SKYPE HYPE: RALEIGH-BASED BANDWIDTH EXPANDS AS VIDEOCONFERENCING SKYROCKETS AMID VIRUS CRISIS.

In a time of social distancing and remote working, videoconferencing software such as Zoom, Skype and Google Meet have become household names. Raleigh-based Bandwidth, which helps develop the communications software for those applications, is reaping benefits of the industry's recent explosion.

The company says it will add 1,165 jobs over the next eight years as part of an incentives agreement with the state of North Carolina. Bandwidth, which now has more than 750 employees, is paying $30 million for a 40-acre state-owned site in west Raleigh, with plans for a 500,000-square-foot headquarters building. The land is now used for parking during the N.C. State Fair. The jobs, which will include positions in research and development, operations, sales, marketing, and administration, will have an average salary of $96,832.

"We've been scouting for ideal ground on which to cultivate our bright future," said CEO David Morken in a press release. "What a blessing to build our new headquarters in such an incredible spot in Raleigh, just minutes from Umstead State Park and with easy access to so many other parts of the Triangle."

North Carolina is providing Job Development Investment Grants of as much as $32.3 million over the next 12 years, starting in 2024. They are dependent on Bandwidth reaching job and investment targets. Bandwidth is also eligible for...