The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband has launched the state’s Tech Resource Finder, a new website that provides more than 1,100 resources that help North Carolinians use the internet, find public computers and Wi-Fi, and access technical support and digital skills classes across the state.
“All North Carolinians need the resources to access high-speed internet and use it safely and effectively,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This website will help ensure that more people can be part of the growing digital economy to work, learn, access telehealth and connect with others online.”
In developing the website, the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity collected information about all organizations in North Carolina offering broadband services to help people get online and identify gaps within communities for future initiatives.
When using the new resource, users can search for local offerings by county, zip code or type of resource and can select a map view or table view. Each resource includes a description, address, website, contact information, and directions. The division is also partnering with N.C. State University’s William & Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation to keep the Tech Resource Finder’s offerings up to date.
“The internet is essential in almost every aspect of today’s world,” said state CIO and NCDIT Secretary Jim Weaver. “Our goal is to ensure that North Carolinians are aware of nearby resources available to help them get online and build their digital skillsets.”
The Division of Broadband is also working to integrate the new resource with its partnership with the United Way/NC 211. Once the integration is complete, the Tech Resource Finder offerings will be integrated into the NC 211 system, so their trained community resource specialists can connect callers to these verified community sources.
