Who we are

The e-NC Authority is the state initiative to link all North Carolinians – especially those in rural areas - to the Internet. The purpose of this organization is to use the Internet as a tool for helping people to improve their quality of life. Affordable Internet service will provide North Carolinians with increased access to commerce, health care, education and government services. Through the Internet, rural North Carolinians can utilize resources not located in their areas, contact friends and experts, grow their businesses and increase their personal knowledge – all while preserving the lifestyle that is an integral part of who they are.

Among other tasks and projects, the e-NC Authority is responsible for the following:

• To track the availability of high-speed Internet services in each county across the state
  
  
• To advocate for high-speed Internet access at competitive prices to all North Carolinians
  
  
• To significantly increase the numbers of individuals, businesses and organizations who own computers and computer devices and who subscribe to the Internet
  
  
• To establish telecenters located in the state's most economically distressed areas
  
  
• To establish a Web site to provide North Carolinians with complete information on Internet and telecommunications services

The e-NC Authority was preceded by the Rural Internet Access Authority, and was created on Aug. 2, 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly. The organization became fully functional in January 2001 and is governed by a commission appointed by the governor and the N.C. General Assembly. By legislative mandate, the e-NC Authority is housed and staffed by the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center.