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A-B Tech meeting: Officials laud $104 million project to put rural NC on the information highway by Hunter Goosman & Jeff Fobes on 08/12/2011 Related topics: business, internet, information highway

The promise of $104 million being spent in rural North Carolina to connect those area with the information highway was enough to bring officials together — some in person and some via the Internet — who applauded from four geographic locations across the state the beginning of a federal Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program grant award. The project will invest $104 million to build 1,200 miles of new broadband infrastructure throughout rural North Carolina, including direct fiber to nearly 180 educational institutions, including K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and libraries. A-B Tech was one of the statewide “virtual” groundbreaking locations to launch the second round of the NC-Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. Among the attendees of the Aug. 12 event at A-B Technical Community College were Rep. Heath Shuler, Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy and A-B Tech President Hank Dunn.

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Hunter Goosman provided text and photographic coverage via Twitter: The GOLDEN LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative groundreaking is a virtual event across four NC sites. Dan Gerlach: The project serves rural NC; this broadband investment enables a 10-to-1 return; the project creates jobs. Sen Hagan: We’re coming together for the kids, students, and for jobs in NC. Congr McIntyre: Broadband is our road to the future. Sen Hagan: This project is a defining moment for our state. Congr Butterfield: We need to not only deploy broadband, but also encourage adoption.

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Bellamy, Shuler, Dunn with shovels at the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative groundbreaking (photo: http://t.co/l8Kd2a4 ).

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Congr Shuler: The real winners here will be our children. (Congr Shuler speaking at the groundbreaking. http://t.co/UMLoIFg ) Link to photo of Mayor Bellamy speaking at the groundbreaking: http://t.co/P0y4o53 Like

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Does MountainX need to explain Hunter Goosman’s connection to this project?

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8/12/2011 10:18 PM

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N.C. broadband initiative kicks off new, $104 million phase - Charlotte B...

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From the Charlotte Business Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2011/08/12/nc-broadband-initiativekicks-off.html

Charlotte Business Journal - by Jennifer Thomas , Staff Writer Date: Friday, August 12, 2011, 2:38pm EDT Related: Technology

Jennifer Thomas Staff Writer Email Twitter The Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative has launched a $104 million, second phase of its project to increase access to broadband service in North Carolina’s rural communities. The effort kicked off Friday with “virtual ground breaking” events held simultaneously at four locations across the state, including the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis, via video conference. The initiative seeks to improve access to broadband capabilities in rural communities and promote economic growth. The overall project is targeted for completion by July 31, 2013. It will create one of the largest broadband networks in the country, says Joe Freddoso, president and chief executive of MCNC. That private nonprofit operates the N.C. Research and Education Network, which connects teachers, students and partners with technology. “It’s kind of like we’re building the highway of the future in North Carolina,” Freddoso says. The project’s second phase received a $75.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. It also received $28.25 million in private donations, including $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The Rocky Mount-based foundation administers funds from North Carolina’s share of a 1990s national settlement with cigarette manufacturers. It uses the money to aid economic advancement across the state. In total, the initiative will invest $144 million in broadband services for rural communities. It will add 1,620 miles of fiber-optic cable in 79 of the state’s 100 counties. “This investment lays the groundwork for sustainable long-term growth,” says Lawrence Strickling, administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “Broadband is the platform for bringing jobs of the future to North Carolina.” U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) says the investment is critical to creating jobs and opportunities in rural communities across the state. Estimates indicate that for every dollar are invested, the state will see an economic impact of $10. “Broadband is quickly becoming as important to a community’s success as traditional infrastructure,” Hagan says. In Kannapolis, the 350-acre research campus will benefit from the improved broadband access.

8/12/2011 4:33 PM

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“Now we can connect with every part of the world,” says campus founder David Murdock. The California billionaire and Dole Food Co. chairman has invested more than $600 million into the biotech hub, which focuses on health, nutrition and agriculture. Eight N.C. universities and the state’s community college system have a presence on the campus. Covers health care, the N.C. Research Campus, retail

