Recent Posts
CTC congratulates Delaware and Nevada on publishing BEAD Final Proposals
Delaware and Nevada both recently announced their awards for broadband infrastructure deployment under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Administered by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, BEAD is a $42.45 billion program intended to connect the 25 million Americans who lack …
READ MOREThe Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program application window is open for local governments and nonprofits
The wait is over: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) opened the application window for the first round of the much-anticipated $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which will award funds to local governments and other eligible entities to complement the state-level efforts funded …
READ MOREA local digital equity plan is the key to preparing your community for funding opportunities
A local digital equity plan is the key to preparing localities to capitalize on significant federal and state grant opportunities: Every state broadband office has applied for a Digital Equity Capacity Grant in recent months. As of this writing, only Nevada’s application has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information …
READ MOREBusiness Oregon Announces Partnership to Advance Oregon Broadband
Business Oregon announces its contract with Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, dba CTC Technology and Energy, as the planning consultant for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and Digital Equity (DE) programs for the Oregon Broadband Office (OBO). Together, CTC and OBO staff, with input from the Oregon Broadband Advisory …
READ MORECongratulations to Moline, IL, for entering an agreement that will bring fiber broadband competition to residents with no financial subsidy from the city
David Talbot, Director of Research Services CTC congratulates the City of Moline, IL, on its December 13 City Council vote to enter into a fiber broadband development agreement with Metronet. The company will now construct a fiber optic network throughout the city and deliver up to 10 Gbps internet service to …
READ MOREArchives
2024
CTC congratulates Delaware and Nevada on publishing BEAD Final Proposals
Delaware and Nevada both recently announced their awards for broadband infrastructure deployment under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Administered by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, BEAD is a $42.45 billion program intended to connect the 25 million Americans who lack …
READ MOREThe Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program application window is open for local governments and nonprofits
The wait is over: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) opened the application window for the first round of the much-anticipated $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which will award funds to local governments and other eligible entities to complement the state-level efforts funded …
READ MOREA local digital equity plan is the key to preparing your community for funding opportunities
A local digital equity plan is the key to preparing localities to capitalize on significant federal and state grant opportunities: Every state broadband office has applied for a Digital Equity Capacity Grant in recent months. As of this writing, only Nevada’s application has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information …
READ MORE2023
Business Oregon Announces Partnership to Advance Oregon Broadband
Business Oregon announces its contract with Columbia Telecommunications Corporation, dba CTC Technology and Energy, as the planning consultant for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and Digital Equity (DE) programs for the Oregon Broadband Office (OBO). Together, CTC and OBO staff, with input from the Oregon Broadband Advisory …
READ MORE2022
Congratulations to Moline, IL, for entering an agreement that will bring fiber broadband competition to residents with no financial subsidy from the city
David Talbot, Director of Research Services CTC congratulates the City of Moline, IL, on its December 13 City Council vote to enter into a fiber broadband development agreement with Metronet. The company will now construct a fiber optic network throughout the city and deliver up to 10 Gbps internet service to …
READ MOREChallenging the FCC broadband map: Guidance to local governments
Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, VP for Broadband Strategy CTC Technology & Energy The FCC will be accepting challenges to the address-level service availability data in the pre-production National Broadband Map through January 13, 2023. While challenges can continue beyond the January 13th deadline, that’s the date on which challenges are expected to end for …
READ MOREHow to prepare for an application to the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program
Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, VP for Broadband Strategy Heather Mills, VP for Grant & Funding Strategies CTC Technology & Energy Recognizing that cost can be a barrier to subscribing to broadband services, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to subsidize subscriptions for low-income residents.[1] To increase enrollment in the program, a new FCC-administered Affordable …
READ MORECTC Named to Top 100 Companies List
Broadband Communities Magazine has named CTC Technology and Energy to its annual Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 List of companies. The list recognizes leading companies within the broadband community helping to build “a fiber-connected world.” This is CTC’s fourteenth time on this list.
READ MOREWhy the FCC rejecting funding for two of the biggest RDOF winners may be great news for your community
Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, VP for Broadband Strategy CTC Technology & Energy With the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rejection of broadband funding for two of the biggest winners in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction, more communities with areas currently unserved by broadband now have the opportunity to finally get future-proof fiber with …
READ MOREStates will play a key coordinating role for applications to NTIA’s Middle Mile Infrastructure Grant Program
NTIA’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is out for the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. Applications are due by September 30, 2022—but if you are an eligible non-State or non-Tribal Government applicant, you may have less time than you think to craft a winning grant application. That’s because the …
READ MOREBEAD and Digital Equity NOFOs put states in charge of broadband funding allocations—but local governments have a role
NTIA’s Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) are out for the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program and the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program[1]—and the rules indicate that state governments will decide how to allocate the funding (within certain parameters). Local governments should engage with their state decision-makers during …
READ MOREUnderstanding the ReConnect Challenge Process
With the March 9, 2022, application deadline recently passed, it is time to begin planning for the next step in the ReConnect grant and loan program: the challenge process. The ReConnect challenge process is one way the program’s administrator, the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS), will seek to ensure that …
READ MOREWebinar: Public-Private Partnerships for Broadband
In this webinar, CTC President Joanne Hovis, Communications Workers of America Legislative & Political State Coordinator and Local President for Louisiana Matt Wood, Greendale Indiana Mayor Allen Weiss, and AT&T President of Broadband Access and Adoption Initiatives Jeff Luong discuss public-private partnerships for the deployment of broadband. The publication, "The Era …
READ MORE2021
Mason County and the City of Maysville, KY, Issue Broadband RFP
Mason County and the City of Maysville, KY (the City/County) seek a partner to review the current status of broadband availability in the community; plan for the construction of an expanded network to address underserved, unserved, and unreliably served areas; and construct and operate the broadband infrastructure. The City/County seek to …
READ MOREReConnect Round 3 scoring rules are the key to planning a competitive application: What you need to know
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies If you’ve glanced at the scoring metrics for USDA’s ReConnect Round 3, a few big changes probably jumped out at you. Most notably, the eligibility requirements related to available speeds have changed in a very forward-thinking and game-changing way (all hail 100/20!). Areas …
READ MOREUSDA’s new ReConnect broadband grant rules dramatically expand eligible areas and effectively redefine broadband
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies With the October 25 release of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made important changes for Round 3 of its Rural eConnectivity Program (commonly known as ReConnect). Significant new scoring considerations include a preference for local governments The …
READ MORENTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Is a Broadband Funding Opportunity for Local Governments and Minority Serving Institutions
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding StrategiesLydia Weinberger, Civic Technology Analyst …
READ MOREStates and Localities Have Updated Guidance for Treasury’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Funds
By Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies The Treasury Department released new guidance on its long-awaited, $10 billion Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund program—an extremely flexible opportunity that will deliver funds to each eligible state, territory, and tribal entity. State governments will now work with Treasury to receive their allocations—so …
READ MOREIthaca Area Economic Development Issues Broadband Connectivity RFP
Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), working closely with Cayuga Data Juice, has released an RFP seeking a qualified partner to design, build, and operate a middle mile fiber optic network for use by Ithaca-area companies, internet service providers, and other stakeholders. As communities in New York seek to modernize their economies, …
READ MORENew Federal Grant Opportunity for Broadband Economic Development Projects: $500 Million in New Funding with Applications Due Early in 2022
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding StrategiesLydia Weinberger, Civic Technology Analyst A promising federal grant program has new funding and creates the potential for securing broadband funding to support economic development. The American Rescue Plan Act added $500 million in funding to the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program run by …
READ MORENew Opportunities from the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband to Connect Your Community to the Internet
Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, CGEIT, V.P. for Broadband StrategyBarbara Fichman, Principal Analyst and ResearcherTaylor Brown, MSW, Civic Technology Analyst If you are looking to expand your community’s internet access in Maryland, you need to prepare for the funding opportunities created by the Digital Connectivity Act of 2021 (the Act)[1] and the Office of …
READ MOREA Deep Dive into the Scoring Metrics of the NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program
Heather D. Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies On May 19, 2021, the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) released rules for the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP). The highly anticipated rules contained a few surprises (a recommended, but voluntary 10 percent match) and at least a few non-surprises (RDOF areas are not …
READ MOREWhere to Draw the Line: Guidance on Proposals for NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program
Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, CGEIT, V.P. for Broadband Strategy If you’re like us, you might be confused about what the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) accepts as service coverage data for their new Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP). In BIP’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), NTIA states the following: The term “eligible service area” …
READ MOREWeighing Your Options: An Analysis of Recent Federal Broadband Funding
By Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, CGEIT, V.P. for Broadband Strategy If you are like many of our friends right now, you may be unsure about which federal funds to target for broadband expansion. Some of you may consider going after the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF), authorized in the American …
READ MOREPutting State Broadband Funds to Work: Best Practices In State Rural Broadband Grant Programs
Joanne Hovis, PresidentRyland Sherman, Senior Research AssociateJacob Levin, Senior Analyst After a year of pandemic and crisis, the scale of our national digital divide is at last recognized by policymakers at all levels, with federal, state, and local governments making unprecedented commitments to narrow the divide. While most of the funds to address …
READ MOREFirst Take on NTIA’s Newest Broadband Grant Program
Heather D. Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding StrategiesZiggy Rivkin-Fish, CGEIT, V.P. for Broadband Strategy The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) on May 19, 2021, for the Broadband Infrastructure Program—what the Consolidated Appropriations Act referred to as the Promote Broadband Expansion Grant Program. …
READ MOREGreendale, IN Issues Broadband RFP
The City of Greendale, Indiana, has released an RFP to identify an entity to plan, construct, and operate middle-mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure. This infrastructure will be used to deliver broadband services to the City's currently unserved or underserved areas.City leaders regard broadband as foundational to the City's vitality. The …
READ MOREInitial Guidance and Analysis: Treasury Announces Preliminary Guidance for Broadband Projects Funded by the $350B Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Heather D. Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, V.P. for Broadband Strategy The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released interim final rules for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program.[1] Established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), this program will provide $350 …
READ MOREInitial Guidance and Analysis: Treasury Issues First Details on $10B Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund
Heather D. Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding StrategiesZiggy Rivkin-Fish, V.P. for Broadband Strategy The Treasury Department has released initial information regarding pending rules and regulations for the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) $10 billion Coronavirus Capital Projects grant fund…and it’s clear now is the time to get organized if you …
READ MOREThe Internet Society Releases a Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities
CTC is proud to have supported the Internet Society—a global nonprofit that advocates for a strong internet and global internet growth—in its development of a Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the United States. The impetus for this funding guide grew out of recommendations developed at the Internet Society’s 2019 …
READ MOREDeveloping a Grant Strategy in an Evolving Funding Landscape
By Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, CGEIT, VP for Broadband Strategy Are you trying to get more secure footing in a shifting broadband landscape? You’re not alone. Between existing and potential funding programs, it’s very challenging to plan in the current moment. For example, as we discussed in a previous paper, the results of the …
READ MOREBroadband Funding Webinar: CTC's Heather Mills Joins the Broadband Bunch Podcast to Discuss New Federal Funding Opportunities
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will distribute more than $2 billion in new broadband funding through three new programs created by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act…and that’s just the start of the new funding opportunities coming our way. If …
READ MOREScott County, KY Issues Broadband RFP
Scott County, Kentucky, released an RFP to identify private sector entities interested in providing an analysis of the current availability of broadband services in the County and formulating a plan outlining the design, construction, and operation of a broadband services network to unserved and underserved areas in Scott County. …
READ MOREFour Strategic Steps Your Community Can Take Now to Prepare for NTIA’s New Broadband Grant Programs
By Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant and Funding Strategies The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will distribute more than $2 billion in new broadband grant funding through three new programs created by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. (Read more about the programs here.) If your community or institution will be eligible …
READ MOREAmerican Rescue Plan Commits Billions to Broadband
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law on March 11, 2021. Included in the $1.9 trillion package is significant funding that can be used to support expansion of broadband infrastructure. We’ll provide updates and analysis in this space as we learn …
READ MOREState of Georgia Publishes CTC’s Analysis of Fixed Wireless Options for Delivering Broadband to Unserved Residents
CTC is proud to announce the State of Georgia’s publication of our groundbreaking analysis of fixed wireless options for reaching residents and students unserved by broadband. At the direction of the Governor, CTC prepared the study in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education and Department of Community Affairs, the …
READ MOREScott County, KY, Issues Broadband RFI and Q&A
Scott County, Kentucky, released an RFI in late January 2021 to identify private sector entities interested in collaborating with the County to expand broadband to unserved homes and businesses. While parts of Scott County currently are served, residents in many areas cannot access internet service at broadband speeds. A speed …
READ MOREAppropriations Act Delivers Largest Federal Broadband Grant Opportunity in a Decade
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst The Consolidated Appropriations Act that became law in late December 2020 created the largest federal broadband grant opportunity in a decade. Because the funding is intended to alleviate the economic and other challenges created by the pandemic, the funds …
READ MOREThe FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Will Subsidize Low-Income Americans’ Broadband Bills
By Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst Among the many broadband funding streams included in the federal appropriations package that became law in late December, the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will have the most immediate impact on the digital divide—and could help families in …
READ MORELocalities and States Should Act Now to Help Residents Take Advantage of the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst Localities and states can take action now—before the FCC even issues its rules—to begin to help residents maximize their potential benefits under the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. For more details on the program, see our explanation here. Please …
READ MOREThe New “Promote Broadband Expansion Grant Program” Will Support Rural Public-Private Partnerships Able to Act Quickly
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst The Consolidated Appropriations Act that became law in late December included a new grant program to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA): The Promote Broadband Expansion Grant Program. This program is intended to support partnerships between …
READ MOREThe Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program Will Benefit Urban and Suburban Communities
Heather Mills, V.P. for Grant & Funding Strategies Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst The Consolidated Appropriations Act that became law in late December created the "Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program." We present here our preliminary guidance for maximizing the impact of this new funding opportunity, based on our analysis of the appropriations …
READ MOREState of Delaware Successfully Provides 25,000 Low-income Students Internet Connections for Distance Learning During Pandemic
By Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst The criticality of broadband has never been more apparent than during the crises of the past year. At CTC, we’ve had many opportunities to see the urgency that states and localities around the country feel about improving connectivity—and we’ve been proud to be part of …
READ MORE2020
CTC Launches Interactive Tools for Analyzing Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, CBRS, and C-Band Auction Results
By Shawn Thompson, V.P. for Analytics For state and local governments and their partners, the results of the FCC’s three recent auctions for subsidies and spectrum will have a significant impact on long-term broadband planning. CTC developed interactive tools for analyzing the results of each auction. The FCC’s reverse auction for …
READ MOREAre You Thinking About ReConnect Round Three Yet? You Should Be.
