On Thursday, President Joe Biden is set to visit North Carolina to emphasize a new $82 million investment aimed at connecting 16,000 households and businesses to high-speed internet.
In the upcoming presidential election, securing North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes is a key focus for Biden’s re-election campaign. The President narrowly lost the state by 1.34 percentage points to then-President Donald Trump in 2020, setting the stage for a potential rematch in 2024.
During his visit to the state capital, Raleigh, President Biden intends to highlight his administration’s commitment to bridging the digital divide by ensuring that disadvantaged communities and businesses have access to the benefits of the digital economy.
Recent polls indicate that the economy remains a challenge for Biden, reflecting concerns over inflation reaching a four-decade high in June 2022. Despite a subsequent decrease in inflation rates, the President’s approval ratings have yet to return to their initial levels.
As part of their efforts to alleviate financial burdens on families, the administration has implemented measures such as providing discounted internet services to 880,000 households in North Carolina.
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The administration is dedicating a total of $3 billion to expand and support internet infrastructure in North Carolina. According to estimates, an additional 300,000 residents in the state will gain internet access by the conclusion of 2026 through these initiatives.
