Day 8: MCNC’s HERO Project to cross the finish line 2026
MCNC will have a new broadband HERO in 2026.
Investing in broadband is investing in North Carolina’s future, and MCNC’s High Speed Economies for Rural Opportunity, or HERO Project, is another key piece of network infrastructure to benefit underserved and overlooked areas of North Carolina.
MCNC currently provides technology services in all 100 counties of North Carolina on a network that is approximately 4,536 miles, which will increase another 209 miles when this project finishes in June 2026.
HERO’s two strategic routes include Albemarle to Winston-Salem (74 miles) in central North Carolina, and between Sanford via Fayetteville to Jacksonville (135 miles) in southeastern North Carolina. The 11 total counties to benefit from this project currently have more than 16,000 unserved and 12,000 underserved housing units, including many substantially unserved local communities. There will be 15 direct network connections along the routes to further expand the reach. In total, HERO could potentially impact over 350,000 housing units and 696 community anchor institutions, bringing new opportunities to these rural and economically-challenged areas.
As of this month (December 2025), 195 of the 209 conduit miles have been constructed, with approximately half of that populated with fiber. Progress also includes installation of three telecommunications huts placed at Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, Stanly Community College in Albemarle, and James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville.
“When we look at the HERO Project, we see more than just infrastructure; we see future opportunities unlocked,” commented Tommy Jacobson, MCNC Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. “This project shows a clear commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that every person in North Carolina has the modern resources they need today to thrive, learn and succeed.”
MCNC received $11,186,162.82 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the HERO Project in 2023 to support improvements to broadband access and affordability in central and southeastern North Carolina. The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded $2,672,234 to be used as matching funds towards the southeastern portion of the project. MCNC supported the rest for the project ($5,101,201). Along with MCNC’s own investments and continued support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, the HERO project will be about a $19 million total infusion towards high-speed internet and technology services for the state. This expansion also will enhance the affordability strategies of last-mile commercial providers in these communities as well as help support important construction and engineering jobs throughout the project.
Keep up to date on our construction progress as we get closer to completion.
