Hudson Delivers Broadband Win for Rural Communities in NC-09

Hudson Delivers Broadband Win for Rural Communities in NC-09

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09), who chairs the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, announced today that North Carolina has secured more than $1.5 billion of broadband funding through the Broadband Expansion, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program — a key step toward expanding high-speed internet access in rural communities across the Ninth District and North Carolina.

For years, broadband deployment in rural North Carolina was slowed by overburdensome federal red tape. Under President Trump and Chairman Hudson’s leadership, Congress advanced reforms to streamline connectivity, including the SPEED for BEAD Act, which cut bureaucratic barriers and gave states greater flexibility to move projects forward.

“Broadband dollars don’t connect a single home if they’re trapped in red tape," said Congressman Richard Hudson. "By removing unnecessary and arbitrary requirements on implementing broadband, we’re making sure the best technology and connectivity can finally reach the rural communities that have waited far too long, so we can close the digital divide once and for all. I'm proud to say that we delivered for North Carolina and over half the nation with more to come." 

“I want to congratulate North Carolina on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposal to achieve universal connectivity for its citizens,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “By leveraging a smart mix of technologies tailored to the state’s unique needs—and securing strong private matching that puts real skin in the game—North Carolina delivered more than $1 billion in savings for taxpayers. This thoughtful approach exemplifies what it means to achieve the Benefit of the Bargain.” 

North Carolina has one of the largest rural populations in the country, and many communities across NC-09 remain unserved or underserved by broadband. Until recently, BEAD deployment had been stalled nationwide due to lengthy timelines and duplicative federal reviews.

Hudson’s legislation streamlined those processes by establishing clearer timelines for approvals, reducing duplicative environmental and historic preservation reviews for low-impact projects, and restoring technology neutrality to allow providers to deploy the most effective solutions for rural areas.

As a result, broadband projects across North Carolina are now positioned to move forward more quickly, bringing high-speed connectivity to homes, businesses, schools, and emergency services throughout North Carolina.

Read more about the SPEED for BEAD Act here.