The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has published a handbook on building public broadband networks. The resource provides guidance regarding the decision-making process for planning a public broadband network as well as important steps that should be considered.
This is a valuable resource for E-rate applicants who want to explore the possibility of creating their own networks. It can help them navigate the complex and dynamic landscape of broadband policy, technology, and finance.
Since Funding Year 2016, a total of 1,155 applicants have requested $488,949,081.28 for self-provisioned fiber networks.
E-rate applicants that choose to self-provision their own network or lease dark fiber or lit fiber from a provider, or a combination of both, can use this handbook help them evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these options, as well as the technical and operational aspects. The handbook also provides examples of successful public broadband networks that have leveraged E-rate funding, such as Chattanooga, Tennessee; Longmont, Colorado; and Wilson, North Carolina.
More information is available on the Benton Institute website: here
Additional E-rate applicant trends can be viewed here.
