North Carolina is in the midst of a transformative broadband expansion, a statewide effort to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the state. Backed by nearly $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds and $30 million in state investments, this initiative must be completed by the end of 2026. The state is also participating in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to reach the remaining underserved communities.
While the promise of connectivity is exciting, the rapid pace and scale of construction present serious challenges—particularly when it comes to damage prevention. With no funding allocated for additional locate personnel or damage mitigation, the burden falls on stakeholders to communicate clearly and coordinate effectively.
The Role of NC811 in Broadband Coordination
At the heart of this effort is NC811, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing damage to underground utilities. NC811 supports 50 Utility Coordinating Committees (UCCs) across the state, providing a platform for utilities, contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to collaborate.
- These committees, facilitated by NC811’s Education Liaisons, serve as local hubs for:
- Sharing project updates and timelines
- Addressing locate issues and excavation concerns
- Promoting safety and damage prevention best practices
- Each UCC meeting is tailored to the specific needs of its county, informed by robust data sets including:
- The top 20 excavators by locate ticket volume
- Damage reports from the Common Ground Alliance’s DIRT tool
- Broadband award details from the NCDIT Division of Broadband & Digital Opportunity
This data paints a clear picture of excavation activity, types of damaged facilities, and equipment used—allowing NC811 to engage telecom providers and contractors in targeted discussions and problem-solving.
Legislative Action to Support Safe Digging
Recognizing the strain on the locate system, North Carolina enacted legislative changes effective October 1, 2025, designed to ease the pressure and improve planning:
- Ticket life was extended from 15 working days to 28 calendar days
- Locate-by dates were adjusted to three full working days before the planned work start date
These changes were passed with unanimous stakeholder support, a testament to the shared commitment to protecting underground infrastructure amid the broadband boom.
Communication Is Key
The success of North Carolina’s broadband expansion hinges not just on funding and legislation, but on daily communication and collaboration. UCC meetings often spark critical conversations—whether it’s about city permitting requirements, coordination with locators, or even proper shovel techniques in the tolerance zone. These discussions frequently lead to connections and solutions that help push projects across the finish line.
A Proactive Path Forward
North Carolina’s approach is both data-driven and community-focused. By providing county-level insights, facilitating statewide coordination, and enacting thoughtful legislation, the state is setting a strong example for how to expand broadband safely and efficiently.
But the work doesn’t stop here. As the pace of construction accelerates, so must our commitment to safety. Damage prevention is not a one-time effort—it’s a daily conversation. And through continued collaboration, we remain Partners in Protecting Everyone Safely (PIPES).
Want to learn more?
Visit NC811 Broadband in NC - https://nc811.org/broadband-in-nc/
Explore NC Utility Coordinating Committees - https://ncucc.org/
Discover Broadband Projects in NC https://www.ncbroadband.gov/