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

Rural Commenters Urge FCC to Adopt Higher Broadband Benchmarks

Rural associations commenting on the FCC annual inquiry tracking broadband network access to all Americans said the time is right for the FCC to increase the minimum broadband speed benchmark from its current 100/20 Mbps. NRECA also called for the Commission to recognize a new symmetrical speed benchmark, rather than focusing on download speeds. It cited the May NRTC/NRECA Rural Broadband Benchmarking Report that most rural electric co-ops’ broadband subscribers take service faster than 475/475 Mbps.

Carr Announces Intention to Roll Back E-Rate Support for Off-Site Wi-Fi

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has circulated a draft order reversing the Commission’s 2024 order authorizing universal service funds to support off-site W-Fi access. The current policy allows students to access the internet through school bus hotspots and for libraries to “lend” home hotspots to library patrons. Carr and other critics say the Communications Act expressly limits USF Schools and Libraries support to school and library buildings.

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.

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