North Carolina opens second digital opportunity survey
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Information Technology is asking residents to participate in the state’s second Digital Opportunity Survey to help update North Carolina’s understanding of broadband, computer access and digital skills needs.
The department said survey responses will be used to update state plans and guide work with partners addressing digital access across North Carolina. The survey focuses on residents’ needs for affordable high-speed internet, computers and the skills needed to safely use online resources for work, education, health care, government services and other daily needs.
The Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity is launching the survey in collaboration with the Friday Institute at N.C. State University. The survey is available in 10 languages and can be completed online. Print versions are available for people without internet access, according to NCDIT.
The department also is distributing a promotional toolkit to state agencies, local governments, grantees, nonprofits and community organizations to increase participation. Additional materials, including graphics and paper surveys, are available through the state’s broadband office.
NCDIT said residents also can access digital support through NC 211, which provides free and confidential information on using the internet, finding public computers and Wi-Fi and locating digital classes. The department also launched a Tech Resource Finder in December 2024 to help residents search for local digital support services by county, ZIP code or resource type.
The survey is part of the state’s broader work to address the digital divide. NCDIT said the Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity has launched nearly $700 million in American Rescue Plan Act-funded high-speed internet infrastructure projects that will extend broadband access to nearly 258,000 homes, businesses and community anchor institutions.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
