NC S208

Authorizes counties to provide high-speed internet access infrastructure as a public enterprise, including conduit, fiber-optic cable, and fiber-optic wire in unserved areas.

Permits counties to lease the infrastructure to unaffiliated, qualified private providers of high-speed internet access service on a technology-neutral basis compliant with Chapter 143, Article 8 of the General Statutes.

Restricts county funding for infrastructure to unrestricted general fund revenue and explicitly prohibits counties from providing internet service directly.

Defines "high-speed Internet access service" and "unserved area" by reference to existing statutes (G.S. 160A-340 and G.S. 160A-340.2).

Effective upon enactment.