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 Mobile Carriers Say 5G Fund Reverse Auction Might as Well Wait

There is too much uncertainty surrounding the FCC’s plans to hold a 5G Fund reverse auction, says a group of mobile voice and data carriers. The group filed a petition for reconsideration of an August 2024 FCC order, asking to delay any announcement of an auction date. The petition points to inadequate mapping coverage data and uncertainty about the future of the universal service program. Newly designated FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, as a commissioner, voiced similar concerns in August.

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down FCC’s Title II Order

The FCC’s April 2024 order reclassifying internet as a Title II telecommunications service barely survived the old year. Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati started 2025 by striking down the order, claiming that the plain text of the Communications Act does not give the Commission authority to regulate internet providers as telecommunications companies. Incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised the decision, while current Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to amend the Communications Act to include “net neutrality.”
Alternative Energy charges an electric vehicle

Broadband the Basis for Interagency Information Sharing

Four members of Congress encourage coordination between EV charging and broadband infrastructure programs.

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