I just read in Government Technology about their Community Broadband Toolkit. The toolkit is helpful to communities who want to research and create a broadband strategy in their community. It is particularly helpful for communities in Virginia as it suggests funding options that may only be available in Virginia and it may not cover issues that are prominent in other areas. (What to do in the extreme cold and mountains of snow in Minnesota for example aren’t really covered.) But it does cover a lot.
Here’s the outline of the toolkit components:
Community Tool-kit
1. What does your community need?
a. Determine what you are trying to do
b. Determine what applications are of interest
c. Identify a “champion” to carry the ball
d. Learn from what others have done
2. How do you do it?
a. Determine Demand
b. Inventory assets
c. Determine existing broadband services
d. Determine the type of technology
e. Issue RFP/RFI or initiate PPEA
f. Collect responses and evaluate options for structuring the deal
g. Initiate negotiations/contract
3. Business Case Analysis
a. Reallocate existing telecom “spend”
b. Calculate “in-kind” contributions
4. How do you pay for it?
a. Use “Buy-Down Worksheet” to develop/experiment with models
b. Leverage federal funds already in play
c. Evaluate grant opportunities
d. Contact the Virginia Resource Authority to find out how to leverage VRA programs and funding(.pdf) or other funding options