Officials said to allocate the funding effectively, they'll need more-accurate data.

Officials said the funding will connect more households to the internet, but challenges remain in finding accurate coverage data and workable urban solutions.

Jeff Sural, who's led the office since its 2015 founding, has been hired as a broadband adviser at the U.S. Treasury Department.

Satellite internet systems could be a cheaper solution to the digital divide, particularly in rural states, top technology officials said.

The new office will be led by Jeremy Collins, the state’s director of innovative connectivity.

Thompson, who stepped down from state government June 4, is now a lead cybersecurity adviser to Amazon Web Services' state and local clients.

Cisco executives said a new Rural Broadband Center will showcase technologies designed to reduce internet providers' costs of expanding service.

Maria Thompson, who had been North Carolina's chief risk officer since 2015, has taken a role in the private sector, state officials said.

The North Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that promises $750 million in funding for broadband expansion.