8/12/2011 4:33 PM

Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City NC

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Officials break ground to celebrate second round of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program award Kesha Williams August 15, 2011 MCNC, an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K20 education, hosted a statewide virtual groundbreaking on Aug. 12 four locations across North Carolina to celebrate the start of construction of the second round Broadband Technology Opportunities Program award. This second phase includes the construction of 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure through northeastern, north-central, northwestern, central and south-central North Carolina. On this day, AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis and UNC Pembroke will host simultaneous events linked over NCREN in high Groundbreaking Progress For NC Citizens Multimedia News Background Calendar Vendors-Contractors MCNC began building the first phase of the 400-mile portion of this infrastructure last fall and is now more than 70 percent complete with this build through southeastern and western North Carolina. Private-sector engineering, construction, technology, and manufacturing companies have received contracts from MCNC to assist ,with this build, and MCNC itself has invested more than $9 million in matching funds and administrative fees to oversee the construction Over the last two years, MCNC has taken a leadership role in pursuing funding to build a premier network infrastructure for every citizen in North Carolina. The overarching benefit of expanding the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative is to foster economic development, job creation, and innovation throughout the state. Beginning in 2009, MCNC, via a request from North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue and with the support of state's congressional delegation, began to pursue funding to build critically-needed broadband infrastructure throughout rural North Carolina. This middle-mile infrastructure would directly serve education institutions, healthcare and public health facilities, public safety needs and libraries. This infrastructure will also be available to private-sector companies who wanted to bring expanded and more affordable broadband services to rural citizens and businesses. MCNC, with great encouragement and support, was able to raise $40 million in private matching funds and compete for and win two federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants totaling $104 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The total investment of $144 million represents one of the largest investments in broadband infrastructure in North Carolina history.

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Groundbreaking for fiber-optic network | Salisbury, NC - Salisbury Post

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Thanks to a series of grants totaling $104 million, the second phase of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative will bring 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure throughout North Carolina. At a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, officials from federal and local governments across the state, as well as the Golden LEAF Foundation and the president and chief executive officer of MCNC spoke about the opportunities that would be had in North Carolina.

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The “virtual” groundbreaking included a teleconference between the North Carolina Research Campus and three other sites across the state — Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and the AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College. At the beginning of the ceremony, David H. Murdock, owner and chairman of Castle Cook Inc. and chairman of Dole Food Co., spoke about the opportunities for scientists at the campus to communicate their findings to the world at a much higher rate. “To realize we can talk to the world right from here is exciting,” said Murdock. “We have not only become a scientific center, but a great brain center for the world.” After the broadband infrastructure is laid, officials say it will greatly increase the capacity of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) which brings broadband service to universities, hospitals, schools and libraries across the state. The teleconferencing event showcased how the North Carolina Research and Education Network works, linking sites via real-time video. When the new lines are laid, the capacity will be much higher than four sites, with the capability to link as many as 100 or more sites together. It will affect children and families across North Carolina, officials say, even though it will not be available directly to homes. Imagine students at schools across the state being able to be taught by a teacher at the N.C. School of Science and Math, or a cancer patient in Ashe County being helped by the best cancer doctor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University.

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Local Internet to get boost by John Charles Robbins Managing Editor 3 days ago | 2051 views | 0

PEMBROKE — It’s about access. It’s about equity. It’s about jobs. And it’s about the future. A statewide rural broadband network took another step Friday in four locations, with politicians and local leaders brandishing shiny new shovels for groundbreaking ceremonies stretching from the mountains to the coast.

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The plan is to get the fastest, most reliable Internet access to everyone’s fingertips. MCNC, the private, not-for-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network, hosted the statewide Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony in four locations throughout the state to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. The high-definition simulcast was hosted at AshevilleBuncombe Tech Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre joined Robeson County academic and government leaders at UNCP’s share of the event, held at the Business Administration Building on campus.

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The event was held to mark the start of construction on the $104 million second phase of the broadband initiative that includes $75.75 million in stimulus funds. “Broadband benefits everyone. It is our railroad to the future,” McIntyre said. More access to broadband will advance economic development and improve access to health care, the congressman said. “Connecting people like this is so important,” McIntyre said. “Today we add another chapter, for job creation, business development and indeed a better way of life.” The broadband initiative is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and matching funds from private donations and investments, including $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The world is getting smaller every day … (and) this is about leveling the playing field,” said Kenneth Kitts, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNCP. The ability to harness the free flow of “real-time” information — in education, business, health care and beyond — is vital, Kitts said.