Heather Mills, Team Lead, Funding Strategies Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, Principal Grant Strategist October 29, 2020 All signs are pointing to a third round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect funding program opening in spring 2021. It’s not too early to begin developing an application strategy to position yourself competitively for that opportunity. We expect …
READ MOREUSDA Announces New Rural Broadband Grant Funding
Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst In late September, USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) opened the FY2021 funding round for its well-regarded Community Connect broadband funding program. Community Connect is a competitive grant program that distributes awards to rural, unserved communities demonstrating economic necessity. Awards range from $100,000 to $3 million and …
READ MOREHow States and Localities Can Set Realistic Small Cell Application Fees Now That the 9th Circuit Has Upheld FCC Preemption of Local Authority
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & CTO Now that a federal appeals court has largely upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s preemption of local authority over small cell siting, states and localities would be wise to rigorously document their costs of processing applications and hosting equipment on utility poles or light poles. If …
READ MORECoronavirus Emergency Funding Available to Maryland Jurisdictions
Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst Local governments in Maryland have a short application window for a new grant opportunity that will fund broadband and other projects. Applicants that are interested in the State of Maryland’s FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program must file their applications by September 23. Overview The State of …
READ MOREHow Localities Can Monetize Broadband-Enabling Assets and Expand Connectivity
With the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrating the critical need for communications connectivity, local governments are striving to improve local broadband service and fill broadband service gaps. At the same time, localities may be able to generate much-needed revenue from broadband and telecom assets they already own, including towers, fiber optics, rooftops, …
READ MORE$1.5 Billion in New Grant Funding Available from Economic Development Administration for Broadband & Other Projects
Heather Mills, Team Lead, Funding Strategies Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, Principal Grant Strategist The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act added $1.5 billion to an existing grant program of the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This is a significant opportunity, both because of the size of the allocation …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: Digital Equity for Human Empowerment
Cat Blake, Civic Technology Analyst The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has all of us searching for solutions—for health and safety, reassurance and comfort, education and employment. Many have heralded internet access as the solution that can address these problems. It’s true that universal access to robust, affordable broadband is paramount; this crisis …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: Tools to Manage Wireless Siting in a Crisis and Move Application Processes Online
Shawn Thompson, VP/Analytics Much of the nation’s workforce remains homebound, but utilities, cities, and counties are not seeing any slowdown in applications for the installation of small wireless facilities (commonly called “small cells”) on light poles and other locations. Given the pressures on communities to process applications, this is a moment when …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: How Your Community Can Quickly Connect the Unconnected
Joanne Hovis, President As the nation prepares to ride out a pandemic that will persist for months, the need is acute for fast and inexpensive broadband rollout. Many communities have thrown up their hands because there are no LTE hotspots to be found on the market (the supply delay is many …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: Strategies for Provisioning Fast Internet Service to the Most Remote Rural Areas
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & CTO I’ve been working from home now for two weeks. So have my wife and children, my CTC colleagues, and most of our clients. We can probably work (and distance learn) for months this way, but many Americans don’t have this option because the remote, rural …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: Strategies for Provisioning Broadband to Temporary Emergency Sites
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & CTO The COVID-19 pandemic requires fast, creative tools to provision critically-needed broadband in dramatically different contexts. Earlier this week, we wrote about how to deploy Wi-Fi to multi-dwelling buildings such as public housing, to get urgently-needed connectivity to households that don’t have it. In coming posts, …
READ MOREThe Broadband Lifeline in a Pandemic: How Your Community Can Quickly Deploy Free Wi-Fi to Meet Urgent Needs at Public Housing and Other Locations
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & CTO Over the past several days we have heard from numerous communites seeking guidance for delivering broadband to unconnected households as fast as possible to meet urgent, critical needs for remote work and education. Free community-provided Wi-Fi can be a lifeline during the pandemic. Many people cannot …
READ MORENew York City Announces Visionary Plan to Close the Digital Divide
CTC congratulates New York City on the release of its visionary Internet Master Plan, which outlines the City’s approach to seizing “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to dramatically reshape [the City’s] role in enabling affordable, reliable broadband service for all.” We are proud to have been part of the team that undertook …
READ MORE2019
Unique Rural Broadband Funding Opportunity in Early 2020
The USDA recently announced the availability of $550 million in funding for a second round of its ReConnect loan and grant program—designed to enable last-mile broadband infrastructure deployment in rural areas. This funding, appropriated by Congress, follows on last year’s $600 million Round 1 appropriation. Applicants should anticipate stiff competition for …
READ MOREA $6 Million Grant Promises to Close the Digital Divide in Oregon’s Frontier Region
CTC congratulates public officials in Grant and Wheeler counties, and the Oregon Telephone Company (OTC), on winning a $6 million federal grant to expand high-speed connectivity to hundreds of new customers in this frontier region of eastern Oregon. This grant was one of the funding announcements made December 3 in …
READ MOREAn Engineer’s View of the Department of Justice’s T-Mobile/Sprint/DISH Strategy
The Benton Foundation today published CTC Chief Technology Officer Andrew Afflerbach’s analysis of the Department of Justice’s proposed T-Mobile/Sprint/DISH strategy. In his evaluation of DOJ’s approach—which is intended to address the loss of a mobile communications competitor that will result from the proposed T-Mobile/Sprint merger—Dr. Afflerbach found that the solution …
READ MOREBroadband Performance is About More than Speed
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. Chief Technology Officer Understanding broadband performance involves understanding a range of factors in addition to speed. Consumers usually compare the performance of data connections by considering network speed (measured in bits per second) but this measurement can be deceptive because it is incomplete. For example, a 150 Mbps cable …
READ MORESiFi Announces New Open Access Fiber Network in Fullerton, California
All of us at CTC congratulate our friends at SiFi Networks, Ting Internet, and Gigabit Now on their announcement of an open-access fiber-to-the-premises network deployment in Fullerton, California. The agreement announced earlier this month includes a citywide fiber network to be constructed by SiFi Networks; retail broadband services to be provided …
READ MORETacoma, Wash., Mayor Touts Broadband P3 That Will Achieve Equity, Net Neutrality, and Privacy
As the City Council and Utility Board of Tacoma, Wash., draw closer to approving an innovative broadband public-private partnership (P3), Mayor Victoria Woodards has noted that the proposed agreement will not just create potential financial benefits, but will achieve key City policy goals—including equity, low-income affordability, net neutrality, and competition. In …
READ MORETacoma, Wash., Plans Municipal Broadband P3 That Includes Private Commitments to Net Neutrality, Equity, and Privacy
Joanne Hovis, President Yesterday I had the honor of presenting the results of a near-18-month process to the City of Tacoma, Wash., City Council and the Board of Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU). At their direction, I have been working with a City and TPU team to determine a future strategy for …
READ MOREAct Now to Take Advantage of Federal Broadband Funding: How to Prepare a Competitive ReConnect Application
Heather Mills, Lead, CTC Funding Strategies Team The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service last week released the final deadline dates for the upcoming ReConnect grant and loan funding cycles, in which $600 million will be awarded for rural broadband projects.[1] While the final application is not yet available, the new final …
READ MOREPort of Ridgefield, WA, Issues Dark Fiber RFI
The Port of Ridgefield, Washington, released an RFI to solicit informal proposals from private sector entities that may have an interest in leasing the Port’s planned 42 miles of dark fiber to make affordable broadband available to businesses, economic development areas, first-responder facilities, anchor institutions, and residences. The information gleaned from …
READ MOREHow Smart Strategy and Rigorous Analysis Enable Boston to Save While Effectuating City and Public Broadband Needs
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & Chief Technology Officer Like most cities, Boston needs an expanded fiber optic network to serve the fast-growing needs of City schools, police, and other departments—plus a range of applications like public safety cameras. Boston understood its needs—but needed more clarity on its choices. Would it be possible …
READ MOREDocumenting the True—and High—Local Administrative Costs of Small Cell Siting
Shawn Thompson, Principal Engineer A hundred bucks. That’s what the FCC recently decided is adequate compensation to your locality for processing a small cell application. In many cases, it’s not going to be enough. And if your actual costs are indeed higher than $100, you will effectively be forced by the new …
READ MORE2018
The Three “Ps” of Managing Small Cell Applications: Process, Process, Process
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & Chief Technology Officer By now you’ve heard of the Federal Communications Commission’s wireless preemption Order—scheduled to take effect in 2019—mandating that wireless companies get low-cost, streamlined access to public property to mount small cell facilities. We recently outlined Ten Strategies that your locality, state agency, or utility …
READ MORETen Strategies to Protect State and Local Property After the FCC’s Small Cell Preemption Order
Set to become effective on January 14, 2019, the Federal Communications Commission’s new wireless preemption Order[1] has states, localities, and publicly owned utilities rightly alarmed about encroachment on local authority and about forced federal requirements that put at risk the primary purpose of many public assets. In short, the FCC …
READ MORECTC Chief Technology Officer Named to FCC Broadband Working Group
CTC’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Afflerbach, Ph.D., P.E., was appointed to the Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group of the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC). The FCC’s announcement notes that “the Working Group is charged with recommending measures that can be taken to improve the resiliency of broadband infrastructure …
READ MOREPreliminary Guidance for New USDA Rural Broadband Funding Opportunity
Joanne Hovis, President Heather Mills, Funding Strategies Team Lead Earlier this year, Congress made the first major appropriation for broadband infrastructure deployment in a decade. The following is our preliminary high-level analysis and strategic guidance for counties, towns, states, and public utilities regarding that funding—the e-Connectivity Pilot—a U.S Department of Agriculture program …
READ MOREThe Future of Public Safety Broadband: How Localities Can Navigate Carrier Choice, Verify Robust Performance, and Heed 9/11’s Lessons
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & Chief Technology Officer Future public safety operations will rely on advanced mobile broadband networks featuring priority or even preemptive use of available bandwidth, the use of video to enable situational awareness, and a high degree of security. To ensure they have the network functionality they need—including access …
READ MOREDon’t Relax Too Much — the Next E-Rate Cycle Is Already Here!
