Day 11: A stalwart of actionable advocacy, MCNC continues to build stronger connections for a better North Carolina
MCNC has been a leader in innovation since its inception in 1980 and serves as the catalyst for technology-based economic development throughout North Carolina. It’s one of the first organizations in the country to create a statewide network to support high-speed, high-functioning internet in North Carolina.
MCNC considers advocacy essential to its mission of expanding affordable broadband, digital opportunity, and secure network connectivity for community anchor institutions (CAIs) in North Carolina. This work ensures the needs of rural, underserved and overlooked communities are known and relevant to policymakers and funders.
Elevating NC’s Visibility
MCNC actively supports organizations such as the Schools Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition as well as The Quilt to achieve strategic goals.
SHLB works to deliver high-quality, affordable broadband solutions for CAIs, enhancing education, health care, and economic development. MCNC uses this national platform to promote North Carolina’s broadband requirements, help direct federal funding toward essential services (schools, hospitals, libraries), and share operational knowledge on middle-mile infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
The Quilt unites research and education networks like MCNC, which gives MCNC access to a nationwide network developing innovative solutions for secure networking, cloud computing, and cyberinfrastructure. Membership allows MCNC to measure performance against top networks, collaborate on security protocols, and gain knowledge on funding and sustainability challenges.
MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks also elevated MCNC’s state and national visibility this year. Her keynote at Fiber Connect 2025 spotlighted the critical impact of uneven government funding in technology, and her Broadband Communities Summit 2025 panel focused on workforce development for emerging tech like AI. Her many media appearances this year as well as hosting the MCNC Community Connect podcast further solidified MCNC’s role as a trusted and sought-after voice in broadband and technology policy.
Networking the Network
MCNC’s advocacy directly affects its daily work. This year we represented about 500 CAIs during our Washington, D.C. fly-in. Events like this facilitate direct contact with congress and federal agencies to:
- Present concrete evidence of broadband shortages in rural North Carolina
- Advocate for cybersecurity funding and essential institution support
- Work to direct federal broadband funding to communities most in need
At the state and local level, MCNC maintains vital relationships to support secure, scalable, and equitable connectivity. This involvement has made rural broadband an urgent priority, directed research findings on AI, quantum technologies and cybersecurity to legislators, and supported policies for affordable access. This level of advocacy ensures policymakers grasp the realities of sustaining dependable broadband within North Carolina’s unique geography. View our Network Map to better understand who we serve.
Empowering a Connected Future
Internet access is one of the most important investments for North Carolina’s economic future. MCNC’s expertise and the power of our network is helping make North Carolina the most connected and empowered state in the nation. MCNC remains proactive to the dedicated and leading-edge needs of CAIs while adapting to broader demands, and actionable advocacy helps MCNC continue to make smart investments in broadband technologies that will drive North Carolina’s economy to new heights.
“Marrying advocacy with action directly addresses important issues and moves beyond just raising awareness to actively participating in solutions,” added James Nester, MCNC’s Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Director Client Advocacy. “The beauty of combining advocacy and action is that they often reinforce each other. When you’re actively involved in working towards a solution, you gain first-hand experience and a deeper understanding of the issue.”
MCNC will continue this essential work so a student anywhere, anyplace, anytime can be online while at school or at a library; researchers and health care professionals can discover the next great innovation or medical discovery; and local economies can thrive with an educated and connected workforce. We look forward to continuing these important efforts with our stakeholders, elected officials, partners and collaborators in 2026.
