Hopefully, I have been able to get your attention with that (not so) subtle title. What is the Hub, you ask? The Broadband Opportunity Hub on NTCA’s website is going to be your one-stop shop for the most important information on broadband infrastructure funding available for NTCA members at NTCA.org/Opportunity. With so much going on and so much critical information to keep track of, we wanted to create a place where our membership can come to find the latest scoop, key developments, and other items you and your team should be aware of. By understanding what states and federal agencies will require to compete for funding, NTCA members can better leverage their experiences and commitment to connecting rural Americans and stand out among the many applicants that will be seeking funding in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
For example, what is happening in each state and why does it matter? You’ll be able to access the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program state/territory tracker we have partnered with ACA Connects to create for the latest regulatory updates as states begin to make their plans for awarding broadband funding. This real-time tool will allow folks to see what states across the country are doing and get a sense of trends and opportunities as awards are made.
As so much more of the work and educational process flows to the states and localities, it will also be critical to put tools in our members’ hands to educate this crop of leaders who have never had to delve deeply into broadband policy in the past. That is why we are developing the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook with the Fiber Broadband Association. This tool will be an asset for promoting and building future-proof networks at the state and local level, and I am hoping to see many downloads as you all utilize this with your local and state officials.
Webcasts and other informational discussions? We’ve got you covered there as well. Register and view the latest infrastructure webinars from NTCA as well as from federal agencies. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have certainly ramped up their informational sessions.
And finally, follow NTCA’s continued advocacy on infrastructure and prepare your company to make a competitive case for funding.
This moment is big enough that NTCA knew partnerships with our colleagues at ACA Connects and the Fiber Broadband Association were the right way to put the best tools together for our members and that if our collaboration was important on that front, collaboration might be another code word as our industry moves forward!