Heather Mills, Senior Analyst & Funding Strategies Team Lead, CTC Technology & Energy Around the country, many local governments deliver broadband services to their public schools and libraries under the federal E-rate subsidy program (formally known as the Schools and Libraries Program and run by the Universal Service Administrative Company). If …
READ MORESublette County, WY, Releases Broadband RFP
Sublette County, Wyoming, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from private sector entities that have an interest in working with the County to address gaps in middle-mile connectivity and enable high-quality broadband service to businesses throughout the County. The County hopes this initiative will support and accelerate …
READ MOREDelaware Department of Technology and Information Releases Broadband RFP
The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify private sector firms that will deliver affordable broadband access to unserved and underserved parts of the state. Acting on its commitment to achieving the state’s policy goals for rural broadband, DTI will provide a …
READ MOREA New Broadband Imperative for Libraries: Serving the Community During Times of Emergency
Jacob Levin, Analyst Libraries’ primary mission—as centers of knowledge in communities large and small—is well understood. But libraries are also community hubs, and in that role they often serve as a refuge, a source of trusted information, and a link to the outside world during and after crises. That second role …
READ MORECTC President Joanne Hovis Testifies Before U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee About NTIA Reauthorization Act
CTC President Joanne Hovis testified today before a House subcommittee about the important role that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) plays in broadband policy, in expanding broadband service and device availability, and in expanding digital literacy. Joanne’s full testimony—delivered to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Communications …
READ MOREBroadband Infrastructure for the Libraries of Today and Tomorrow
CTC Technology & Energy is proud to have prepared two white papers for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation—both aimed at helping libraries with technical and financial guidance as they navigate their needs for broadband today and in the future. Our first report, “Connecting Libraries to the Future,” is …
READ MOREAn FTTP Public–Private Partnership in Salisbury, North Carolina
Tom Asp, Principal Engineer and Analyst Michael O'Halloran, Staff Analyst CTC Technology & Energy CTC congratulates the city of Salisbury, North Carolina, and Hotwire Communications on their successful negotiation of a lease of Salisbury’s fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, known as Fibrant. This agreement is yet another example of a public–private partnership offering a “win-win” …
READ MORESublette County, WY, Releases Broadband RFI
Sublette County, Wyoming, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit ideas and informal proposals from private sector entities that may have an interest in working with the County to address gaps in middle-mile connectivity and enable high-quality broadband service to businesses throughout the County. The County hopes this initiative …
READ MOREAn FTTP Milestone in Alford, Massachusetts
Matthew DeHaven, Principal Engineer, CTC Technology & Energy Congratulations to the rural town of Alford, Massachusetts, on this week's ribbon cutting for a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The event—held at a new telecommunications hut next to the town’s fire station—is a key milestone, and a remarkable achievement for a town of only …
READ MORECTC Guide Details Best Practices for Government Network Resiliency and Security
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, P.E. CEO & Director of Engineering A high-profile “ransomware” cyberattack on Atlanta’s city network last month brought attention to the need for municipalities and other public agencies to understand and take steps to mitigate risks to public networks caused by malicious attacks or natural disasters. Our new “Network Resiliency …
READ MORENCLM Publishes Paper Co-Written by CTC President Joanne Hovis
The North Carolina League of Municipalities today released a report jointly written by CTC’s president, Joanne Hovis, and NCLM’s legislative counsel, Erin Wynia, describing how closing gaps in North Carolinians’ access to reliable broadband will require state policy changes that enable and encourage local governments, non-profits and private-sector providers to …
READ MOREHow Localities Can Prepare for—and Capitalize on—the Coming Wave of Public Safety Network Construction
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, PE CEO & Director of Engineering In the coming months, localities around the nation can expect to begin receiving a flood of applications to construct the first of hundreds—perhaps thousands—of new telecommunications towers up to 300 feet high, plus applications to attach hundreds of thousands of “small cell” wireless …
READ MORESchools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Publishes CTC’s Fiber Cost Estimate and Approach to Connecting Rural Communities
With an open, competitive, and coordinated effort, it would cost $13 billion to $19 billion to connect all unserved schools, libraries, health providers, community colleges, and other anchor institutions (outside of Alaska) to fiber. That’s the estimate CTC developed in its study for the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) …
READ MORECTC President Joanne Hovis Testifies Before U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on “Closing the Digital Divide: Broadband Infrastructure Solutions”
CTC's president, Joanne Hovis, testified yesterday before a House subcommittee about the critical importance of local participation in broadband planning. She noted that successful local efforts include ones that leverage public assets to build infrastructure and attract private investment. Around the country, such approaches are closing the digital divide in rural areas …
READ MORE2017
New Mexico Broadband Program Publishes Broadband for Businesses Study
This document is the result of the New Mexico Broadband Program’s request for CTC to create an actionable roadmap that provides recommendations for improving access to affordable and reliable broadband services for businesses in support of economic development. CTC previously prepared a preliminary report in late 2016 discussing tools and …
READ MORECTC Named to Top 100 Companies List
Broadband Communities Magazine has yet again named CTC to its annual Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 List of companies. The list commends various types of companies within the broadband community for being “leaders and innovators in the fiber-to-the-home arena”. This is CTC’s ninth time on this list. See the full list here.
READ MORECommunications Workers of America Files CTC Expert Report with FCC
Are mobile broadband technologies a substitute for wired broadband? That question is at the heart of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) assessment of whether Americans are well-served with broadband. To support its filing with the FCC, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) asked CTC to prepare an independent analysis of …
READ MORECity of San Francisco Considers an Innovative New Way to Deliver Ubiquitous, Open Fiber to its Residents and Businesses
We at CTC have had the honor of advising the City and County of San Francisco on broadband planning for a dozen years, and we’re proud that the City today released our new study on “Fiber for San Francisco” and is also, with the leadership of Mayor Ed Lee and …
READ MORECity of Seattle Releases Plan for Facilitating Equitable Access to Wireless Broadband Services
The City of Seattle has released its Plan for Facilitating Equitable Access to Wireless Broadband Services. This report represents a strategic approach for deploying Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies as a tool for addressing Seattle’s digital equity and digital inclusion needs. The plan balances the City’s two key project goals: The …
READ MOREA Technical Guide to Dig Once Policies
Our latest white paper, A Technical Guide to Dig Once Policies, is a discussion of technical considerations regarding dig once conduit, a comprehensive process for developing dig once policies, and examples of dig once policies across the country. Read it here. For more information on the benefits of dig once policies, see CTC's Gigabit …
READ MOREProducing Value through Effective Governance
CTC just published a new paper on the steps community broadband network operators can take to develop an effective governance process to maximize value to the community. Operating a community broadband network entails complex technical, financial, and strategic business considerations—and those decisions are all made within a governance framework. Effective governance enables a locality to …
READ MOREBoston Releases RFP for Dark Fiber IRU to Upgrade Broadband Connectivity to Public School Facilities
The City of Boston is committed to closing the digital divide for its students—and to laying the foundation to meet the growing broadband needs of the 21st century. The City plans to accomplish this by connecting all City schools to BoNet, the fiber-based network operated by the City. This City has issued …
READ MORETown of Wake Forest, NC Releases Broadband FTTP RFI
The Town of Wake Forest, North Carolina has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to convey its interest in partnering with a sophisticated and motivated partner to bring fiber-based, Gigabit-class broadband service to the area. The successful Partner will deploy ubiquitous FTTP infrastructure and provide broadband internet service to residents, …
READ MOREHow the Local Oversight Process Addresses the Concerns of the Public Sector in Small Cell Siting
Andrew Afflerbach, PhD, PE CEO & Director of Engineering As the FCC and many state legislatures consider interfering with local processes regarding wireless facilities siting, I recently prepared a report for the Smart Communities Siting Coalition, addressing wireless siting and the critical importance of local process from a technical standpoint. Among other things, …
READ MORECTC President Joanne Hovis Testifies Before U.S. House Subcommittee: "Broadband: Deploying America's 21st Century Infrastructure"
The following is CTC President Joanne Hovis' testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, “Broadband: Deploying America’s 21st Century Infrastructure” on March 21, 2017. For the full hearing, visit the Energy and Commerce Committee's website here. A PDF copy of Ms. Hovis' testimony can be downloaded here. Broadband: …
READ MORECity of Seattle Releases RFI for Collaboration and/or Partnership for Wireless Services and Potential Smart Cities Deployments, Including in Low-Income Districts, and Parks.