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“This is a defining moment for our state,” said U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, from the North Carolina Research Campus. Access to broadband is just as important to a community’s success as having roads, sidewalks, water and sewer, she said. There are too many rural areas that continue to struggle “without these 21st century tools,” Hagan said. Hagan then itemized some of the goals that the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative will acheive when completed, including: — The proposed funded geographic area is comprised by 69 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, which encompass 32,597 square miles or 67 percent of the state’s total square miles. — Total proposed broadband miles of 1,450 represents about 68 percent in underserved/unserved areas. — Total number of potential households affected, about 2.3 million. — There will be the potential to connect nearly 160,000 businesses and 1,700 K-12 schools. The building of the broadband network is expected to employ about 2,500 people for a two-year period, said Hagan.

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“It’s really about our shared future … and it’s going to make a huge difference,” Hagan said. Joe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC, said: ““Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one-time event. The … expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. … It will broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library

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Staff photos by John Charles Robbins U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre said increased access to high speed Internet benefits everyone. He was one of several speakers at a "Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony" held in four locations throughout the state Friday to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. of Lumberton joined Robeson County academic and government leaders at UNCP's share of the event, held at the Business Administration Building on campus. The event was held to celebrate the start of construction on the $104 million second phase of the broadband initiative — including $75.75 million in federal funds — that will greatly expand the reach and capacity of the North Carolina Research and Education Network, that will help businesses and educational institutions have access to high speed Internet.

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http://www.uncp.edu/news/2011/nc_broadband_project.htm

Contact: Scott Bigelow | 910.521.6351 | scott.bigelow@uncp.edu University and Community Relations |

Thursday, August 18, 2011

University, state and federal officials gathered at UNC Pembroke on August 12 to break ground on a construction project that will bring faster broadband service to underserved areas of rural North Carolina. The $104 million construction project will increase broadband Internet and data speed and capacity in southeastern North Carolina and serve rural and underserved communities. UNCP will house an optical transport hub to boost signals along the network. The project, funded by $76 million in federal stimulus money and a $24 million grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation, will construct a 1,200-mile fiber optic cable “backbone” in two phases through 69 North Carolina counties. In the southeast region, cables will be run between Wilmington, Fayetteville and Lumberton, and westward through Scotland and Richmond counties and eastward to Wilmington. Ground broken – from left: Fayetteville Technical Community President Larry Keen, Dr. Ken Kitts, UNCP’s provost; Rep. Mike McIntyre, Dr. Cammie Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for outreach and Dr. Bob Orr, chief information officer

When completed, the project will connect schools, colleges, hospitals, libraries and other institutions and businesses. In the short term, it will create 2,500 construction jobs, and in the long term, it will create jobs and improved quality of life in rural communities, officials said. Future partnerships with utilities providers and other businesses will carry broadband to

rural homes. The groundbreaking took place simultaneously at four North Carolina sites: UNCP, Elizabeth City State University, N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis and Asheville-Buncombe Community College. UNCP Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Kenneth Kitts hosted the event in an interactive video classroom in the Business Administration Building. “The Golden Leaf Broadband Initiative will allow UNCP to extend its economic development programs into the region,” Dr. Kitts said. “This project will make UNCP a hub of broadband connectivity.” U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre, who helped guide previous funding for rural broadband projects through U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre addresses the Congress, said North Carolina is a big winner in broadband development. groundbreaking “We are bridging the digital divide,” Rep. McIntyre said. “Broadband helps everyone. It’s infrastructure that connects us like railroads; broadband is our railroad to the future, and the bottom line is business development and job creation.” The initiative is a project of the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC), a private, non-profit organization that operates NCREN or the North Carolina Research and Education Network. Officials from MCNC and Golden Leaf Foundation said that one dollar invested in broadband returns $10 in jobs.

