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 is important to have realistic projections of the numerous, varying costs associated with the Commission’s goal of broadband deployment to all schools and libraries nationwide to help drive federal funding.

CTC’s SHLB cost model estimates the average one-time cost of connecting schools and libraries throughout the U.S. It divides the country into eight standardized geographies from an engineering and network construction standpoint, then uses reasonable assumptions and normalizes numbers to estimate the non-recurring average cost to build to eligible schools and library locations.

The FCC adopted the first E-Rate Modernization Order in July, 2014 to streamline the program and increase funding to advance broadband access and affordability for the nation’s schools and libraries. In October, SHLB submitted CTC’s report to the FCC for consideration in the E-Rate Modernization proceeding.

View the CTC cost model here and read the entire FCC order here.