The City of Seattle Information Technology Department has posted a Request for Information for Collaboration and/or Partnership between the City of Seattle and Private Sector Entities for Wireless Services and Potential Smart Cities Deployments, Including in Low-Income Districts, and Parks. Responses are due to the City by February 28, 2017 at …
READ MORECity of Salisbury, NC Issues RFP for Fibrant FTTP Provider Arrangement
The City of Salisbury, North Carolina has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to convey its interest in entering into a contractual arrangement (Provider Arrangement) with a third-party provider (Provider) that will enhance the operation, sales, marketing, and delivery of Gigabit-class broadband service to the community. The Provider Arrangement could be …
READ MOREPartnerships, Sharing, and Community Anchor Institution Broadband
Originally published by the Benton Foundation on behalf of Joanne Hovis on January 4, 2017. The original post can be found by following this link. The SHLB Coalition developed Connecting Anchor Institutions: A Broadband Action Plan to provide ideas and actionable policy recommendations for government leaders at the federal, state, and …
READ MOREMaximizing the Potential Benefits of E-rate Special Construction Reimbursement in Light of Potential Program Changes
The changes in Washington DC in January, as a new presidential administration takes office, may bring changes to the E-rate program.[1] In brief, E-rate reimbursement for special construction charges may not survive through the incoming administration, and E-rate funding in general may be reduced. To hedge against these potential changes, public …
READ MORE2016
City of Pikeville, KY Releases RFP for Public/Private Partnership for Fiber Optic Network
The City of Pikeville, Kentucky has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a motivated partner to enable phased broadband deployment in the region through a Public-Private Partnership for a Fiber Optic Network. View the RFP. Proposals are due to the City by 10:00 a.m. on January 4th, 2017. Additional details …
READ MOREHow Localities Can Improve Wireless Service for the Public While Addressing Citizen Concerns
As demand for wireless data continues to grow, a diverse group of tower companies, wireless carriers, fiber companies, and neutral-host infrastructure providers such as Mobilitie and ExteNet are requesting attachment permits from city and county officials nationwide. The flood of requests and actual deployments is creating uncertainty and stress for …
READ MORECommunity Anchor Institutions Served by Government and Non-Profit Fiber Networks
This post originally appeared on the Benton Foundation Blog on November 1, 2016 on behalf of Joanne Hovis. The SHLB Coalition developed Connecting Anchor Institutions: A Broadband Action Plan to provide ideas and actionable policy recommendations for government leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to address the broadband needs …
READ MOREUrbana-Champaign Big Broadband Releases Request for Proposal for Private Partner for Network Expansion and Operation
Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband Not for Profit (UC2B NFP) has released a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a private partner to operate and expand the existing UC2B network, and deploy fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The ideal partner will operate and expand the UC2B fiber network to make affordable Gigabit-class broadband service available …
READ MORECity of Madison, WI Releases CTC Report
The City of Madison released a report prepared by CTC exploring the potential for citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployment. The report, and supplemental market research that CTC conducted, represent the City's compliance with Wisconsin state law. The state statute requires any municipality that seeks to offer broadband services to conduct a cost-benefit …
READ MORECity of Madison Releases CTC Report
The City of Madison released a report prepared by CTC exploring the potential for citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployment. The report, and supplemental market research that CTC conducted, represent the City's compliance with Wisconsin state law. The state statute requires any municipality that seeks to offer broadband services to conduct a cost-benefit …
READ MORECity of Boulder Releases CTC Report
The City of Boulder released a report prepared by CTC exploring the potential for citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployment. CTC presented the report findings to the City Council on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. The City commissioned the Broadband Feasibility Study in late 2015 as part of the its development of a …
READ MORECTC to Develop Strategic Plan for City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge
The City of Baton Rouge has selected CTC Technology & Energy to develop a multifaceted strategic fiber plan. CTC's analysts and engineers will evaluate the potential for a broadband public–private partnership, and conduct a "dig once" policy assessment to make recommendations around actionable policies in the region. Our E-rate specialists will evaluate …
READ MORECity of Seattle Selects CTC to Develop Wi-Fi Strategy
The City of Seattle has selected CTC Technology & Energy to develop a strategic plan that balances the City's goals to fill broadband gaps in neighborhoods where gaps exist, and to develop a sustainable business model. CTC will engage various stakeholders and agencies on the City's behalf, and conduct outreach to …
READ MORECity of Apex, NC Contracts CTC for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project
The City of Apex, NC has engaged CTC Technology & Energy to evaluate the benefits of fully deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for its electric and water utilities. The analysis will evaluate the City's investments in AMI infrastructure and examine the benefits of full utility automation and to develop a strategy to …
READ MOREPalo Alto, CA Releases RFI for Private Partner for FTTP
The City of Palo Alto, California has released a request for information (RFI) to identify for-profit and nonprofit companies interested in partnering with the City to develop a citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The City aims to make Gigabit-class bandwidth available to all Palo Alto homes and businesses to improve the range and quality …
READ MORECity of Pikeville, KY Issues RFI to Identify Private Partners for FTTP
The City of Pikeville, Kentucky has issued a request for information (RFI) to identify potential for-profit and non-profit entities interested in partnering with the City to develop a citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The City is committed to enhancing broadband availability for all its businesses, residents, and anchor institutions. The proposed partnership also considers …
READ MOREPresenting a technical approach to enabling Wi-Fi and LTE-U to coexist
New York City has drawn national attention for its plans to deploy thousands of free public gigabit (1 Gbps) Wi-Fi kiosks. At an event hosted by New America NYC last week—“Fast and Free: New York’s Vision for Public Wi-Fi Everywhere”—the City’s “strategy to give every resident and business access to …
READ MORECTC to Develop Broadband Feasibility Study for Town of Wake Forest, NC
The Town of Wake Forest, NC has selected CTC Technology & Energy to develop a broadband feasibility study that will include high-level design and cost estimates to connect Town facilities and other points of interest. CTC's analysts and engineers will conduct a needs assessment, examine the Town's current broadband market and …
READ MOREImproving In-building Wireless Coverage – and Public–Private Collaboration
We are proud to announce that the District of Columbia’s in-building wireless project has been recognized as one of “the most innovative uses of technology in government” by the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC). Working with CTC, the District government plans to deploy enhanced in-building wireless coverage …
READ MORECity of Portland, OR Selects CTC to Develop Fiber Strategic and Business Plan
CTC will begin work with the City of Portland, OR to prepare a long-term fiber strategic and business plan that will evaluate the City's current and future demand for broadband. CTC's engineers and analysts will engage key City stakeholders from a range of public and private industries, and assess current …
READ MORECTC to Provide Strategic Guidance to City of Hayward, CA
The City of Hayward, CA has selected CTC to develop a high-level fiber optic network master plan to guide the City's broadband efforts. CTC's engineers will inventory the City's existing systems and service availability, prepare conceptual fiber routes, and project associated costs. Our analysts will identify the City's broadband needs, …
READ MORECity of Pharr, TX Selects CTC to Develop Broadband Strategic Plan
The City of Pharr, TX has selected CTC Technology & Energy to prepare a broadband strategic plan. Following a work-shop with the City and its key stakeholders to establish a strategic direction, CTC's engineers and analysts will assess the City's current broadband infrastructure and market, and evaluate current and future …
READ MOREBroadband in Connecticut: Opportunities for the State and Localities to Enable World-Class Broadband
Read the report here. Prepared for the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel (March 2016)
READ MORECoalition Urges Colorado Senate Committee to Resist Efforts to Restrict Local Internet Choice
CTC is proud to join other private companies and trade associations in opposing Colorado Senate Bill 136, which was delivered today to the members of the Colorado Senate’s State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. The letter urges the legislators to reject the anti-competition legislation, which makes far more difficult local efforts …
READ MOREGoogle Fiber to Provide Gigabit Services to Many in San Francisco
All of us at CTC extend our congratulations to our friends at the City and County of San Francisco on today's announcement that Google Fiber will provide gigabit services to many consumers in San Francisco. The City has worked tirelessly for over a decade to expand the availability of fiber-based services …
READ MORENew FTTP Partnership Emerges in Alabama—a Public-Private Innovation
With today's news that Huntsville, Alabama will build fiber optics throughout its community, and that Google Fiber will lease much of that fiber in order to provide gigabit services to residences and small businesses, communities throughout the United States have entered into a new era of possibility -- that of …
READ MOREBenton Foundation Releases CLIC Report on Public–Private Partnerships
The Benton Foundation has released a report prepared by the Coalition for Local Internet Choice (CLIC), authored by CTC in conjunction with communications law firm Baller Herbst Stokes & Lide. The two-part report, The Emerging World of Broadband Public–Private Partnerships: A Business Strategy and Legal Guide, examines the balance of risk, benefit, and …
READ MORECoalition Urges Missouri Legislature to Resist Efforts to Hinder Local Internet Choice
Last week, CTC joined a select group of companies and associations submitting a letter to the Missouri legislature that urges rejection of a bill that would limit local Internet choice, preclude municipal innovation in broadband, and limit private competition and investment through partnerships with localities. CTC proudly joined the letter, along …
READ MORECTC to Support Broadband Planning Efforts in Bloomington, IN
The City of Bloomington, IN has selected CTC Technology & Energy to support the City's efforts to develop ubiquitous, Gigabit-class broadband in Bloomington. We will collaborate with City staff and other stakeholders to facilitate a one-day public symposium and related communications materials on the value of next-generation infrastructure. This effort …
READ MOREBoulder, CO Releases RFI to Identify Private Partners for Potential Citywide FTTP
The City of Boulder, Colorado has released a request for information (RFI) to identify potential for-profit and non-profit entities interested in partnering with the City to develop a citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The City seeks to enhance the broadband connectivity of its residents, businesses, and anchor institutions by expanding the …
READ MORECTC President Joanne Hovis Appointed to FTTH Council Board of Directors
CTC is proud to announce that our President, Joanne Hovis, has been appointed to the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council Board of Directors. "Joanne is a recognized authority on the broadband market and communities regularly turn to her for her expertise on the evolving role of government and public utilities in the development …
READ MORENewark, DE Selects CTC to Conduct Broadband Feasibility Study
The City of Newark, DE has selected CTC to analyze the feasibility of a city-initiated fiber optic network, building on groundwork established during a recent CTC workshop. CTC will engage representatives of the University of Delaware on the City's behalf, to facilitate potential connectivity from the University's main campus to …
READ MORE2015
Santa Cruz Council Votes Unanimously for Fiber Public–Private Partnership
Are we seeing a new trend in broadband public-private partnerships? This week, the City Council of Santa Cruz, CA unanimously approved a partnership with a local provider, Cruzio Internet, in which the City will build, own, and maintain fiber optics that pass every home and business in town, while Cruzio lights …
READ MORECity of Madison, WI Selects CTC To Complete Cost–Benefit Analysis
The City of Madison, WI has selected CTC to develop a detailed business and strategic analysis to inform the City's consideration of a potential citywide fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network. The cost–benefit analysis will evaluate three primary approaches: an open network model, a City partnership with a private entity, and a City utility …
READ MORECTC Principal Analyst Ziggy Rivkin-Fish Earns Top Credential
CTC is proud to announce its Principal Analyst and IT governance expert, Ziggy Rivkin-Fish, has been awarded the credential of Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT, which formally recognizes him as an expert in this area. Ziggy serves as an organizational management consultant and advises on how to organize sustainable …
READ MOREState of New York Contracts CTC to Support $1 Billion Broadband Initiative
CTC is delighted to announce it has been contracted to support the State of New York with the New NY Broadband Program. In January 2015, the state announced its $1 billion “Broadband for All” initiative, which aims to make high-speed broadband accessible to every New Yorker by the end of …
READ MORECity of Boston Awards CTC Public Broadband Initiative Support Contract
The City of Boston has awarded CTC a contract to support a significant public broadband initiative. The City is taking the next steps in its ongoing effort to upgrade broadband connectivity to Boston Public Schools facilities and public safety sites. CTC’s engineers will develop technical criteria for the City’s procurement of dark fiber, will assist in …
READ MOREWiredWest Selects CTC for Business and Financial Review, in Preparation for FTTP
CTC is pleased to announce we have been selected by WiredWest, a municipal cooperative in western Massachusetts, to provide an independent review and evaluation of the WiredWest business and financial model for communities preparing for fiber-to-the-premises deployment.
READ MORECTC Helps Position Holly Springs, NC to Attract Big Private Fiber Investment Through Smart Infrastructure Planning and Best Business Practices
Autumn is here and the trees on the I-95 corridor between DC and North Carolina are lit up with fall color, so it’s almost a shame we here at CTC no longer have an excuse to hit the road to visit our client in Holly Springs, NC. But, on the …
READ MORECTC Selected by Boulder, CO to Conduct Broadband Feasibility Study
The City of Boulder, CO has selected CTC Technology & Energy to conduct a broadband feasibility study which will be a key piece of the City's development of a comprehensive community telecommunications strategy. This strategy is based on the City's greater broadband vision and designed to utilize local telecommunications resources …
READ MOREBrian Proffit Joins CTC Technology & Energy as Senior Director of Strategic Business Development
Kensington, MD (September 15, 2015) – CTC Technology and Energy (CTC) of Kensington, Maryland announced today that Brian Proffit has joined the firm as Senior Director of Strategic Business Development. Proffit comes to CTC from Zayo Group, where he served as Director of Research & Education Solutions. A 15-year veteran of …
READ MORECTC Staff Begins Work with Coeur d’ Alene Tribal Government to Expand Broadband Service
CTC staff held kickoff meetings this week for a new project with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The project will support Tribal Government goals related to expanding its broadband service on and off the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in Idaho through strategic, technical, and business planning guidance. Tasks include an inventory and …
READ MORECTC to Provide Wireless/Wireline Consultation for CPS Energy of San Antonio
CTC has been selected by CPS Energy of San Antonio to provide technical assistance on wireless communications and placement of wireless and wireline communication structures on utility poles. CTC has more than 30 years of experience assisting local governments and utilities in wireless and RF communications; notably, CTC has assisted …
READ MORECTC Chosen to Develop Strategic Broadband Plan for Louisville, KY
Louisville, KY has asked CTC to develop a high-level strategic broadband plan exploring options to address market failures in delivering broadband services to the City's residents and businesses. The plan will explore incentives and barriers that service providers care about as well as give recommendations on strategic approaches.
READ MORECTC Selected to Support Vallejo, CA
The City of Vallejo, CA has selected CTC Technology & Energy to develop a high-level Fiber Optic Master Plan to guide the feasibility, long-term planning, budgeting and implementation of a municipal broadband network.
