A teacher helps a student navigate a technical issue on his laptop. Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun on Unsplash.

In today’s world, reliable, high-speed internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The internet connects people to healthcare, jobs, and loved ones, making it central to modern life. Even so, many rural communities still struggle to access these opportunities. Broadband is available but many lack the skills to effectively use it.

Think of it this way: broadband is the highway, but digital skills are the vehicles that drive people forward. It’s not enough to just provide connectivity; people need the tools to navigate the digital world. This is where internet service providers (ISPs) can step in. ISPs can do more than lay down fiber; they can partner with local organizations, schools, and programs to offer training that helps people turn connectivity into opportunity.

One tool that could support this goal is the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. This program is expected to provide funding to expand broadband access and digital literacy programs in underserved areas. The funding will be essential—not just for building infrastructure but also for ensuring people can use the internet effectively once it’s available to them.

“Our country runs on broadband. A strong internet connection not only helps fuel our communities but also powers our economy, schools, the job market, healthcare, and much more,” said Tim LeDonne, Executive Director of State Programs for the national nonprofit Connected Nation. “Within the next year or so, more jobs will be created by the need to support the deployment activities of BEAD,” added LeDonne. “While the workforce may not be there yet, it’s important for local governments, communities, and industry leaders to develop, implement, and promote their training programs.”

Fybe, our local fiber-optic internet provider, understands that connecting homes isn’t enough. Fybe’s parent company, Roanoke Cooperative, has committed to digital education by hiring a digital health navigator. Fybe & Roanoke Cooperative have also partnered with programs like mine to offer digital literacy training and create opportunities for digital inclusion. They’re not just providing fast internet; they’re teaching residents how to use it.

In fact, there are now at least four professionals dedicated to digital upskilling who are serving Bertie County residents. I’ve had boots on the ground here since last April, providing free digital education in Bertie County through N.C. Cooperative Extension’s NC Digital Futures Program. Roanoke Cooperative’s Digital Health Navigator, Angela Battle, joined the effort in the fall of 2024; she offers free classes in Bertie, Hertford, Northampton, and Gates counties. Two others hit the scene in January 2025. Lucas Heller from MECAAA’s Ageless Access program has been doing great work across the Mid-East Council territory (Bertie, Hertford, Martin, Pitt, & Beaufort counties), most notably holding office hours where he provides participants with free digital navigation and tech assistance. And last, but certainly not least, Bertie residents now also have the option to fortify their digital skill sets through free classes taught by Rhonda Cooper, who is teaching in 6 counties (Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Northampton, Perquimans, & Pasquotank) courtesy of ECU’s College of Health & Human Performance. There have been so many terrific initiatives taking root in our region that I founded the Northeast NC Digital Skilling Coalition in February 2025 to help us all coordinate efforts, avoid duplication, and pool resources—with the ultimate goal of maximizing our community impact.

Imagine if every American had the skills to access online resources, participate in virtual learning, and stay connected. That’s the power of digital education, and it’s within reach, thanks to the efforts of ISPs like Fybe and programs like the ones listed above.

Let’s work together to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. It’s not just about wires and routers; it’s about people and possibilities.

If you’d like more information about N.C. Cooperative Extension’s NC Digital Futures Program or wish to connect with members of the new Northeast NC Digital Skilling Coalition, please contact Rebecca Jinnette at 252-794-6170 or rjinnet@ncsu.edu. 

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References

Connected Nation. (2024, October 17). Keep your state connected: The importance of BEAD funding and how Connected Nation can help. Connected Nation. https://connectednation.org/blog/keep-your-state-connected-the-importance-of-bead-funding-and-how-connected-nation-can-help

Pew Trusts. (2024, October 17). State digital equity spending can benefit economies, health care, and education. Pew Trusts. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2024/10/17/state-digital-equity-spending-can-benefit-economies-health-care-and-education

National Broadband Infrastructure Office. (n.d.). Funding programs. North Carolina Department of Information Technology. https://www.ncbroadband.gov/funding-programs

Center for Digital Equity. (n.d.). Ageless Access. The Center for Digital Equity. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://thecenterfordigitalequity.org/ageless-access/