JSI’s Regulatory Services:
Helping You Apply for the Future
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes a total of $7.2 billion for broadband deployment funding in two different programs: NTIA grants and a combination of RUS loans and grants. By providing the funding to build a truly ubiquitous broadband network, the ARRA is a significant opportunity to enhance the lives and economic well-being of rural Americans and their communities. To be successful, however, JSI clients must develop and execute a winning strategy, craft a grant application that meets all eligibility parameters, and communicate the appropriate message.
To respond effectively, JSI clients need to: develop a business case; obtain demographics of the area that will be served; explore partnership opportunities with schools, libraries, hospitals, and other “anchor” institutions; develop maps showing unserved and underserved rural areas; and ensure that the project meets relevant criteria, such as being “shovel-ready” and creating jobs. In addition to offering funding opportunities, the ARRA seeks critical data from existing broadband providers. Filing responses to applications allows providers to challenge claims of unserved or underserved status. JSI’s work with clients developing such responses includes: guidance on obtaining detailed data, using the program’s online mapping tool, and drafting narratives that best demonstrate a client’s current and future broadband deployment in the proposed areas. JSI advocates on behalf of clients with NTIA and RUS and has filed comments urging the agencies to revise policies that have impeded clients in the application process. Across the entire broadband initiative, JSI works tirelessly to promote clients’ interests and to develop plans and strategies worthy of broadband dollars.
With all that’s at stake, speed will no doubt play a pivotal role in the initiative. If you hope to take advantage of the federal broadband dollars, the clock’s ticking on your business plan and application strategy. And that’s another fast track where JSI offers clients opportunities for an innovative and effective speed-to-market choice.
For more information about how JSI’s Regulatory Services can help, contact John Kuykendall (jkuykendall@jsitel.com) in JSI’s Maryland office,at 301-459-7590.
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