NC H838

Repeals existing satellite broadband grant statutes and redirects Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) program funds to provide grants for satellite internet installation and up to one year of service, prioritizing entities in the 39 counties designated as Hurricane Helene disaster areas

Authorizes up to $50 million from the Broadband Make Ready Accelerator fund for emergency funding to communications service providers to rebuild, repair, replace, and harden broadband infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene, limited to costs not reimbursed by insurance or other sources

Expands the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to cover costs of placing facilities underground to protect critical infrastructure from natural disasters, with 50% reimbursement for underground installation costs

Grants the Department of Information Technology flexibility to transfer funding between broadband programs after the original appropriation intent has been satisfied to the extent practicable

Authorizes the Utilities Commission to designate mobile radio communications service providers as eligible telecommunications carriers for Lifeline service upon petition, without conferring broader regulatory jurisdiction