8/22/2011 9:21 AM

University Newswire at UNC Pembroke

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http://www.uncp.edu/news/2011/nc_broadband_project.htm

“This takes away the disadvantage of distance,” said Dan Gerlach, president of the Golden Leaf Foundation, which uses its tobacco settlement fund to assist communities that were once tobacco-dependent. “Broadband is the same as all other infrastructure, it’s all about jobs.” The new project will improve service for 17 UNC schools, 115 school systems, 58 community colleges, 27 private colleges and other libraries, health care providers and businesses, said Joe Freddoso, president of MCNC. “Bandwidth use is growing by 30 to 40 percent a year, and a shortage looms,” Freddoso said. “We are building the highway of the future.” Besides Rep. McIntyre, there were three congressmen and U.S. Senator Kay Hagan at the four sites. Sen. Hagan said “a lot of children across North Carolina will benefit all their lives because of this project. “Broadband is as important to a community’s success as road, water and sewer and other infrastructure,” she continued. “Far too many North Carolinians, especially in rural areas, lack the tools to access the Internet. “This is a defining moment in our state’s future,” Sen. Hagan said. “These fibers are an economic lifeline. We are expanding the breadth of opportunity across the state.” Larry Strickling, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce, said, “Broadband is the key to bringing 21st century jobs to North Carolina, putting people to work and getting our economy back on track. “This is a textbook example of government spending done right: It’s jobs today, and it will pay dividends for decades,” Strickling said. “This will keep North Carolina on the leading edge of technology jobs.” Return to University Newswire

8/22/2011 9:21 AM

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MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative

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MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative By: MCNC via PRNewsWire News Releases

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Posted on August 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM EDT

Historic event showcases NCREN's capabilities with virtual groundbreaking in four locations KANNAPOLIS, N.C., Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC, the private, not-forprofit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), hosted a Statewide Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony today in four locations throughout the state to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and significant matching funds from private donations and investments including a $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The GLRBI will greatly expand the reach and capacity of NCREN in northeastern, north central, western and south central North Carolina. The high-definition simulcast event was hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and UNC Pembroke. The event leveraged the existing video capabilities of NCREN. These video capabilities and capacity for HD video use among NCREN connectors will greatly expand as a result of the GLRBI. "Thanks to the Recovery Act, this project is creating jobs and will support continued innovation and expanded economic and educational opportunities in North Carolina," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

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8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative

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been spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required, and MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. "MCNC is excited to begin the second phase of building North Carolina's highway to the future. We want to thank our state and federal leaders for their continued support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative," said Joe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC. "Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one-time event. The GLRBI expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. It will impact all facilities and institutions connected to NCREN. It will broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library searching to find a job." To date, MCNC has awarded contracts for Round 2 to the following firms: CommScope for fiberoptic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley-Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. All construction is to be complete by 2013. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research, and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers NCREN technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 19 North Carolina Charter Schools, 27 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About The Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,110 grants worth over $511 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative MCNC currently is working on a $144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) scheduled to be completed by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $40 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $4 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are -part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to

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8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative

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improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. Online Resources For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. You also can follow the progress of the GLRBI at www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI. Questions? Please see our FAQ section regarding Round 2 construction questions, or contact us for more details. Editorial Contact: Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org Keywords and Tags MCNC, NCREN, BTOP, ARRA, NTIA, Golden LEAF, GLRBI, distance learning, community anchor institutions, North Carolina, NC, RTP, Research Triangle Park, education, telehealth, telecom, broadband, Internet, web, NC events SOURCE MCNC

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8/15/2011

SOURCE: Raleigh (NC) News & Observer AUDIENCE: 542,216 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 08−12−2011 HEADLINE: MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Source Website Historic event showcases NCREN's capabilities with virtual groundbreaking in four locations KANNAPOLIS, N.C.,Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire−USNewswire/ −−MCNC, the private, not−for−profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), hosted a Statewide Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony today in four locations throughout the state to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and significant matching funds from private donations and investments including a$24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The GLRBI will greatly expand the reach and capacity of NCREN in northeastern, north central, western and south centralNorth Carolina. The high−definition simulcast event was hosted atAsheville−Buncombe Tech Community College,Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus inKannapolis, andUNC Pembroke. The event leveraged the existing video capabilities of NCREN. These video capabilities and capacity for HD video use among NCREN connectors will greatly expand as a result of the GLRBI. "Thanks to the Recovery Act, this project is creating jobs and will support continued innovation and expanded economic and educational opportunities inNorth Carolina," saidLawrence E. Strickling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). MCNC received federal approval to begin GLRBI phase 2 construction in late June. Since that time, MCNC has mobilized efforts and worked to finalize all necessary permits and materials to begin construction. The Round 2 project is three−times the size of MCNC's BTOP Round 1 project. Those areas of construction for Round 2 include 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure through 79 counties inNorth Carolina. Sixty−nine of these counties include significant areas that meet the federal definition of "underserved" for access to affordable broadband services. The total second phase project cost of$104 million was funded by two sources. The first was a federal BTOP grant of$75.75 million awarded inAugust 2010 through the NTIA. The BTOP investment was matched by$28.25 million in private donations including the$24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The total investment for both Round 1 and Round 2 of the broadband infrastructure build is$144 million and includes an investment of$8 million in funds from the MCNC endowment that was used as matching funds for the Round 1 project. This level of investment represents one of the largest in broadband infrastructure inNorth Carolina history. The majority of the project funds have been spent with private−sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. No direct funding from theState of North Carolina was required, and MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. "MCNC is excited to begin the second phase of buildingNorth Carolina's highway to the future. We want to thank our state and federal leaders for their continued support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative," saidJoe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC. "Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one−time event. The GLRBI expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. It will impact all facilities and institutions connected to NCREN. It will 1

broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library searching to find a job." To date, MCNC has awarded contracts for Round 2 to the following firms: CommScope for fiber−optic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley−Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. All construction is to be complete by 2013. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non−profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughoutNorth Carolina's K−20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research, and collaboration amongNorth Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of theUniversity of North Carolina System,Duke University andWake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visitwww.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non−profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K−12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions acrossNorth Carolina. MCNC offers NCREN technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future−proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts inNorth Carolina, the NCREN user−community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 19 North Carolina Charter Schools, 27 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non−Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About The Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transformNorth Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one−half ofNorth Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco−dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,110 grants worth over$511 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visitwww.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative MCNC currently is working on a$144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) scheduled to be completed by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband 2

Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling$104 million. In addition, MCNC raised$40 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included$24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation,$8 million from the MCNC Endowment,$4 million from private−sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated$4 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from theState of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are −part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office ofNorth Carolina GovernorBev Perdue, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e−NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private−sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. Online Resources For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visitMCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. You also can follow the progress of the GLRBI atwww.twitter.com/GLRBI orwww.facebook.com/GLRBI. Questions? Please see ourFAQ section regarding Round 2 construction questions, orcontact us for more details. Editorial Contact: Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 orpress@mcnc.org Keywords and Tags MCNC, NCREN, BTOP, ARRA, NTIA, Golden LEAF, GLRBI, distance learning, community anchor institutions,North Carolina, NC, RTP,Research Triangle Park, education, telehealth, telecom, broadband, Internet, web, NC events SOURCE MCNC (c) Copyright 2011 FinancialContent Services, Inc. Highlights: NC, NORTH CAROLINA, MCNC, Golden LEAF, Rural Broadband Initiative, NCREN, N.C, North Carolina, Research andEducation Network, RuralBroadband Initiative, BTOP, NorthCarolina, mcnc.org, Research and Education Network, GoldenLEAF

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The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and significant matching funds from private donations and investments including a $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The GLRBI will greatly expand the reach and capacity of NCREN in northeastern, north central, western and south central North Carolina. The high-definition simulcast event was hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and UNC Pembroke. The event leveraged the existing video capabilities of NCREN. These video capabilities and capacity for HD video use among NCREN connectors will greatly expand as a result of the GLRBI. "Thanks to the Recovery Act, this project is creating jobs and will support continued innovation and expanded economic and educational opportunities in North Carolina," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). MCNC received federal approval to begin GLRBI phase 2 construction in late June. Since that time, MCNC has mobilized efforts and worked to finalize all necessary permits and materials to begin construction. The Round 2 project is three-times the size of MCNC's BTOP Round 1 project. Those areas of construction for Round 2 include 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure through 79 counties in North Carolina. Sixty-nine of these counties include significant areas that meet the federal definition of "underserved" for access to affordable broadband services. The total second phase project cost of $104 million was funded by two sources. The first was a federal BTOP grant of $75.75 million awarded in August 2010 through the NTIA. The BTOP investment was matched by $28.25 million in private donations including the $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The total investment for both Round 1 and Round 2 of the broadband infrastructure build is $144 million and includes an investment of $8 million in funds from the MCNC endowment that was used as matching funds for the Round 1 project. This level of investment represents one of the largest in broadband infrastructure in North Carolina history. The majority of the project funds have been spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required, and MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. "MCNC is excited to begin the second phase of building North Carolina's highway to the future. We want to thank our state and federal leaders for their continued support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative," said Joe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC. "Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one-time event. The GLRBI expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. It will impact all facilities and institutions connected to NCREN. It will broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library searching to find a job." To date, MCNC has awarded contracts for Round 2 to the following firms: CommScope for fiber-optic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley-Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. All construction is to be complete by 2013. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research, and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers NCREN technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is

http://www.wect.com/story/15257168/mcnc-begins-round-2-of-golden-leaf-rural-broadband-initiative

8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative - WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and ...

