Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program
Forecasted
The Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program funds county and provider partnerships to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved North Carolina areas, led by the NC Department of IT — GREAT Broadband.
Funder: North Carolina Department of IT — GREAT Broadband
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Mapping Protest Window) | January 2027 (Re-opened Protest Window)
Funding Amounts: Up to $8 million per county per year; total project cost per county typically capped at $2 million; provider and county match required.
Summary: Supports partnerships between NC counties and NCDIT to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas via a competitive bidding process involving prequalified providers.
Key Information: Only prequalified internet service providers may apply; matching investment required; American Rescue Plan funds.
Description
The Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) Program is a competitive funding initiative administered by the North Carolina Department of IT — GREAT Broadband. Its aim is to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas across North Carolina by fostering collaboration between individual counties and prequalified internet service providers (ISPs). Through a county-driven process, participating counties identify priority project areas and work with NCDIT to develop tailored scopes of work. Prequalified ISPs then submit bids to construct, install, and operate broadband networks in these areas. The program leverages American Rescue Plan funds and requires matching investments from providers and counties to maximize impact and ensure sustainable broadband expansion.
