NC S627

Expands eligible grant recipients under the Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) program to include cities and counties, in addition to private providers and cooperatives.

Allows cities and counties to use GREAT grant funds to partner with private broadband service providers, including cooperatively organized entities, for eligible infrastructure projects.

Defines broadband service as internet access with transmission speeds of at least 10 megabits per second download and at least 1 megabit per second upload.

Eligible projects must be located in unserved areas of economically distressed counties and must serve homes, businesses, and community anchor points not currently served.

The Act is effective when it becomes law.