Page 2 of 3

the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 19 North Carolina Charter Schools, 27 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About The Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,110 grants worth over $511 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative MCNC currently is working on a $144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) scheduled to be completed by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $40 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $4 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are -part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. Online Resources For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. You also can follow the progress of the GLRBI at www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI. Questions? Please see our FAQ section regarding Round 2 construction questions, or contact us for more details. Editorial Contact: Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org Keywords and Tags MCNC, NCREN, BTOP, ARRA, NTIA, Golden LEAF, GLRBI, distance learning, community anchor institutions, North Carolina, NC, RTP, Research Triangle Park, education, telehealth, telecom, broadband, Internet, web, NC events ÂŠ2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

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8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative - WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and ...

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http://www.wect.com/story/15257168/mcnc-begins-round-2-of-golden-leaf-rural-broadband-initiative

8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative - WCWG 20 - Greensboro CW |

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Information contained on this page is provided by companies via press release distributed through PR Newswire, an independent third-party content provider. PR Newswire, WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. SOURCE MCNC Historic event showcases NCREN's capabilities with virtual groundbreaking in four locations KANNAPOLIS, N.C., Aug. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- MCNC, the private, not-for-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), hosted a Statewide Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony today in four locations throughout the state to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and significant matching funds from private donations and investments including a $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The GLRBI will greatly expand the reach and capacity of NCREN in northeastern, north central, western and south central North Carolina.

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The high-definition simulcast event was hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and UNC Pembroke. The event leveraged the existing video capabilities of NCREN. These video capabilities and capacity for HD video use among NCREN connectors will greatly expand as a result of the GLRBI.

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"Thanks to the Recovery Act, this project is creating jobs and will support continued innovation and expanded economic and educational opportunities in North Carolina," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). MCNC received federal approval to begin GLRBI phase 2 construction in late June. Since that time, MCNC has mobilized efforts and worked to finalize all necessary permits and materials to begin construction. The Round 2 project is three-times the size of MCNC's BTOP Round 1 project. Those areas of construction for Round 2 include 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure through 79 counties in North Carolina. Sixty-nine of these counties include significant areas that meet the federal definition of "underserved" for access to affordable broadband services. The total second phase project cost of $104 million was funded by two sources. The first was a federal BTOP grant of $75.75 million awarded in August 2010 through the NTIA. The BTOP investment was matched by $28.25 million in private donations including the $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The total investment for both Round 1 and Round 2 of the broadband infrastructure build is $144 million and includes an investment of $8 million in funds from the MCNC endowment that was used as matching funds for the Round 1 project. This level of investment represents one of the largest in broadband infrastructure in North Carolina history. The majority of the project funds have been spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required, and MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. "MCNC is excited to begin the second phase of building North Carolina's highway to the future. We want to thank our state and federal leaders for their continued support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative," said Joe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC. "Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one-time event. The GLRBI expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. It will impact all facilities and institutions connected to NCREN. It will broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library searching to find a job." To date, MCNC has awarded contracts for Round 2 to the following firms: CommScope for fiber-optic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley-Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. All construction is to be complete by 2013. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research, and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers NCREN technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 19 North Carolina Charter Schools, 27 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About The Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,110 grants worth over $511 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404.

http://www.wcwg20.com/story/15257168/mcnc-begins-round-2-of-golden-leaf-rural-broadband-initiative

8/15/2011

MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative - WCWG 20 - Greensboro CW |