READ MORECTC Awarded Montgomery County LSBRP Contract
Montgomery County, MD awarded CTC Technology & Energy a consulting and technical services contract under the Local Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP). The LSBRP, implemented by County Executive Isiah Leggett, was designed to support the small business community. CTC is a registered Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) / Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with …
READ MOREUSDA Opens Application Window for Rural Broadband Access Loan and Announces Changes to Program
The USDA opened an application window for its Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, and announced changes to the program. The Broadband Program supports "costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service" to eligible rural areas. The program will award up to $20 million to …
READ MORECTC Developing Broadband Plan for New Mexico’s Public Schools
Working with the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority (NMPSFA), CTC is developing a range of strategic options for connecting every public school in New Mexico with adequate broadband. The project, which kicked off in spring, includes both engineering and business planning on a statewide basis. When the project is …
READ MORECTC Named to Top 100 Companies List for 2015
Broadband Communities Magazine named CTC Technology and Energy to its annual Fiber-to-the-Home Top 100 List of companies. The list commends various types of companies within the broadband community for being "leaders and innovators in the fiber-to-the-home arena". CTC was named in the "network planning, design, engineering, construction, installation" category. This is CTC's sixth time …
READ MOREAlexandria, VA Releases RFI to Identify Private Partners for Potential FTTP
The City of Alexandria, Virginia today released a request for information (RFI) to identify for-profit and non-profit entities interested in partnering with the City on two complementary broadband projects. The City is exploring the construction of a fiber backbone to serve local government, schools, libraries, and public safety agencies—and is …
READ MORECTC Awarded City of Santa Cruz Contract
The City of Santa Cruz, California awarded CTC a contract to provide strategic guidance, prepare cost analysis, and assist the City as it pursues a possible Gigabit fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network deployment. The CTC team will provide technical, business, and financial guidance, and will examine the potential for a public–private partnership model …
READ MORECTC Conducting E-Rate Workshops for TVPPA Members
CTC President Joanne Hovis is presenting a series of workshops on the federal E-Rate program to members of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA). The workshops—in Chattanooga, Huntsville, Knoxville, and three other cities—will explore the opportunities created by the FCC’s decision in December to increase the E-rate program budget …
READ MORECTC Awarded Owensboro Municipal Utilities Contract
Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) has awarded CTC a contract to evaluate and provide guidance on OMU's advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) needs. CTC will provide strategic support, and develop a cost benefit and valuation analysis. Led by Principal Engineer and Analyst Tom Asp, the CTC team will guide OMU in development and …
READ MORECTC Awarded NAED Phase Two Contract
CTC Principal Engineer and Analyst Tom Asp will continue to lead CTC's effort working with the North Attleborough Electric Department (NAED) on the next phase of its fiber feasibility study. CTC was awarded the NAED phase one contract in August 2014 to develop a communications system strategy. In phase two, the …
READ MORECTC President Presents at Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference
CTC President Joanne Hovis is an invited presenter at the Colorado Municipal League’s annual conference in Breckenridge this week. Speaking on the topic “Making Municipal Broadband a Reality,” Ms. Hovis will offer insight and practical guidance on the steps localities can take to create sustainable business plans for their community …
READ MORECity of Seattle Releases CTC Report
The City of Seattle released a report prepared by CTC exploring the potential for successful municipal fiber deployment. The City commissioned the Fiber-to-the-Premises Feasibility Study in late 2014 as one component of Mayor Murray's Broadband Initiative. Read the full report here.
READ MOREAspen Institute Releases 2014 Communications Policy Report
The Aspen Institute has released its 2014 Communications Policy Report. CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis contributed to the The Atomic Age of Data: Policies for the Internet of Things in August 2014, through her attendance at the twenty-ninth annual Aspen Institute Conference on Communications Policy. The report includes communications policy insights and …
READ MOREBald Head Island, NC Releases RFP for Private Partner for FTTP Network
The Village of Bald Head Island, North Carolina today released an RFP seeking a private partner to provide services for a municipal fiber-to-the-premises network. The Village seeks to deliver world class communications services to homes and businesses and views next generation broadband as essential to its future. The RFP can …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Dr. Robert Wack of Westminster, MD
CTC congratulates Dr. Robert Wack on his reelection victory to the Westminster, Maryland City Council. Dr. Wack is strongly identified with the Westminster fiber initiative, on which he has been one of the key decision makers along with his peers. This election was a strong affirmation by his constituents of …
READ MOREiTV-3 / UC2B Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting
UC2B and its private partner iTV-3 held a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of residential construction. Representatives from both entities—along with speakers from the City of Urbana, the City of Champaign, the University of Illinois, the Urbana Free Library, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation—praised the Gigabit-capable network and the partnership. The UC2B/ iTV-3 partnership was announced …
READ MOREHow the FCC’s Decision Frees NC and TN Municipalities to Provide Broadband
The following is a guest post by Jim Baller. Chris Mitchell from the Institute of Local Self Reliance recently interviewed Jim Baller, counsel to both Chattanooga EPB and Wilson, NC on their now successful petitions at the FCC. We encourage our readers to listen to the full half-hour interview here, and …
READ MOREApplication Window Opens for Economic Development Administration (EDA) Funding
CTC has prepared a memorandum outlining our analysis of Economic Development Assistance Programs through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau within the Department of Commerce. The EDA has opened the application window until June 12, 2015 for eligible applicants (cities, counties, states, higher education institutions, and nonprofits). Funding is prioritized for projects benefiting economically distressed communities. View the full …
READ MORECity of Huntsville, AL Solicits Private Partner(s) for Citywide Gigabit Connectivity
CTC is proud to be part of the City of Huntsville, Alabama's effort to become a "Gig City" through partnering with the private sector to provide affordable, high-speed broadband Internet. The City released a request for information (RFI) last week to solicit one or more private partners to develop a research …
READ MORECTC Commends FCC Decision to Support Local Net Choice and Net Neutrality
Today was an extraordinary achievement for the future of broadband and the Internet in the U.S. All of us at CTC applaud Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel for their visionary votes in support of local community choice in broadband and net neutrality. We are proud to have worked on …
READ MORECoalition Urges Missouri Legislature to Resist Efforts to Restrict Local Internet Choice
CTC is proud to be part of a broad coalition of associations and companies that is urging the Missouri legislature to resist efforts to restrict local Internet choice and broadband opportunity. As the Missouri legislature considers raising new barriers to local broadband initiatives, the coalition today sent the letter excerpted below …
READ MORECTC Awarded Cutting Edge Work in Colorado, North Carolina
CTC received an award this week to assist the Village of Bald Head Island, NC with planning for broadband public-private partnerships. The Village, which has a year-round population of 250 and a summer population of 1,500, is committed to catalyzing the development of world-class communications infrastructure to ensure the Island’s …
READ MORECTC Director of Engineering to Brief Congress on Wireless Net Neutrality
CTC Technology & Energy CEO and Director of Engineering Andrew Afflerbach will address the technical feasibility of mobile net neutrality at an upcoming Congressional briefing that follows a proposal by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to impose strong net neutrality rules on wireless carriers. Senator Al Franken will lead the briefing. The other panelists include Michael …
READ MORECTC Selected By San Francisco to Design “Dig Once” Model
CTC was selected by the City of San Francisco to develop a detailed “Dig Once” specification that will enable the City to maximize opportunities to deploy fiber and conduit during construction projects. As a contractor to San Francisco vendor, 21 Tech, CTC engineers will develop a Dig Once model to …
READ MORECTC Awarded Contracts to Evaluate Broadband Alternatives in Palo Alto
On February 2, the Palo Alto City Council approved the award to CTC Technology & Energy of two contracts, one to study fiber-to-the-premises alternatives for the City, the other to study wireless solutions. CTC staff will work with a team representing City departments and Palo Alto Utilities to evaluate the …
READ MOREFCC May Preempt Anti-Competition State Broadband Laws
The Washington Post is reporting this morning that FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is circulating among his colleagues a draft order that will free localities in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee from anti-competition state statutes that prevent towns and cities from building or enabling new, state-of-the-art broadband networks. In our …
READ MOREArlington County, VA Named Top Intelligent Community
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) named Arlington County, VA one of its "Top 7 Intelligent Communities" for the third time. The Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2015 includes three U.S. communities whose innovation and future planning set them apart. The ConnectArlington initiative enables private providers to provide high-speed broadband Internet to attract businesses to the region. It will also …
READ MOREWhite House Cites CTC & OTI Report
In a report released on January 14, the White House cites the CTC and Open Technology Institute (OTI) report The Art of the Possible. The Community-Based Broadband Solutions report applauds local governments who seek ways to bring broadband to their communities and opposes legislation that creates barriers to local broadband initiatives.
READ MOREBetter Communities Through Better Broadband
Better Communities through Better Broadband A Coalition of Public and Private Interests Affirms the Need for Local Internet Choice This post originally appeared on the Benton Foundation's Digital Beat Blog. For true believers in the power of broadband, it has been quite a week in Washington. Consider that the President came out in favor of …
READ MOREState of New York Sets a $1 Billion Bar for Broadband
Kudos to the State of New York on the announcement of an incredible initiative to ensure that every resident has access to broadband within five years. Gov. Cuomo’s $500 million “New NY Broadband Program” will offer 1:1 matches (meaning the program will pump $1 billion or more into broadband development) …
READ MOREPublic Fiber Networks Help President Obama Make the Case for Next-Generation Networks
We at CTC have been true believers for 15 years in the potential of locally-owned fiber, for government use, to serve anchor institutions, and to enable residents and businesses to compete in the national and global economies. And the track record of communities is unparalleled: hundreds of community-based fiber projects …
READ MOREMaryland City Announces Groundbreaking Fiber Partnership with Ting Internet
Is city-owned fiber with private sector service delivery the magic formula for building fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP)? At minimum, it’s a tremendous innovation in local broadband—and CTC is proud to be part of the pioneering team that developed this model. Last night, the Westminster, Maryland City Council voted to approve a groundbreaking FTTP …
READ MOREFCC Cites CTC SHLB Report in E-Rate Order
In its adoption of the second E-Rate Modernization Order, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cited the cost model CTC developed for the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition. The citation is part of projecting future connectivity needs by looking at both recurring and one-time costs to bring high-speed connectivity to unserved or underserved school and library locations. It …
READ MORE2014
Application Window Opens for "Community Connect" Broadband Grants
The USDA just opened an application window for its Community Connect grants—a small but great program that "serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens." Community Connect awards up to $3 million …
READ MOREFCC Requires Increased Broadband Speeds for Rural Customers
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that rural customers who receive fixed broadband service from carriers supported by the Connect America Fund will have connection speeds of at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. The Commission increased the program’s speed requirements following direction from Congress that rural consumers' broadband access should …
READ MORECTC Awarded Seattle Contract
The City of Seattle awarded CTC a contract to explore the feasibility of implementing a municipal fiber broadband network. CTC business analysts and engineers will provide strategic support to help the City understand the opportunities and risks involved in the potential deployment of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP). CTC is pleased to continue our long-standing …
READ MOREShaping the Future of Broadband Technologies
Spend enough time within the world of broadband technologies and you’re afforded some excellent opportunities to help shape the future of our industry. Yesterday, Public Knowledge released a CTC report examining how cable compares with other broadband technologies. The report was also filed with the FCC in the Comcast-Time Warner merger docket. …
READ MOREPublic Knowledge Files CTC Technology & Energy Cable Report with FCC
Public Knowledge filed CTC Technology & Energy's technical report—The State of the Art and Evolution of Cable Television and Broadband Technology— in the FCC’s Comcast–Time Warner docket. The report, which Public Knowledge commissioned to compare the performance and upgrade paths of cable networks with other technologies, illustrates that DSL and …
READ MOREPublic Knowledge Files CTC Technology & Energy Cable Report with FCC
On November 12, the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute released CTC's report on wireless net neutrality and how it can be achieved within the framework of LTE (4G) technology. That report was filed with the FCC in the net neutrality docket, and CTC CEO and Director of Engineering Andrew …
READ MORECTC Briefs FCC Commissioners on Net Neutrality Issues
The New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute (OTI) filed a significant CTC Technology & Energy technical report with the FCC as part of its response on the net neutrality docket. The engineering study, which New America commissioned to explore how net neutrality can be achieved within the framework of LTE …
READ MORECTC Awarded City of Ellensburg Contract
The City of Ellensburg, Washington awarded CTC a contract to prepare a strategic plan for the Telecommunications Utility. CTC will conduct analysis and market research, and provide strategic support to assist the City in its goal of designing and constructing a fiber optic network to serve public agencies.
