Good morning - below is an NRECA article on the slew of federal funds that will be available to broadband providers in 2023.  Even if your co-op is not in, or going into, the broadband business this article provides some good advise on what you could be doing now to prepare for the onslaught of pole access requests from providers that may be coming your way- this includes:

  *   Talking with the major internet providers in your area about their plans.
  *   Identifying potential resources, both internal and external, that could be utilized to handle a surge in pole attachment applications.
  *   Conducting a "pole audit" to collect the latest information on the location and condition of poles.

Here Come the Funds: Co-ops Should Get Ready for Flood of Broadband Projects
PublishedDecember 12, 2022
AuthorCathy Cash
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NRECA urges electric co-ops to get ready for a tidal wave of new broadband projects as billions of federal dollars from the infrastructure law are awarded to close the digital divide. (Photo By: Alexis Matsui/NRECA)

Unprecedented sums for rural broadband will begin flowing next year from the 2021 infrastructure law, and that means electric cooperatives-even those without plans to enter the internet business-should get ready.

"Expect a deluge of make-ready work requests and requirements from projects launched by the release of these funds, even if your co-op is not deploying broadband," said Katie Culleton, NRECA legislative affairs director for broadband issues.

The law provides about $65 billion for several rural broadband programs to deliver "internet for all" under set deadlines that have gotten tighter because of delays in the disbursal process. This is increasing the urgency for internet service providers to hit the ground running.

"So many communities have waited so long for high-speed internet access for schools, health care and to lift their economy," Culleton said. "With so much funding for rural broadband on its way, now is a good time to think about what this means for your co-op and parts of your service territory or adjacent areas that lack service."

In March, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration plans to announce the winners of its $1 billion Enabling Middle Mile Grants<https://www.cooperative.com/programs-services/government-relations/regulatory-issues/Documents/NRECA.Summary.Middle.Mile.Grant.Program.Final.06.17.2022.pdf> for closing the digital divide.

Also in the spring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin disbursing $1.15 billion for the fourth round of ReConnect<https://www.cooperative.com/news/pages/usda-to-reopen-reconnect-broadband-program.aspx>.

States and territories in the summer may begin receiving $100 million or more from the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program<https://www.cooperative.com/news/pages/nreca-broadband-leadership-summit-deep-dive-into-42-billion-bead-program.aspx> after NTIA incorporates public challenges to new broadband coverage maps<https://www.cooperative.com/news/pages/co-ops-should-file-challenges-to-fcc-broadband-maps-by-jan-13.aspx> from the Federal Communications Commission.

Culleton said co-ops may want to take certain preliminary actions, including:

  *   Talking with the major internet providers in the area about their plans.
  *   Identifying potential resources, both internal and external, that could be utilized to handle a surge in pole attachment applications.
  *   Conducting a "pole audit" to collect the latest information on the location and condition of poles.

Co-ops also should be mindful of skilled labor shortages and persistent supply chain issues that may delay materials and equipment, she said.

"We don't want to be blamed for slowing the process down by not completing make-ready work or pole replacements in a reasonable time frame," Culleton said. "No one wants an internet service provider to point to a co-op as the holdup."

Michelle Hershel
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Florida Electric Cooperatives Assoc.
2916 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL  32301
Cell:  (850) 510-1693
(850)877-6166, ext. 3

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