNC officially broke ground and kicked off the HERO (High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity) Project on Sept. 5, 2024, at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford. Watch Video Replay and Read Announcement. This $19 million project now underway aims to bring high-speed internet to underserved and overlooked communities in many rural communities in North Carolina.
By the Numbers
MCNC applied for Internet for All funding in September 2022. In June 2023, MCNC received $11,186,162.82 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the HERO Project to support improvements to broadband access and affordability in central and southeastern North Carolina by extending our network via two strategic routes. Those routes include Albemarle to Winston-Salem (74 miles) in central North Carolina, and between Sanford via Fayetteville to Jacksonville (135 miles) in southeastern North Carolina.
The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded $2,672,234 to be used as matching funds towards the southeastern portion of the project. MCNC will be providing the rest for the project ($5,101,201). Along with MCNC’s own investments and continued support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, the HERO project will be about a $19 million total infusion towards high-speed internet and technology services for the state. This expansion also will enhance the affordability strategies of last-mile commercial providers in these communities as well as help support important construction and engineering jobs throughout the project.
The total operation of MCNC’s network today is 4,536 miles and will increase another 209 miles with the completion of HERO in 2025. MCNC continues to provide technology services in all 100 counties.
High-Speed Rural Renaissance
Broadband has emerged as a critical force multiplier in the modern world. Its ability to facilitate rapid communication, access to information, and connectivity has transformed how we live, work and interact. The HERO Project has the potential to transform several rural regions in North Carolina, paving the way for an inclusive and prosperous future. Key areas of impact include but are not limited to economic development, research and innovation, education, telehealth, emergency first response, national security, and promoting e-government and e-citizenship.
HERO will support new internet infrastructure and provide the necessary technologies to ensure everyone in these areas can have the access and skills they need to fully participate in today’s society. The 11 total counties to benefit from the HERO project currently have more than 16,000 unserved and 12,000 underserved housing units, including many substantially unserved local communities. In total, HERO could potentially impact more than 350,000 housing units and 696 community anchor institutions, bringing new opportunities to these rural and economically-challenged areas.
This is our Moment
The continued support from the NTIA and the Golden LEAF Foundation along with state government and our own stakeholders makes the HERO project a special one for MCNC and a game changer for economic growth and success in our local communities. Our network touches virtually every county in the state, affordably and effectively removing connectivity barriers previously experienced in North Carolina. And, through the HERO Project, we’re only getting bigger and reaching more people.
Many federal and state leaders and stakeholders have supported this project since inception.
Here’s what some have said about it…
United States Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC)
“It is great to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I supported is providing funding for MCNC’s HERO Project, which is essential to keep the state’s technology economy flourishing. By providing businesses, health care, educational institutions, and government agencies with access to advanced technologies and cybersecurity solutions, MCNC is helping to create jobs, grow the economy, and improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians. This important project shows what we can do together to build a stronger and better North Carolina.”
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper
“Through this project, more North Carolinians will be able to access the reliable high-speed internet they need to participate in today’s digital world. This innovative partnership will help North Carolina’s push to make high-speed internet more affordable and available, which will spur jobs and economic opportunity.”
Tom Perez
Senior Advisor, Assistant to the President of the United States
Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
“This is a great moment for Sanford and the State of North Carolina. I grew up in Buffalo, and the biggest lament of my parents’ generation was that their kids had to leave town to chase opportunity. With investments like this, having broadband everywhere, we’re making the world smaller. We’re making easier for businesses to stay put. We’re putting people to work in the process — in good middle-class jobs — and I think the future is really bright here in Sanford and really, frankly across the state of North Carolina … This is a really exciting moment. This was a competitive grant and because of the talent that’s here, they were able to get a very significant grant. People are going to see change. They’re going to see even more improvement.”
Keith Werner
Vice President for IT Strategy and Cybersecurity at UNC System Office
2024 Chairman of the MCNC Board of Directors
“MCNC continues to be the organization whose bold technology solutions can bring equity, inclusion and security to the digital landscape through the development of robust broadband. Broadband technologies are an essential economic asset for communities all throughout North Carolina, and MCNC has been consistent and persistent for many years in leveling the digital playing field.”
Rebecca Wyhof Salmon
Mayor of Sanford
“I’m just so excited that these continued infrastructure investments are being made in North Carolina, but especially right here in Sanford and Lee County, that are able to ensure prosperity for all of our residents now and far into the future.”
Lisa Chapman
President of Central Carolina Community College (CCCC)
“It’s amazing getting to host it (the groundbreaking). We feel like we are in the center of the state and in the center of all of the great things happening. They talked about it — this is our moment — there’s a lot of emphasis on the opportunity for economic mobility — and that’s what we do. That’s what community colleges are here for. I think being in a community where we have the right kind of support, we have leaders who believe in the value of taking people from where they are as far as they can go, and that broadband is essential today to do that.”
Tracy Doaks
MCNC President and CEO
“Two years ago, we submitted a proposal for HERO, and today we mark a significant milestone for this project, which is also a testament to our shared vision and unwavering commitment to broadband connectivity and opportunity for all in North Carolina. Investing in broadband is investing in our future, and this moment today will impact the quality of life of so many tomorrow.”
Progress Reports
MCNC’s commitment to digital equity and bridging the technology divide ensures all residents of North Carolina are included in the broadband revolution. As the HERO Project continues to progress, this webpage will be updated with photos, videos, and more from the people making the project possible. Stay tuned as this project really ramps in 2025!
