.png)
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN WNC
Regional Communications Resiliency Report Now Available for Download - Click To View
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in Western North Carolina’s communications systems. Cell towers went silent, fiber routes were severed, radio capacity was overwhelmed, and entire communities were cut off from information, services, and from one another. The lessons of that experience are documented in this plan, alongside the practical solutions the region’s emergency managers, industry partners, and community organizations identified to keep it from happening again. Photo by Bill McMannis.
WestNGN's Impact
Land of Sky Regional Council is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for digital resources and tools for everyone in the region. This is why we created the WestNGN Program because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive in the economy of the 21st century.
$72 Million
Broadband Infrastructure funding secured
18000
Homes Connected Online
$21.6 Million
To Fund Digital-Opportunity Programs
2000
Devices connected to Residents
Why Tackle the Digital Divide?
WestNGN believes that access to broadband and digital acess is essential for participation in the 21st-century digital economy. WestNGN looks to help folks be able to "Connect to their future" and is committed to expanding access across the region to close the digital divide.
WestNGN Events
Stay up to date with WestNGN as we build connections and work to close the digital divide across the region — whether you join us for a Digital skills class or swing by our Troubleshoot drop-in, we will keep our calendar up to date and load it with events that help build a more connected community.
While western North Carolina continues to repair itself from Hurricane Helene, we know that not all destruction is limited to roads, bridges, and houses. That's why WestNGN wants to know if you are still lacking a connection or have limited connection, taking our survey helps us to get resources to help connected you and western North Carolina.
While Western North Carolina continues to repair itself from Hurricane Helene, we know that not all destruction is limited to roads, bridges, and houses. That's why WestNGN wants to know if you are still lacking a connection or have limited connection, taking our survey helps us to get resources to help connected you and western North Carolina.
Regional and National Partners
