North Carolina broadband
North Carolina’s $1M Satellite Kit Grants: What Local Groups Need to Know
Updated · ~7 min read
Hurricane Helene damaged communications infrastructure across western North Carolina in 2024, leaving emergency teams and public facilities searching for alternate ways to connect. FEMA reported providing Starlink units to help first responders communicate, and North Carolina agencies later documented satellite deployments that restored connectivity without relying on damaged local infrastructure.
In September 2026, the N.C. Department of Information Technology opened the $1 million Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program. Its purpose is to help eligible public and community organizations purchase satellite internet equipment before another emergency disrupts terrestrial networks.
Who can apply—and what the money covers
North Carolina lists four eligible applicant groups:
- State agencies
- Local government units, including counties, cities, towns, and municipalities
- Volunteer fire departments
- Community anchor institutions
Grant money may pay for equipment that delivers satellite internet service and related installation materials. The equipment must be for the grantee’s own use and cannot be distributed to other parties.
The program is open statewide, but NCDIT says it will strictly prioritize applicants operating in the 39 North Carolina counties within the Hurricane Helene federal disaster area. Within those areas, additional priority goes to organizations directly providing emergency services, disaster relief, education, or local economic development.
Interested organizations must submit the state’s Application and Certification Form by 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2026. Applicants should use the official program page and Notice of Funding Opportunity as the controlling sources for eligibility and submission requirements.
Equipment is covered; monthly service is separate
The service exclusion is a central planning detail. North Carolina states that no portion of an award may be used for internet service subscriptions. An organization may receive equipment support and still need a separate operating budget for activation, monthly service, maintenance, and replacement costs.
Before selecting equipment, obtain current written quotes and confirm that the proposed terminal, mount, cabling, and installation materials meet the grant rules. Compare the service plans available at the actual deployment site and avoid relying on consumer promotions that may expire or apply only at certain addresses.
Power is part of the resiliency plan
Satellite equipment cannot provide backup connectivity without power. A complete deployment plan should account for the terminal, router, local Wi-Fi equipment, and any computers or radios that staff need during an emergency.
Applicants should plan for:
- The measured power demand of the terminal, router, and supporting equipment
- Generator fuel or battery runtime for the expected operating period
- A secure mount and protected cable route that can withstand severe weather
- A written startup procedure that more than one staff member can follow
- Separate staff and public network access when the site serves both groups
- Regular activation tests so problems are found before an emergency
NCDIT’s hurricane-readiness guidance describes low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity as a backup option when local provider infrastructure is damaged or unavailable.
What the program means for North Carolina households
This is an institutional resiliency program, not a household rebate. Individual residents are not listed among the eligible applicants, and grant-funded equipment must remain for the grantee’s use rather than being handed out to households.
Residents looking for everyday service can still compare internet providers in North Carolina and confirm availability at their address. Community members can also ask local government, emergency management, schools, libraries, and volunteer fire departments how backup connectivity fits into local disaster plans.
Application checklist for eligible organizations
- Confirm that the organization fits an eligible category on the official NCDIT program page.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Application and Certification Form.
- Document whether the organization operates in a prioritized Helene disaster county.
- Identify the sites and emergency functions the equipment will support.
- Get current equipment and installation quotes that match the proposed use.
- Budget separately for service, power, maintenance, and staff training.
- Submit the required form by 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2026.
- After installation, test startup, connectivity, power runtime, and staff handoff procedures.
For consumer broadband help separate from this grant, call 1-877-697-2926 or compare providers by ZIP code on RSINC.
FAQ
Can a regular household apply for the $1 million grant?
No. The state lists agencies, local government units, volunteer fire departments, and community anchor institutions as eligible applicants.
Does the grant pay for monthly satellite internet service?
No. The official program page says grant funds cannot be used for internet service subscriptions.
Does the program require applicants to buy Starlink?
The public program page describes equipment capable of delivering satellite internet service. Applicants should follow the Notice of Funding Opportunity and confirm that a proposed vendor and equipment package meet every program requirement before purchasing.
When is the application deadline?
Organizations must express interest by submitting the NCDIT Application and Certification Form by 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2026.
Where can applicants confirm the rules?
Use the official NCDIT Broadband Satellite Program page, the linked Notice of Funding Opportunity, and the state’s application form. Those materials control if a summary differs from the program rules.
RSINC is an independent internet comparison and research website based in North Carolina. Program rules, equipment availability, and provider pricing can change. Confirm all application details with NCDIT and all service details with the selected provider.
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