e-NC/ e-Harnett County is the grassroots initiative to link all North Carolinians - especially those in rural areas - to the Internet.

The purpose of the e-NC/ e-Harnett County initiative is to use the Internet as a tool for helping people to improve their quality of life.

Affordable Internet service will provide North Carolinians with increased access to commerce, health care, education and government services. Through the Internet, rural North Carolinians can utilize resources not located in their areas, contact friends and experts, grow their businesses and increase their personal knowledge - while preserving the lifestyle that is an integral part of who they are.

By encouraging North Carolinians to use the Internet and providing opportunities for them to gain new skills, e-NC/ e-Harnett County is building connected communities and a more economically competitive state. Increased ties between citizens and neighbors, between rural and developed areas and between businesses and communities will help prepare North Carolina for a brighter, more prosperous future.

The Rural Internet Access Authority (RIAA) is leading the e-NC / e-Harnett County initiative. The Authority was created on August 2, 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly and began operation in January 2001. The General Assembly and the Governor appoint its members. e-NC/ e-Harnett County operates with support from a coalition that includes the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, the legislature and state government, the telecommunications industry, non-profit organizations and individuals.