I Date: September, 2023 I Full PDF can be downloaded here

What’s New!

FCC Releases New E-ACAM Broadband Funding Offers!

Article by telecompetitor.com

“…Small rural carriers have a big decision to make by Sept. 29, now that the FCC has released new broadband funding offers. The new offers are based on a higher broadband speed, as mandated in the enhanced Alternative Connect America Model (E-ACAM) order adopted earlier this summer.

Carriers must advise the FCC by the September deadline, on a state-by-state basis, whether they want to participate in the E-ACAM program and accept the new offers.

The FCC E-ACAM program, established earlier this summer, raises the deployment speed required to 100/20 Mbps and gives carriers additional time to deploy service. The offers made this week are based on a new cost model considering the higher deployment speed requirement.

The new offers were made to small rural carriers that serve high-cost areas and receive support through the Universal Service high-cost program. This group includes those carriers that participate in the existing ACAM program, as well as those that receive funding based on embedded costs

Small rural carriers had the option several years ago to continue to receive funding based on embedded costs or move to the ACAM program, which has more aggressive deployment goals. The new offers once again give carriers the option to choose the program in which they want to participate.

This week’s order and public notice about the FCC E-ACAM program can be found here…”

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 and Design

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.