RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK- The North Carolina Next Generation Network began convening in the summer of 2012. The organization’s primary function was to determine how to stimulate the deployment of next generation broadband networks in North Carolina—namely, high-speed fiber-optic gigabit broadband networks—and make it accessible and affordable to all citizens and residents.

As WRAL TechWire reports today, the organization’s networks are picking up steam.

On February 1, 2013, NCNGN, through the Triangle J Council of Governments, issued a Request for Proposals to spur private companies to build and operate the desired networks.

On April 8th, 2014, the steering committee unanimously approved a resolution recommending that its members seek authorization to enter master network development agreements with AT&T. Since then, AT&T has been actively installing fiber optic cable and other equipment in the NCNGN communities, and are now offering their GigaPower services in select areas.

NCNGN continues to work with AT&T and other gigabit service providers throughout the North Carolina Triangle and Triad regions to expose the potential of gigabit speeds and to encourage development of software applications that leverage high speed communications.

NCNGN is a one of 15 nationally recognized organizations that are part of US Ignite’s Smart Gigabit Communities—which is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

Who are NCNGN Stakeholders?

  • Town of Carrboro

  • Town of Cary

  • Town of Chapel Hill

  • City of Durham

  • City of Raleigh

  • City of Winston-Salem

  • UNC-Chapel Hill

  • Duke University

  • NC State University

  • Wake Forest University

  • Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center