READ MORESHLB Submits CTC Study to FCC
On October 17, the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB) submitted to the FCC CTC's cost model study for fiber construction to schools and libraries. SHLB filed A Model for Understanding the Cost to Connect Schools and Libraries with Fiber Optics in the E-Rate Modernization proceeding in support of …
READ MOREFCC Announces RBE Filing Window
The filing window for the Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE) will open on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 9:00am ET., according to a public notice released by the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau. All application and bid materials are due Friday, November 7, 2014 at 6pm ET. There is an opportunity for accelerated …
READ MOREFiling Window Announced for Rural Broadband Experiments
The filing window for the Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE) will open on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 9:00am ET., according to a public notice released by the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau. All application and bid materials are due Friday, November 7, 2014 at 6pm ET. Access the full RBE order here.
READ MOREWestminster, MD Begins Drilling
We are excited to share that the City of Westminster, Maryland broke ground Monday on the construction of a citywide fiber optic network. The initial phase of the project is intended to serve two distinct pilot areas, which will encompass both residential and business customers. The City fully funded construction …
READ MOREConstruction Begins in Westminster, MD
The City of Westminster, Maryland broke ground Monday on the construction of a citywide fiber optic network. The initial phase of the project is intended to serve two distinct pilot areas, which will encompass both residential and business customers. The City fully funded construction of the open-access network, which is …
READ MORERBE Awardees May Receive Accelerated Disbursement of Funds
Our team has prepared a memorandum explaining the "Accelerated Disbursement Option" in the FCC's Rural Broadband Experiments Program. To promote expedited build-out, the experiments allow for awardees to receive 30 percent of total funding upfront based on certain criteria outlined in the order. In our memorandum, we detail this funding …
READ MORECTC Insight on RBE Application Process
CTC has condensed the details of the FCC's public notice regarding the Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE) application process into a memorandum that reflects our understanding of this procedure. If you have not already done so, we encourage parties who may be interested in participating in the experiments to begin the necessary analysis, …
READ MORECTC awarded NAED Phase One Contract
CTC Principal Engineer and Analyst Tom Asp will lead CTC's effort working with the North Attleborough Electric Department (NAED) to develop a communications system strategy. CTC will provide strategic support, as well as a budgetary and feasibility analysis to aid NAED in reaching their goal of global advanced communications.
READ MORECTC Director of Engineering to Present at MACo Summer Conference
CTC Technology & Energy Director of Engineering Andrew Afflerbach will speak at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference. His presentation Innovative Internet Deployment in Underserved Rural Areas: County-Initiated Wireless Broadband in Garrett County will be part of the Going the Distance - Building the "Last Mile" of Broadband Infrastructure session. …
READ MORECTC President to Speak at Broadband Communities Conference
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis will speak at the Broadband Communities Conference in Springfield, MA. Hovis will be the leader and speaker at By the Numbers: Documenting Broadband's Contribution to Economic Development in addition to presenting for the workshop A Community Fiber Toolkit Developing Fiber Projects. The Broadband Fiber Networks Conference …
READ MORECTC Named to Top 100 Companies List
Broadband Communities Magazine has named CTC Technology and Energy to its annual Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 List of companies. The list commends various types of companies within the broadband community for being "leaders and innovators in the fiber-to-the-home arena". This is CTC's fifth time on this list.
READ MORECTC Guidance on FCC Rural Broadband Experiments
Our team has prepared a memorandum outlining our analysis of the FCC's newly-created Rural Broadband Experiments program. These experiments will provide valuable data to the FCC, including potentially shaping future support for rural broadband. Applications are due 90 days from the release of the order (July 14). We believe that …
READ MORECTC Presents a Full Day of Education Sessions at the UTC Rural Broadband Workshop
As educational partner to the Rural Broadband Council of the Utilities Telecom Council, CTC Technology & Energy today presented a full day of educational sessions regarding the new Rural Broadband Experiments program recently created by the FCC. At a seminar in Indianapolis presented to more than 100 representatives of rural …
READ MOREHats off to UC2B for Fantastic, Innovative Public-Private Partnership
My hat goes off to my clients at the Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B) consortium on the announcement of its innovative public-private partnership. I think the fantastic UC2B team has accomplished something singular—a unique partnership that illustrates the benefits that can arise when local government works with the private sector to …
READ MOREHolly Springs, NC Lights First Site on New Fiber Network
Following a year-long planning and construction process, the first site on the Town of Holly Springs, North Carolina’s 19-mile municipal fiber network came online today—and the immediate spike in network traffic patterns ratified the Town’s vision of freeing itself from bandwidth constraints. The first live site on the network is a …
READ MORENew America Foundation and CTC Release Report on Public Broadband Options
Today, the New America Foundation's Open Technology Institute and CTC Technology & Energy released a new report on local broadband networks, "The Art of the Possible: An Overview of Public Broadband Options." The report is intended to serve as a primer for local government and community leaders on different approaches to …
READ MOREPublic Knowledge files CTC analysis of IP Transition Trials
Public Knowledge, the New America Foundation, and the Benton Foundation have filed CTC’s analysis of AT&T’s proposal for wire center trials in the Federal Communications Commission’s IP transition proceeding. This filing—“Response to AT&T’s Proposal for Wire Center Trials in the IP Transition Proceeding”—follows up on an earlier report we prepared …
READ MORECTC Kicks Off Fiber Project with City of Raleigh, NC
CTC Technology & Energy has launched a project with the City of Raleigh, North Carolina to develop a roadmap for meeting the city’s future networking needs. CTC engineers will perform a technical assessment of the city’s current network plans, develop a strategy for fiber construction, and provide detailed guidance on …
READ MOREArlington County, Virginia Announces Dark Fiber for Business Customers
Arlington County, Virginia announced the next step in the development of its visionary ConnectArlington fiber network. Over the next year, the county plans to make dark fiber available for lease by businesses—offering “the highest levels of security to provide unprecedented opportunities for secure collaboration with the nation’s top defense and …
READ MORENotes from the front lines of in-building wireless
Great discussions yesterday at the IWCE conference in Las Vegas. I was a panelist on the In-Building-Wireless and DAS fundamentals session. We reviewed public safety, commercial, and DAS systems that combined both of these elements. The panelists brought great perspectives from a carrier’s, a city planner’s, a fire chief and …
READ MORECTC Principal Engineer Shawn Thompson To Address IWCE Expo
CTC Principal Engineer Shawn Thompson will address the IWCE Expo on March 24, 2014 on how local government is uniquely able to help public safety and improve in-building wireless by coordinating a unified DAS strategy and using government-owned assets such as government-owned fiber. Shawn will discuss steps taken by Washington, …
READ MORECTC Commends FCC for Commitment to Open Internet
CTC Technology & Energy (CTC) applauds FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s statement today that the Commission will take steps to preserve the open Internet. Chairman Wheeler’s commitment to preventing discrimination among Internet traffic and enhancing competition is essential to ensuring that the Internet can continue to support innovation, local economic development, …
READ MOREOur President Featured as Guest Blogger for Google Fiber
CTC Technology & Energy's President Joanne Hovis, was featured as a guest blogger for Google on the Google Fiber blog. Joanne outlined the recommendations of our Gigabit Communities report for facilitating broadband development for local communities, seen below and at googlefiberblog.blogspot.com. "In 2009, city leaders and residents in Chattanooga made a bold …
READ MORELetter Urging Kansas Legislature to Reject SB 304
CTC Technology & Energy joined a coalition of private sector companies in urging the Kansas legislature to reject an industry-authored bill that would prohibit community broadband projects, including those in partnership with private companies. The bill would preclude almost any local broadband initiative, including those like the partnership between Kansas …
READ MOREFacilitating Gigabit Fiber Buildouts Report Featured in Broadband Communities Magazine
Last month, we published our report for Google, in which we layout the fundaments in a "How-to" strategy guide for facilitating a Gigabit Community. Since, we have received great feedback from the community including tweets from the Head of Community Affairs for Google and other industry pundits whom are promoting …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy to Aid Albuquerque in Building the City’s Network Design and Implementation
CTC Technology & Energy has helped hundreds of cities nationwide to evaluate and build the business case for municipal broadband networks. Albuquerque is the latest City to tap CTC Technology & Energy’s expertise and we are proud to work with the City. We will develop a strategy for providing a …
READ MORECTC Clients Receive Approval to Begin Kansas Health-e Broadband Consortium
CTC Technology & Energy would like to congratulate the Kansas Hospital Education and Research Foundation (KHERF), on receiving approval from the Universal Services Administration Company to move forward with their vision of the Kansas Health-e Broadband Consortium. The Kansas Health-e Broadband Consortium is a collaboration of healthcare related organizations in Kansas developing and maintaining …
READ MORECITE Web-Based Courses Offered for ITS Professionals Hosted by Our Lead Network Engineer
The Consortium for ITS Training and Education (CITE) will once again offer Matthew DeHaven’s courses for ITS professionals in their curriculum. The two courses are managed by the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology (CATT) and are offered at the University of Maryland. Matthew DeHaven is CTC Technology & Energy’s lead network …
READ MOREGigabit Communities: How Local Governments Can Facilitate Private Investment in New Gigabit Networks
Local governments have long pioneered efforts to expand broadband availability and competition; for more than a decade, they have tested public projects and public–private partnerships to deliver new broadband to their citizens. As they look to the future, communities can choose to build their own broadband networks or can work …
READ MORE10 Key Network Attributes to be Tested in the IP Transition
The current public switched telephone network (PSTN) provides a reliable voice connection to nearly every American. Considering how important those connections are, the move by communications carriers to replace circuit-switched technology with IP technology in their wire centers raises some important issues. The option of using IP technology in the …
READ MOREPublic Knowledge Files CTC Technology and Energy Report on IP Transition Trials with FCC
Today Public Knowledge filed CTC Technology & Energy's report on IP Transition Trials with the FCC. Read more on Jodie Griffin's Public Knowledge Policy Blog posting, "Drilling Down the Details for Pilot Programs," here. Follow Public Knowledge on Twitter.
READ MORE2013
City of Seattle and CTC Technology & Energy Release Report on Future of Cable Broadband
A new report prepared by CTC Technology & Energy for the City of Seattle analyzes the current state of cable broadband technology. The report, titled "The State of the Art and Evolution of Cable Television and Broadband Technology," documents the need for cable systems to upgrade their network capabilities if …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy Opens Western Satellite Offices
CTC Technology & Energy has opened several new offices in recent months to better serve clients in the Midwest, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain regions. The newest office, located in Boulder, Colorado, opened in September, and is under the supervision of Principal Analyst Bob Hunnicutt. Mr. Hunnicutt is a veteran of cable …
READ MOREGarrett County, Md. Seeking Private Partners for Wireless Network
Garrett County, Maryland has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for private partners interested in providing network services over a county-built wireless network. The network will reach some of the rural county's most remote residents and businesses currently without high speed Internet service availability. CTC Technology & Energy completed a comprehensive feasibility …
READ MOREOfficials Announce Latest Regional Broadband Grant for Garrett County, MD
For the second time in two years, Garrett County, Maryland has received a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for community broadband development. The grant, which will be matched dollar for dollar by the County, is the latest in a series of major steps the small county has taken …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy Report Makes Case for Government Fiber in Holly Springs, N.C.
