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.

Learn More About

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. 

Learn more

How We Help Our Members Plan Their Projects

Recent Changes to Environmental Law Could Loosen Permitting Rules

The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline environmental review and permitting for wireless installations as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Recent amendments to NEPA and Trump Administration policies prompted the Commission to initiate the proceeding. Permitting reform is among the actions Chairman Brendan Carr supports as part of his Build America agenda.

Congressional USF Working Group Asks for Reform Ideas

Congressional leaders are beginning to bear down on needed reforms of the FCC’s universal service fund (USF) program in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the program’s constitutionality. A recently reconvened Universal Service Working Group in Congress has opened an online portal to gather public comment on possible reforms. NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield (pictured) also says that now, during the August Congressional recess, is “the perfect time” to set up a meeting with lawmakers and urge policies to sustain USF.

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom: Shayne Ison

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom is a new video series highlighting Members from across the country. This episode features Shayne Ison of Mountain Rural.

Start the conversation about how we can help Plan your projects