North Carolina consumers are getting a glimpse at how much of the state has broadband Internet access and where people are stuck with slower dial-up service.

A legislative panel that has looked for ways to expand high-speed Internet access into rural areas on Thursday unveils a map showing where broadband service is available. The map should demonstrate which parts of the state lag behind for a service increasingly considered as necessary for business and education.

The broadband availability map also is a condition for landing part of the $7.4 billion in federal stimulus funds states can claim to expand the service. Lawmakers see the map as helping position the state to claim the federal funds.