A June report released by CTC Technology & Energy recommends that the Town of Holly Springs, North Carolina move ahead with plans to construct fiber optic broadband infrastructure to serve its public institutions. The Business Case for Government Fiber Optics in Holly Springs states that the return on investment of …
READ MORECulver City, CA Taps CTC Technology & Energy for Fiber Optic Study
CTC Technology & Energy will conduct a feasibility study for Culver City, California to explore developing fiber optic network connections for economic development sites and other locations throughout the City. The study will evaluate the existing needs of City agencies and private businesses in target areas. CTC Technology & Energy will …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy to Develop Broadband Plan for Kansas Hospital Association
CTC Technology & Energy is working with the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) on plans to develop a high-speed network for the state’s healthcare community. KHA is a non-profit organization promoting the interests of community hospitals and other healthcare providers throughout Kansas. CTC Technology & Energy kicked off the project by meeting with KHA …
READ MORELawrence, KS Releases CTC Technology & Energy Broadband Report
The City of Lawrence has released CTC Technology & Energy's report on broadband within the City, titled "Enhancing Broadband in Lawrence: A Range of Strategic Options." CTC Technology & Energy conducted an assessment of Lawrence's current state of broadband availability and demand, and outlined thirteen different potential strategies to increase broadband access …
READ MOREWestminster, MD Issues RFI for Possible Municipal Network
The City of Westminster, Maryland has issued a Request for Information to gauge interest from service providers for a potential City-built fiber optic network. The City is seeking private partners to operate, maintain, and sell Internet service over the network, which could offer speeds as high as multi-hundreds of megabits, …
READ MORENew Mexico Accepting Applications for Regional Broadband Implementation Pilots
The New Mexico Department of Information Technology is accepting applications for its Regional Broadband Implementation Pilots. The State will launch pilot projects to identify and close gaps in broadband coverage in two regions. The pilots will be completed by September 2014. The Application and accompanying Fact Sheet are available for download. …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy to Develop Fiber Business Plan for Holly Springs, NC
The Town Council of Holly Springs, N.C. has given the green light for CTC Technology & Energy to begin work on the Town’s fiber optic network plans. CTC Technology & Energy will develop a business case for expanding the Town’s network capacity and offer specific strategies for fiber utilization. The town seeks …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy to Provide Support for NM Broadband Pilots and Strategic Plan
CTC Technology & Energy will support the State of New Mexico over the course of the next two years on the implementation of two regional broadband pilot programs. The pilots will test strategies for developing plans for broadband expansion and maximizing the benefits of federal funding for rural broadband programs. CTC Technology …
READ MOREEAGLE-Net Releases CTC Technology & Energy Report
The Colorado intergovernmental broadband cooperative EAGLE-Net has released CTC Technology & Energy’s 2012 study on the public middle-mile carrier. The report compares the EAGLE-Net approach with successful models in other states. CTC Technology & Energy’s analysis addresses the concerns expressed by some Colorado companies over EAGLE-Net’s scope of network construction. …
READ MORELawrence, KS Taps CTC Technology & Energy for Fiber and Wireless Broadband Planning
The City of Lawrence, Kansas has partnered with CTC Technology & Energy to plan for its digital future. CTC Technology & Energy will evaluate the current state of broadband in Lawrence and propose strategies for expanding network infrastructure to serve homes, businesses, and the public sector. The City Commissioners, who have indicated …
READ MORERegistration Open for CTC Technology & Energy's Online Engineering Courses Through U of MD
Course registration opened this week for two online courses developed and taught by CTC Technology & Energy's senior engineering team. The Consortium for ITS Training and Education (CITE), a University of Maryland program, offers Telecommunications and Networking Fundamentals and Network Design and Deployment Considerations for ITS Managers and Professionals courses, …
READ MORE2012
CTC Technology & Energy Reduces Carbon Footprint with Solar Array
CTC Technology & Energy’s investment in solar energy is showing results. The company’s 12.48 kilowatt (DC) rooftop photovoltaic array has produced more than 9 megawatt-hours of energy since it was activated this summer. The energy savings is enough to power 298 houses for a day, and offsets CTC Technology & …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy Launches Comprehensive Study of Kansas Broadband
The State of Kansas has tapped CTC Technology & Energy to perform a study of broadband availability and use throughout the state. The Kansas Statewide Broadband Initiative (KSBI), part of the Kansas Department of Commerce, initiated the project as part of its mission to better understand the broadband landscape in the …
READ MOREUC2B Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, First Sites Connected in Urbana-Champaign
CTC Technology & Energy congratulates the Urbana Champaign community on connecting the first sites on the Urbana Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B) fiber optic network. UC2B brings ultra-high speed Internet access to homes and community sites throughout the Urbana Champaign area, with an emphasis on low-income and underserved communities. In September, UC2B received …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy-Designed Wireless Network Activated in Port Angeles, WA
The City of Port Angeles is now a giant Wi-Fi hotspot. City officials marked the launch of the new wireless, citywide network known as “The Mesh” on Monday with a ceremonial cable-cutting. CTC Technology & Energy engineers designed the network architecture and provided business analysis for the project. The wireless network allows the …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy to Study Broadband Options in Westminster, MD
The City of Westminster, Maryland has tapped CTC Technology & Energy to assess the City’s need for a fiber optic communications network. The Westminster Common Council voted unanimously to approve the study, with council members citing lack of broadband service as an impediment to business interests in the community. Westminster is …
READ MOREJoanne Hovis to Speak on Urbana-Champaign Community Broadband Panel
CTC President Joanne Hovis will speak today on a panel discussion about local broadband planning in Urbana, Illinois. The event, “Models for Building Local Broadband: Public, Private, Coop, Nonprofit,” will bring together other experts in local telecommunications and public broadband for an open discussion of the benefits and challenges of …
READ MOREHovis, NATOA Outline Final Stages of BTOP
Comm Daily reported Tuesday on a National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) webinar in which CTC President Joanne Hovis discussed what she sees as the ongoing economic benefits created by the Recovery Act broadband funding. As Ms. Hovis noted, awardees of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants are now …
READ MORECTC Clients Win Awards from the Center for Digital Government
CTC congratulates the winners of the 2012 Digital Counties Survey awards from the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The awards, which recognize the strategic use of technology and success in governance through IT policies and practices, were given to counties nationwide. Among the winners were …
READ MORECTC Client Wins Best in Category Award from NACo
Howard County, Maryland, a leader in statewide public broadband development and longtime CTC client, is one of 19 counties nationwide to receive a Best in Category Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award recognizes the County’s oversight of the Inter-County Broadband Network (ICBN) initiative. Under the leadership …
READ MORECTC Completes Major Broadband Study for Rural Client
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis presented the findings of our research projects, Broadband in Garrett County: A Strategy for Expansion and Adoption, at a public meeting in Oakland, Md. today. The study found that Garrett County is well-connected compared to other rural communities throughout the United States, but nevertheless lags …
READ MORECTC Supports Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative
Following a kick-off meeting in April, CTC is engaged in an ongoing project to identify communications gaps and evaluate potential solutions for the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), a regional emergency preparedness planning effort that brings together emergency management personnel, information officers, and public safety officials from the region’s …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Garrett County, MD on ARC Grant Funding
CTC Technology & Energy congratulates Garrett County, Md. on receiving a $250,000 broadband infrastructure grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The grant, which will be matched by the County, will fund fiber optic infrastructure and the electronics necessary to provide broadband service to a range of schools and other …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Charles Benton on His Nomination to the National Museum and Library Services Board
CTC congratulates Charles Benton, Chairman and CEO of the Benton Foundation, on his nomination by President Obama to the National Museum and Library Services Board. The Benton Foundation has, for more than 30 years, promoted communications and technology in the public interest. Mr. Benton’s work, in particular, has focused on issues such …
READ MORECTC Begins Major Project in Tennessee Valley
CTC Technology & Energy has kicked off its project to develop an emergency communications plan for the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA). Following an information-gathering session with TVPPA members and stakeholders, CTC is conducting a survey of association members to gauge their current state of emergency preparedness, anticipated communications …
READ MORECTC Client Project Featured in Government Technology Magazine
Arlington County, Virginia’s ambitious ConnectArlington fiber network was featured in Government Technology magazine as an example of “a unique public partnership” that “will support education, emergency management and other government use.” The article, which highlighted the drivers behind the project and the myriad benefits it will deliver, noted that Arlington CIO Jack Belcher …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Jacquie Jones on Receiving the 2012 Dewey Winburne Community Service Award
CTC congratulates Jacquie Jones on receiving the 2012 Dewey Winburne Community Service Award. Ms. Jones was selected based on her work as Executive Director of the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC), a 30-year-old media arts organization that funds, produces, and distributes public interest media for all platforms. NBPC focuses on …
READ MORECTC Project Featured in Cumberland Times-News
CTC President Joanne Hovis was featured in today’s Cumberland Times-News. The article, “Broadband advocate calls for a leap of faith from region,” covers Ms. Hovis’ testimony before the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee. She spoke on the importance of ultra-high-speed, fiber-optic broadband Internet connections to regional educational …
READ MORE2011
CTC Client and Project Featured in Peninsula Daily News
CTC’s client the City of Port Angeles, Wash. was featured today in The Peninsula Daily News. The article, “Port Angeles City Council OKs wireless project,” reported on the unanimous approval by the city council to proceed on a municipal wireless project. CTC has served as technical consultant on the project, …
READ MORECTC to Support Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA)
The Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, a non-profit, regional service organization that represents the interests of consumer-owned electric utilities operating within the Tennessee Valley Authority service area, has selected CTC Technology & Energy to assist it in developing an emergency communications plan. CTC will work with TVPPA stakeholders to identify …
READ MORECTC to Support Broadband Internet Planning in Rural Western Maryland
The governments of Allegany and Garrett counties have selected CTC Technology & Energy to assist them with broadband Internet planning projects. Both counties are located in the rural western panhandle of Maryland, where residential and commercial broadband Internet options and speeds are extremely limited when compared to the rest of …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Ken Fellman on His Appointment to the FCC's Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
CTC Technology & Energy congratulates Ken Fellman on his appointment to the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC). Mr. Fellman was chosen to participate based on his current role as City Attorney for the City of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. Mr. Fellman has extensive experience in municipal government, having served on …
READ MORECTC Announces Project with Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority
CTC Technology & Energy recently kicked off a project with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) to design fiber optic connections from both Ronald Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport to the National Capitol Region Interconnection Network (NCRnet). CTC is conducting a feasibility study and assessing potential construction …
READ MORECTC Congratulates Tony Perez of the City of Seattle on His Appointment to the FCC’s Diversity Advisory Committee
CTC congratulates Tony Perez, the Director of Seattle’s Office of Cable Communications, on his appointment to the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age. Mr. Perez has demonstrated a commitment to serving the public interest and the citizens of Seattle. He will provide a valuable …
READ MORECTC Awarded Contract to Evaluate Business Models for KINBER
The Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education and Research (KINBER) has awarded CTC Technology & Energy a project to develop business models for its BTOP-funded statewide fiber network in Pennsylvania. Working with KINBER and its member institutions, CTC will assist in creating the next iteration of KINBER's business plan.
READ MORECTC Congratulates Benton Foundation on 30 Years of Supporting Public Interest in Communications
CTC Technology & Energy commends the Benton Foundation for its important work in the field of media and telecommunications policy. From supporting non-profit and philanthropic media projects to advocating for those citizens who continue to find themselves on the wrong side of the “digital divide,” the Benton Foundation has contributed …
READ MORECTC President Appointed to U.S. UCAN Task Force
The United States Unified Community Anchor Network (U.S. UCAN) announced the appointment of CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis to its Task Force on Community Anchor Network Economic Models. Established by Internet2, U.S. UCAN is a BTOP-funded project that aims to connect Internet2, regional research and education (R&E) networks, other …
READ MORE2010
U.S. Small Business Administration Publishes CTC Broadband Report
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy has published CTC’s report on "The Impact of Broadband Speed and Price on Small Business" and a companion research summary. The SBA also made the following announcement: WASHINGTON, DC — The availability, speed and price of broadband services vary significantly between metro area …
READ MORECTC Awarded SBA Contract to Evaluate Impact of Broadband on Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded CTC Technology & Energy a project to evaluate the impact of broadband speed and price on small businesses. Working with the SBA Office of Advocacy, CTC will conduct a survey of broadband speeds and costs available to the nation’s small businesses, analyze the …
READ MORECTC Congratulates One Maryland Broadband Network on Stimulus Funding
The State of Maryland’s One Maryland Broadband Network today received one of the largest Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants ever awarded. The $115 million in federal funding, with $40 million in matching contributions from the state and a range of local jurisdictions, will enable the construction of an interconnected …
READ MORECTC Named to Broadband Top 100 List
Broadband Properties magazine named CTC Technology & Energy to its annual Top 100 list, which honors companies that have made significant contributions to “building the fiber-connected community.” CTC joins Google as one of 12 new additions to the list.
