State Wants To Increase Internet Use In Rural Areas

North Carolina Rural Internet Access Authority

is using $30 million in private funds to increase online services in rural areas.

Program coordinators in Franklin County are establishing public access sites, where people can use high-speed Internet service free of charge.

Legislators commissioned the project last year to enhance future economic development in rural counties.

A year ago, North Carolina ranked among the bottom five states in the percentage of households with Internet access.