Planning

Great results can only come from sound beginnings 

We know a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work for our members. The technology path that works for one member may not be right for another. We also know that planning is essential when making significant, often generational, technology investments.

Our Broadband Feasibility Studies, Smart Grid Technology Planning and Funding Services are customized for each member based on your realities – service area, financial situation, current infrastructure, demographics and competitive environment.

The result is a meaningful analysis that empowers you make sound decisions. Our experienced team takes the time to review options with you, make recommendations and develop a technology approach that’s best for you.

Planning also helps you see how all the pieces fit together and figure out what’s next. When you build a broadband network, how can it benefit future smart grid applications? When you deploy a mobile voice and data service, what does it mean for your broadband subscriber base?

We see the big picture, and we take the long view because we that’s what a partner should do.

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Member story

Project to Bring Broadband to Rural Vermont Wins Grants

Two grants totaling more than $16 million to support broadband construction projects. Most of the support – $15,899,089 – goes to the Communications Union District serving the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) to carry on a project connecting 45 rural towns in three counties to fiber broadband. 

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How We Help Our Members Plan Their Projects

FCC Lifts Certified Professional Engineer Requirement for BDC Filings

The FCC adopted a rule dropping the requirement for a “certified professional engineer” to certify twice-yearly data submission to the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) process. ISPs, especially rural broadband providers, found it difficult to find professional engineers for the task and the Commission has regularly waived the rule since BDC’s implementation in 2022. The replacement rule allowing a “qualified engineer“ to certify is “a more flexible approach,” said newly sworn-in Commissioner Olivia Trusty attending her first meeting (pictured).

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom: Bonnie Baty

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom is a new video series highlighting Members from across the country. This episode features Bonnie Baty of Sprout Fiber Internet.

State Broadband Offices Believe They’ll Meet New BEAD Deadlines

After a week to study the details of NTIA’s recent policy notice making changes to the $42 billion BEAD program, representatives from state broadband offices saw “a path forward” during a June 12 conference in Washington, DC. The 90-day deadline to make modifications to state BEAD plans is tight, but in some states will not require major changes, they said.

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