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About Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative MCNC currently is working on a $144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) scheduled to be completed by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $40 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $4 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are -part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. Online Resources For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online. You also can follow the progress of the GLRBI at www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI. Questions? Please see our FAQ section regarding Round 2 construction questions, or contact us for more details. Editorial Contact: Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org Keywords and Tags MCNC, NCREN, BTOP, ARRA, NTIA, Golden LEAF, GLRBI, distance learning, community anchor institutions, North Carolina, NC, RTP, Research Triangle Park, education, telehealth, telecom, broadband, Internet, web, NC events ÂŠ2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.wcwg20.com/story/15257168/mcnc-begins-round-2-of-golden-leaf-rural-broadband-initiative

8/15/2011

SOURCE: Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area (Greensboro,NC) AUDIENCE: 1,494,638 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 08−12−2011 HEADLINE: MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Source Website MCNC begins Round 2 of Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative PR Newswire KANNAPOLIS, N.C., Aug. 12, 2011 Historic event showcases NCREN's capabilities with virtual groundbreaking in four locations KANNAPOLIS, N.C.,Aug. 12, 2011/PRNewswire−USNewswire/ −−MCNC, the private, not−for−profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), hosted a Statewide Virtual Groundbreaking Ceremony today in four locations throughout the state to highlight the start of construction on Round 2 of the of the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and significant matching funds from private donations and investments including a $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The GLRBI will greatly expand the reach and capacity of NCREN in northeastern, north central, western and south central North Carolina. The high−definition simulcast event was hosted at Asheville−Buncombe Tech Community College,Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and UNC Pembroke. The event leveraged the existing video capabilities of NCREN. These video capabilities and capacity for HD video use among NCREN connectors will greatly expand as a result of the GLRBI. "Thanks to the Recovery Act, this project is creating jobs and will support continued innovation and expanded economic and educational opportunities in North Carolina," said Lawrence E. Strickling, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). MCNC received federal approval to begin GLRBI phase 2 construction in late June. Since that time, MCNC has mobilized efforts and worked to finalize all necessary permits and materials to begin construction. The Round 2 project is three−times the size of MCNC's BTOP Round 1 project. Those areas of construction for Round 2 include 1,200 miles of broadband infrastructure through 79 counties in North Carolina. Sixty−nine of these counties include significant areas that meet the federal definition of "underserved" for access to affordable broadband services. The total second phase project cost of $104 million was funded by two sources. The first was a federal BTOP grant of $75.75 million awarded in August 2010 through the NTIA. The BTOP investment was matched by $28.25 million in private donations including the $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The total investment for both Round 1 and Round 2 of the broadband infrastructure build is $144 million and includes an investment of $8 million in funds from the MCNC endowment that was used as matching funds for the Round 1 project. This level of investment represents one of the largest in broadband infrastructure in North Carolina history. The majority of the project funds have been spent with private−sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required, and MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state.

"MCNC is excited to begin the second phase of building North Carolina's highway to the future. We want to thank our state and federal leaders for their continued support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative," said Joe Freddoso, president and CEO of MCNC. "Today, we can link several sites via HD video for a one−time event. The GLRBI expansion, when complete, will allow us to host hundreds of these sessions simultaneously across the state. It will impact all facilities and institutions connected to NCREN. It will broaden the way teachers teach, students learn, doctors provide care, and for citizens at a local library searching to find a job." To date, MCNC has awarded contracts for Round 2 to the following firms: CommScope for fiber−optic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley−Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. All construction is to be complete by 2013. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non−profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K−20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research, and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System,Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non−profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K−12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers NCREN technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future−proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user−community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 19 North Carolina Charter Schools, 27 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non−Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About The Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one−half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco−dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,110 grants worth over $511 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative MCNC currently is working on a $144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education 2

Network (NCREN) scheduled to be completed by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $40 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation,$8 million from the MCNC Endowment,$4 million from private−sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $4 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are −part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e−NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private−sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. Online Resources MCNC's BTOP Central Web Space online.www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI.FAQ section regarding Round 2 construction questions, or contact us for more details. Editorial Contact:Noah Garrett, NGC Communications, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org Keywords and Tags MCNC, NCREN, BTOP, ARRA, NTIA, Golden LEAF, GLRBI, distance learning, community anchor institutions,North Carolina, NC, RTP,Research Triangle Park, education, telehealth, telecom, broadband, Internet, web, NC events Source: MCNC The information on this page is provided by PR Newswire. All rights reserved. (c) 2011 American City Business Journals, Inc.and its licensors. All rights reserved. Highlights: NC, NORTH CAROLINA, North_Carolina, MCNC, Golden LEAF, Rural Broadband Initiative, N.C, NCREN, North Carolina, Research and Education Network, Rural Broadband Initiative, BTOP, North Carolina, mcnc.org, Research and Education Network, Golden LEAF

