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

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.

FCC Measuring How Long State/Local Permitting Delays Broadband Projects

The FCC today launched a Notice of Inquiry to explore possible preemption of state and local regulations that potentially delay the buildout of wireline broadband infrastructure. The NOI asks whether states or localities are placing unreasonable regulations or regulatory fees network construction. The Commission cited past similar actions under Section 253 of the Commissions Act, including the 2018 Small Cell Order.

Precision Ag Overlay to National Broadband Map a Tough Task, But Might Be Worth It 

Recently proposed legislation would direct the FCC to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to overlay data identifying “agricultural areas” on the Commission's National Broadband Map. The map could be useful to farmers, ISPs and policymakers planning future precision agriculture deployments. But there could be significant and costly barriers to building the map. NRTC’s Bailey White, who has extensive experience mapping communications networks in rural areas, offers his opinions on the challenges and how to move forward.

Start the conversation about how we can help Plan your projects