Originally posted in Blandin eNews
Over the past weeks, I have been privileged to participate in a number of events hosted by regional development commissions and an Initiative Foundation. Attendees have included county commissioners, town board members, legislators, tribal government staff, Internet service providers, economic developers, school technologists, bankers and residents. When we start these sessions with introductions and a “what is your broadband story?” icebreaker, the rural voice is clear. Local officials are clearly ready to partner to bring quality, ubiquitous broadband services to their residents so identifying quality provider partners is a top priority.
It is great to hear the success stories where broadband has recently been deployed or where solid plans are in place for the next 24 months. These efforts will turn their county from unserved red to well-served green on the DEED broadband maps. It is fun to hear these project champions give Blandin Foundation a measure of credit for the assistance received from either or both of Blandin’s Community Broadband Resources and Robust Network Feasibility Fund programs. Details on these programs can be found here: https://blandinfoundation.org/programs/expanding-opportunity/broadband/ Both programs help communities be better prepared to attract a private sector partner and to access state or federal broadband funding programs. We often see countywide initiatives through these programs, but the determination of the best geography is a local decision.
- Communities can receive up to 32 hours of technical assistance through the CBR program to launch broadband initiatives – community meetings, broadband inventory and assessment, community surveys, etc.
- The Feasibility Study program provides a grant of up to $25,000 to hire engineering and finance consultants to do more in-depth analysis of alternative broadband improvement strategies.
Contact us to discuss how we can help!