North Carolina H838 modifies broadband laws to enhance deployment, provide disaster relief funding, and establish a pole replacement reimbursement.

North Carolina H838 makes several changes to the state's broadband laws. It establishes the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to reimburse communications service providers for eligible pole replacement costs, aiming to speed up broadband deployment in unserved areas. The bill also allows the Department of Information Technology to use funds for fixed wireless and satellite broadband grants, prioritizing areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, it provides emergency funding for rebuilding and hardening broadband infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

North Carolina H838 modifies broadband laws to enhance deployment, provide disaster relief funding, and establish a pole replacement reimbursement.

North Carolina H838 makes several changes to the state's broadband laws. It establishes the Broadband Pole Replacement Program to reimburse communications service providers for eligible pole replacement costs, aiming to speed up broadband deployment in unserved areas. The bill also allows the Department of Information Technology to use funds for fixed wireless and satellite broadband grants, prioritizing areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Additionally, it provides emergency funding for rebuilding and hardening broadband infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.