Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Cherokee County
Cherokee County, North Carolina is working to close the digital divide and ensure all residents have the tools to participate fully in today’s connected world. Through the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, the county developed a Connectivity Plan focused on expanding broadband infrastructure, improving affordability, and increasing digital literacy. With high poverty rates, limited service in many rural areas, and a growing need for online access to education, work, and healthcare, Cherokee County is committed to unlocking digital opportunities for all who live and work there.
Facing a critical need to bridge a digital divide in rural Appalachia, we are grateful for this opportunity to create a plan for an equitable digital ecosystem that fosters innovation, economic growth, and educational opportunities.
Cherokee County’s Connectivity Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to expand broadband access, improve digital skills, and close affordability gaps across the county. It prioritizes infrastructure improvements through partnerships with internet service providers to boost coverage and competition, while leveraging grant funding to improve the economics of network deployment in rural and mountainous areas. Recognizing that infrastructure alone isn’t enough, the plan also outlines initiatives to provide low-cost devices, enhance digital literacy, and increase internet adoption.
What’s next
By aligning with state and federal funding opportunities, Cherokee County is working to build a resilient digital foundation that supports long-term economic growth, educational access, and community well-being. The county is currently partnering with North Carolina’s Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) to pursue grant funding, while also building relationships with service providers to begin broadband expansion in priority areas. At the same time, it is working with local partners to prepare digital adoption initiatives that will ensure residents can fully benefit from improved connectivity.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
