Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Foothills Regional Commission
Foothills Regional Commission is the council of governments for the Isothermal Region, which includes Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties in Western North Carolina. Recognizing the critical role that broadband plays in economic development, education, and quality of life, Foothills joined the Appalachia Digital Accelerator to assess and improve digital connectivity across its four-county region. The Commission aims to expand broadband infrastructure, enhance digital adoption, and leverage new funding opportunities to strengthen the regional economy.
Connectivity Reports
Foothills Regional Commission has developed connectivity reports assessing broadband needs and opportunities in Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. However, this work was impacted by Hurricane Helene, which shifted regional priorities toward immediate disaster response while also reshaping the broadband landscape — damaging infrastructure and rendering existing connectivity data outdated. As part of the recovery process, reassessing broadband gaps and developing an updated strategy will be essential to meeting the region’s evolving needs. These reports provide a foundation for that effort, outlining existing infrastructure, digital adoption challenges, and strategies for expanding access to high-speed, reliable internet. Key recommendations include leveraging rebuilding efforts to install dark fiber which would enhance network resiliency and enable the integration of smart monitoring tools to strengthen infrastructure for the future.
Cleveland County
McDowell County
Polk County
Rutherford County
In order for our region to achieve its potential, all residents must have access to fast, affordable, and reliable broadband and this planning effort allows our region to take a proactive approach to connecting our communities.
Alan Toney, Community & Economic Development Director
Learn More
Foothills Regional Commission has long supported the development of broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion in Polk, Cleveland, Rutherford, and McDowell Counties. To learn about prior broadband planning work in the region, explore the Commission’s resource page.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
