The HERO Project: Bringing High-Speed Internet to Underserved Communities in Rural North Carolina

In a groundbreaking ceremony held at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), MCNC launched the HERO (High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity) Project, a $19 million initiative aimed at bringing high-speed internet to underserved and overlooked communities in rural North Carolina.

Funded through the federal “Internet for All” initiative, the HERO Project received $11,186,162.82 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in June 2023. Additional funding of $2,672,234 from the Golden LEAF Foundation was awarded to support the southeastern portion of the project, with MCNC providing the rest ($5,101,201). This substantial investment will not only improve broadband access and affordability in central and southeastern North Carolina but also create important construction and engineering jobs throughout the project.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his support for the project, stating that access to reliable high-speed internet is essential for participation in today’s digital world. The HERO Project aims to make high-speed internet more affordable and available, thereby spurring jobs and economic opportunities in the state.

MCNC applied for “Internet for All” funding in September 2022 to extend its network by 209 fiber miles via strategic routes from Albemarle to Winston-Salem in central North Carolina and from Sanford via Fayetteville to Jacksonville in southeastern North Carolina. Once completed in 2025, the HERO Project will increase MCNC’s network by 209 miles, totaling 4,536 miles, and provide technology services in all 100 counties of North Carolina.

MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks emphasized the importance of investing in broadband for the future, stating that the HERO Project will impact the quality of life for many North Carolinians. With over 16,000 unserved and 12,000 underserved housing units in the 11 counties benefiting from the project, HERO has the potential to impact over 350,000 housing units and 696 community anchor institutions, bringing new opportunities to rural and economically-challenged areas.

As the HERO Project progresses, updates will be available on MCNC’s webpage, showcasing the people making the project possible. MCNC, a non-profit technology organization, owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), providing high-performance services for education, research, healthcare, and other community anchor institutions throughout North Carolina.

By bridging the digital divide and expanding access to high-speed internet, the HERO Project is poised to transform rural communities in North Carolina and pave the way for economic growth and success. The Importance of Health and Wellness in Today’s Society

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to neglect our health and wellness in favor of work, social commitments, and other responsibilities. However, taking care of our physical and mental well-being should be a top priority for everyone.

Maintaining good health and wellness is crucial for a number of reasons. Firstly, being healthy allows us to live our lives to the fullest. When we are in good physical shape, we have more energy to pursue our goals and enjoy the activities we love. Additionally, a healthy body is less susceptible to illness and disease, meaning fewer sick days and a higher quality of life overall.

Taking care of our mental health is equally important. The stresses of everyday life can take a toll on our mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By practicing self-care techniques such as meditation, exercise, and therapy, we can better manage our stress levels and improve our overall mental health.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of health and wellness in society. Many companies now offer wellness programs to their employees, recognizing that a healthy workforce is a more productive one. Schools are also implementing wellness initiatives to teach children the importance of taking care of their bodies and minds from a young age.

Overall, prioritizing our health and wellness is essential for leading a happy and fulfilling life. By making small changes to our daily routine, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness, we can improve our overall well-being and enjoy all that life has to offer. So let’s all make a commitment to prioritize our health and wellness, because we all deserve to live our best lives.