READ MORECTC Congratulates the District of Columbia on Stimulus Funding
The District of Columbia today became the first major city in the country to receive two Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grants. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the District will receive funding for the D.C. Community Access Network (DC-CAN) infrastructure initiative and an extensive public computer center …
READ MORECTC to Support New Zealand's National Public FTTH Project
Crown Fibre Holdings, representing the Government of New Zealand, has selected CTC Technology & Energy to provide technical consulting on its national Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) initiative. Dr. Andrew Afflerbach, CTC Director of Engineering, will lead a team that develops a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) architecture for the UFB project and provides strategic guidance …
READ MORECTC President Speaks on Broadband and Educational Achievement
Speaking on a panel at the Building the Broadband Economy (BBE) 2010 conference in New York today, CTC president Joanne Hovis discussed how information and communications technology (ICT) is supporting educational achievement. Ms. Hovis joined many other notable speakers at the event, which focused on "The Education Last Mile: Closing the Gap from …
READ MORECTC Principal Analyst Speaks on Smart Grid at FiberFete
CTC Technology & Energy principal analyst Ron Holcomb presented today on "Smart Grid — The Killer Ap" at FiberFete, an event that brought together Internet and technology leaders from around the world to discuss "the development potential of fiber-powered communities." (A video of Ron's presentation is available here.) Prior to joining CTC, Ron …
READ MORECTC President Joins Board of the Benton Foundation
CTC President Joanne Hovis has joined the Board of Directors of the Benton Foundation at the request of Charles Benton, the foundation’s chairman and CEO. The Benton Foundation works to ensure that media and telecommunications serve the public interest and enhance our democracy. It pursues this mission by seeking policy solutions that …
READ MORECTC and SBA Kick Off Market Research Project
CTC Technology & Energy and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have launched a survey of broadband speeds and costs available to the nation’s small businesses. The market research is one part of a project the SBA awarded CTC to evaluate the impact of broadband speed and price on small …
READ MORECTC Congratulates OpenCape and UC2B on Stimulus Funding
CTC Technology & Energy is proud to have been part of the teams that developed the successful Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant applications for OpenCape Corporation and Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B). Both organizations received middle-mile infrastructure awards in the first round of broadband stimulus funding under the American Recovery …
READ MORECTC President Appointed to FiberFete Global Advisory Board
CTC Technology & Energy president Joanne Hovis has been named to the global advisory board of FiberFete, an April 2010 event that “will bring Internet innovators from around the world to meet with local leaders for three days of discussion, learning and fun in Lafayette, Louisiana, a fiber-powered city in the …
READ MORECTC Awarded Contract by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has selected CTC Technology & Energy to provide strategic advice and guidance to member stations on broadband and stimulus grant opportunities. CTC President Joanne Hovis will help participating stations understand the grant application process, and will provide targeted analysis of the stations’ business, sustainability, and …
READ MORECTC Prepares Technical Report for New America Foundation
CTC Technology & Energy joined the New America Foundation and other public interest groups today in submitting comments and a technical report to the FCC in the Matter of Preserving the Open Internet. The report, entitled “Any Device and Any Application on Wireless Networks: A Technical Strategy for Evolution,” was prepared by CTC …
READ MORECTC President Speaks at New America Foundation
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis was a featured speaker today at a New America Foundation forum that explored the relationship between broadband and economic development. Ms. Hovis was invited to the forum as an expert on broadband markets. She also represented the views of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and …
READ MORE2009
CTC President Speaks at FCC Broadband Workshop
CTC President Joanne Hovis spoke today at the Federal Communications Commission's broadband workshop in Washington, D.C. Representing the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), Ms. Hovis spoke on a panel discussing “Future Fiber Architectures and Local Deployment Choices.” The goal of the workshop series is to promote an open …
READ MORECTC President Comments on National Broadband Strategy
The U.S. Broadband Coalition today released a report highlighting the crucial issues that must be addressed in a National Broadband Strategy, which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to complete by February 2010. Blair Levin, the coordinator of the National Broadband Plan for the FCC, accepted the report at an …
READ MORECTC Director of Engineering Speaks at FCC Broadband Workshop
Dr. Andrew Afflerbach, CEO and Director of Engineering at CTC Technology & Energy, spoke today at the Federal Communications Commission's broadband workshop on public safety and homeland security issues. Representing the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), Dr. Afflerbach participated in a panel that addressed "how best to utilize …
READ MORECTC Client Featured in the Washington Post
CTC Technology & Energy client OneMaryland, a consortium of 11 jurisdictions collaborating on a federal braodband grant application, was highlighted today in the Washington Post. The article, “Md. Jurisdictions Seek Funds for Broadband Boost: $100 Million Requested From Stimulus Pool,” outlined the broadband project that has united Howard, Montgomery, and …
READ MOREBusinessweek Article Addresses the Urban Underserved
A Businessweek article published today explores the ways that the current federal broadband grant program’s rules exclude urban areas. "Broadband Stimulus and the Underserved" explains that, “as written, the rules governing the grants are stacked against cities like San Francisco, even though urban areas are among the places least reached …
READ MORECTC President Addresses Media Access Project Policy Forum
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis discussed the benefits of high-speed broadband as a panelist at the Media Access Project (MAP) policy forum, "Broadband Stimulus and the National Broadband Plan: What They Mean for Communications, Technology, and Innovation." Sharing the platform with Thomas Kalil from the White House Office of …
READ MORECTC Technology & Energy and New America Foundation Publish BTOP Analysis and Guidance
CTC Technology & Energy and the New America Foundation jointly published a memorandum providing analysis, strategic guidance, policy concerns, and recommendations with regard to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The memorandum was released in response to the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) …
READ MORECTC President Testifies Before Congress
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis testified before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law regarding nationwide wireless broadband deployment issues . Ms. Hovis’ testimony, which was presented on behalf of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Government Finance Officers …
READ MORECTC Article Explores Municipal Role in Developing Broadband Networks
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis co-wrote “Broadband in Colorado: Why It Matters to Municipalities,” which has implications for cities nationwide. The article, which was published in Colorado Municipalities magazine (April 2009), methodically answers a range of important questions: “A City offer wireless broadband? Build fiber optics for public use? …
READ MORECTC President Represents NATOA and Local Governments in Stimulus Meeting
At the invitation of the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis spoke today on behalf of local governments in a roundtable discussion hosted by the NTIA and RUS. The public meeting was part of the proceeding for developing rules for allocation of the …
READ MORECTC President and NATOA Board Member Featured on C-SPAN Discussion of Provisions for Broadband Stimulus
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis was recently featured on C-SPAN’s "The Communicators" program. Ms. Hovis, who serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisers (NATOA), spoke on behalf of local governments. Sharon Gillet, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Dept. of Telecommunications and …
READ MOREPEG Channels Can Be Treated Comparably to Commercial Channels
In an article published by the Alliance for Community Media, CTC Technology & Energy Director of Engineering Andrew Afflerbach explains that cable operators can deliver public, educational, and governmental (PEG) programs at the same high quality as commercial channels. The article, “AT&T Has the Capability to Treat PEG and Commercial Channels Comparably,” …
READ MORENATOA Journal Publishes CTC Article: Fiber vs. Copper
NATOA Journal, the magazine of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisers, published an insightful article by CTC Technology & Energy engineers Matthew DeHaven and Priya Wasnikar. “What’s the Fuss About Fiber? A Comparative Analysis of Fiber and Copper Physical Media,” which covers issues such as cost, security, and …
READ MORECTC President Chairs at 2009 F2C: Freedom to Connect Conference
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis will chair the opening session of the 2009 F2C: Freedom to Connect Conference on March 30 in Silver Spring, MD. Featured speakers in this Municipal Super-Session will be Chris Vein, CIO of San Francisco; Bill Schrier, CTO of Seattle; and others. This two-day conference held near …
READ MORE2008
CTC Assists National Municipal Associations in FCC Wireless Broadband Proceeding
CTC Technology & Energy has again assisted numerous national municipal associations with their filing of comments in the Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FNPRM) on the “D Block” Auction at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Earlier this year, CTC Technology & Energy also prepared a report for the National League of Cities (NLC), …
READ MORECTC Recognized Among Top 100 Regional Minority Businesses
CTC Technology & Energy has been selected to receive the prestigious Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award. This program is designed to acknowledge and pay tribute to outstanding women and minority business owners in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The awards ceremony will take place at the Inn and …
READ MORECTC Project NCRnet Receives 2007 NATOA Community Network of the Year
The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors has awarded a CTC Technology & Energy project—NCRnet—its 2007 Community Network of the Year honors. An article about NCRnet appears in the Winter 2007 edition of the NATOA Journal.
READ MORECTC Assists Michigan Local Governments in Securing Temporary Injunction Halting Comcast's PEG Access Channel Move
On January 14, 2008, the federal district court in Michigan issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing the move of PEG (public, educational, and governmental) access channels by Comcast. A suit was filed by Meridian Township and the City of Dearborn on January 11, 2008 asking that Comcast …
READ MOREAmes, IA to Implement Several Free WiFi Hotspots
CTC Technology & Energy has provided strategic support to Ames, Iowa in its innovative project to implement several free WiFi hot spots and to issue an RFP for outside vendors to supply free WiFi at additional locations. An article about the city's plan appeared here.
READ MORE2007
CTC Begins Market Research Study on Fiber Connectivity in San Francisco
The City and County of San Francisco has awarded CTC Technology & Energy phase two of the Community Fiber to the Premises Feasibility Study. CTC Technology & Energy conducted the groundbreaking phase one of the study in 2006. CTC Technology & Energy will conduct in-depth market research of both the …
READ MORECTC Awarded General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule
The General Services Administration (GSA) has approved CTC Technology & Energy to provide services to governmental agencies through a GSA Schedule 70. GSA provides a streamlined procurement process for governmental agencies to utilize pre-approved firms and providers of services. "The addition of the GSA Schedule enhances our ability to provide quality …
READ MORECTC President Joanne Hovis Speaks at MuniWireless Conference
CTC Technology & Energy President Joanne Hovis delivered remarks on the state of community wireless networks at the MuniWireless Conference in Silicon Valley
READ MOREChristian Science Monitor Interviews CTC President on Municipal WiFi Projects
"Municipal Wi-Fi thrives – on a small scale," an article featuring CTC Technology & Energy president Joanne Hovis and other experts, was published today in the Christian Science Monitor.
READ MOREPublic Interest Spectrum Coalition Files CTC’s Engineering Report on 700 MHz Issues with FCC
The Public Interest Spectrum Coalition filed CTC Technology & Energy’s engineering report on 700 MHz technical issues as part of their formal comments with the Federal Communications Commission. See Appendix A on page 45 of the document.
READ MORECarroll County Department of Economic Development Releases Broadband Study Report
The Carroll County (Maryland) Department of Economic Development today released a CTC Technology & Energy report, "Broadband in Carroll County, Maryland - A Review of the Market, Products, and Services." The County commissioned the study to assess the current communications marketplace and encourage new private sector development.
READ MORECity of Los Angeles Department Of Water and Power selects CTC Technology & Energy to Assist in Strategy Development of the Fiber Optic Enterprise
The City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has selected CTC Technology & Energy to assist with the development of strategy regarding the Fiber Optic Enterprise (FOE) in the city. The project will assist in the formulation of an updated strategic business plan for the current FOE program. "CTC …
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