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

White House Announces $7.3 Billion in New ERA Funding

President Biden appeared in Westby, WI, to announce the first grants through USDA’s New ERA program. Sixteen electric cooperatives serving 23 states will use a total of $7.3 billion to fund solar, wind and other clean energy projects. In his remarks, Biden praised co-ops for providing electricity to rural communities for 90 years and said government investments will result in job growth and will improve the environment.

FCC Votes to Move Ahead With 5G Fund

The FCC has adopted a Second Report and Order to move forward with the long-delayed 5G Fund, a $9 million universal service program meant to expand advanced wireless services to rural areas. The Commission originally drafted rules for a 5G Fund reverse auction in 2020. However, it delayed implementation as it improved the accuracy of supporting data in the National Broadband Map. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that there is no longer reason to delay the program further.

Sixth Circuit Stays FCC’s Title II Order

The Sixth Circuit Appeals Court in Cincinnati has indefinitely stayed the effects of the FCC’s April order reinstating Title II telecommunications regulation of the internet. The Court found that ISPs challenging the order were likely to win the case ultimately on the merits and that the order could cause irreparable harm to the ISPs. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel vowed to continue fighting for net neutrality rules.

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