N.C. broadband initiative kicks off new, $104 million phase

NorthCarolinaDaily.com

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N.C. broadband initiative kicks off new, $104 million phase North Carolina Daily Friday 12th August, 2011 (Source: Charlotte

Business Journal)

The Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative has launched a $104 million, second phase of its project to increase access to broadband service in North Carolina's rural communities. The effort kicked off Friday with "virtual ground breaking" events held simultaneously at four locations across the state, including the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapoli... ... Read the full story at Charlotte

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http://story.northcarolinadaily.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/a6c0447118ba14fb/id/47695675/

8/15/2011

SOURCE: Hickory (NC) Daily Record AUDIENCE: 42,488 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 08−15−2011 HEADLINE: Leaders celebrate broadband expansion with 'virtual groundbreaking' Source Website

Leaders celebrate broadband expansion with 'virtual groundbreaking' Next Image A groundbreaking ceremony during an announcement of the second phase of a rural broadband initiative partially funded by federal stimulus money.Credit: Photos by James Nix David Murdock talks with Senator Kay Hagan at the North Carolina Research Campus during an announcement of the second phase of a rural broadband initiative partially funded by federal stimulus money.Credit: Photos by James Nix 1 By:Ben McNeely Published: August 13, 2011 KANNAPOLIS, N.C. −− Rural broadband access got a jump−start at the N.C. Research Campus Friday. Elected leaders held a "virtual ground−breaking " on the second phase of a massive statewide project to bring broadband access to rural areas in the state. The $105 million project " with $75 million coming from federal stimulus money " will install about 1,650 miles of new broadband fiber cable through rural counties. This will increase access and boost speeds up to 1 gigabit of information a second, said Lawrence Strickling,assistant secretary for the U.S. Commerce Department. But for legislators on the state and federal level, the message was clear: This program expansion will help create jobs, connect schools and universities and expand the broadband infrastructure to people where they need it. "Far too many people lack the 21st Century tools to compete in the global economy, " said Sen. Kay Hagan. "Rural areas were hit hard in the economic downturn. " The other $24 million to pay for the project is a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation, through its Rural Broadband Initiative. "The world we live in today depends on more and more connections, "Hagan said. The N.C. Research Campus will be a new hub in this broadband network, allowing scientists at the Core Research Laboratory to share information throughout the state and world at speeds faster than regular broadband.

Joe Freddoso,chief executive of MCNC, the non−profit leading the rural broadband project, said the project would affect research and development, education and health care. While this network is primarily for institutional customers " schools, colleges, hospitals " MCNC is talking with private industry partners to help distribute broadband access to residences,Freddoso said. "We (TM)re bringing the highway of the future to North Carolina, " he said. Contact online editor Ben McNeely: 704−789−9131 Highlights: NC, NORTH CAROLINA, nc, rural broadband initiative, North Carolina, rural broadband initiative, N.C, Golden LEAF, Rural Broadband Initiative, MCNC

Boost given to rural NC broadband expansion

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Boost given to rural NC broadband expansion By Business Journal Staff

August 19, 2011

The Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative held a “virtual groundbreaking” August 12 to launch the $104 million second phase of its project to increase broadband Internet access in rural North Carolina.

Industry News:

The high-definition simulcast event was hosted at Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College, Elizabeth City State University, the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, and UNC Pembroke. The GLRBI is funded through grants from U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and significant matching funds from private donations and investments, including a $24 million investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation. In total, the initiative will invest $144 million in broadband services for rural communities. It will add 1,620 miles of fiber-optic cable in 79 of the state’s 100 counties. All work on the project is expected to be completed by 2013. “This investment lays the groundwork for sustainable long-term growth,” said Lawrence Strickling, administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “Broadband is the platform for bringing jobs of the future to North Carolina.” To date, contracts awarded for the second phase of the project have gone to CommScope for fiber-optic cable and materials; Edwards Telecommunications, Fiber Technologies, and Globe Communications for construction and fiber installation, and Kimley-Horn & Associates for engineering design, project planning, and related services. You can follow the progress of the GLRBI at www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI.

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