July 2023 Newsletter
I Date: July, 2023 I Full PDF can be downloaded here
What’s New!
BEAD Funding Announced!
Article by internetforall.gov
“…The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced how it has allocated funding to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories to deploy affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service to everyone in America. This “Internet for All” initiative is a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.
States, D.C., and territories will use funding from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to administer grant programs within their borders.
The BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used to pursue eligible access-, adoption-, and equity-related uses.
States, D.C., and territories (“Eligible Entities”) will receive their formal notice of allocation on June 30, 2023. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Eligible Entities have 180 days from the date of that formal notice to submit their Initial Proposals describing how they propose to run their grant programs. Eligible Entities can begin submitting their Initial Proposals starting July 1, 2023. Once NTIA approves an Initial Proposal, which will occur on a rolling basis, Eligible Entities will be permitted to request access to at least 20 percent of their allocated funds….'“
About Us
Who we are
ECC Technologies was incorporated in 1995 to provide technology and communications consulting services to Educational, Community, and Corporate (ECC) clients. This was at the time when the nation’s telecom- communications industry was changing drastically through deregulation.
For the past 20 years, ECC has provided technology and security consulting services to education, municipalities, government, and corporate clients.
ECC continues our mission to assist clients with the expansion of broadband and the implementation of technology and security solutions in communities to improve economic development, public safety, education, and health- care services.
Success Stories - ErieNet Business Plan & Design
ErieNet LDC Logo
Issue
Erie County recognized the need to solve their digital divide. They adopted a legislative resolution to form a local development corporation named ErieNET, to build, manage and support the county-wide OAN. They needed an experienced firm to help them through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan addressing route design, administration, marketing, and operations. Erie County determined through a competitive review of firm qualifications that ECC Technologies was the strongest team for a successful project.
Solution
ECC Technologies developed a business plan and network route design to fulfill the mandate. The business model encompassed several areas; mission statement, market analysis, route design & CAIs, construction cost and process modeling, launch services, a marketing plan for future growth, operation development, governance and responsibility allocation, financial projections, and sample operating agreements.
Outcome
ECC Technologies’ analysis and recommendations determined that the ErieNET Business Plan is an economically viable and sustainable business model. Construction and ongoing administration, sales, and operations for a 5-year launch period will be covered using federal ARP funds; and in year 6 and onward ErieNET revenues will be sustainable for a successful and profitable operation.
Erie County is currently proceeding with a 400-mile network design and construction management contract with ECC Tech to design and manage the construction of the ErieNET OAN.