Applying for Broadband Grants through RUS

Created by Anna M. Gould (EDUCAUSE) on March 12, 2009

Yesterday’s blog focused on the broadband grant process at the Department of Commerce’s NTIA program. Today we take a look at the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) program. It should be noted that both departments issued a joint request for information and notice of public meetings, which will allow the public to submit comments on the broadband initiative.

At Tuesday’s conference, the USDA’s Assistant Administrator for Telecommunications Programs, Dave Villano, said 75% of the designated stimulus money must be used in rural areas to foster rural economic development. The RUS program may distribute up to $2.5 billion for grants, loans, and loan guarantees. And unlike its counterpart at the Department of Commerce, RUS already has two existing programs for appropriating funding for broadband. Because of the existing programs, they are expected to keep many of their process and eligibility rules in place.

Similar to the NTIA, RUS will publish a Notice of Funding Available (NOFA) in the Federal Register. They are also expected to have three notices of funding, which should give interested parties more time to apply for grants over the next few months. In other words, no one is expecting that all of the money will be awarded in the first wave of acceptances. The first NOFA is expected around the April-June 2009 timeframe.

More Information on RUS Broadband:

• Applicants may apply for both RUS and NTIA grants; however, restrictions may apply on how the money is distributed for projects.
• Unlike the NTIA’s September 2010 deadline, RUS does not have a deadline for distributing money. However, they are expected to conduct their three waves of grant distribution over the next 18 months.
• The current loan and grant programs at RUS focus on providing funding for “construction, improvement, and/or acquisition of facilities or equipment to expand broadband services to rural communities.” (Source: Dow Lohnes)
• Under current law, RUS must give priority to those entities proposing to provide service to areas lacking any service over applicants looking to expand access or broadband options.
• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act- the economic stimulus - allows the RUS to also prioritize applications based on: 1) if they provide choice of providers, 2) if they provide accessibility to the highest number possible of rural residents currently without any broadband access, and 3) if they were prior RUS borrowers.
• Though RUS may distribute money through loans and grants, it is believed that most of the economic stimulus funding will be used for grants.
• Currently, grant applicants must demonstrate that they are able to provide broadband access to areas that currently do not have access. Furthermore, they must be willing to supply service to “critical community facilities,” such as schools, libraries, and health centers. Finally, they must offer broadband to all businesses and residences in their service area, and provide ten publicly available computers for at least two years. These requirements are listed under current rules for broadband grants and may or may not apply to ARRA grants.
• RUS applications have been prioritized based on how rural an area may be (40% of an application’s score), economic need in the proposed area (30% of the score), and the benefits a community may receive if provided with broadband access (30% of the score). (Source: Dow Lohnes)
• While RUS already has established rules and processes, it is worth mentioning that the USDA may adjust some of its rules for ARRA funding. The USDA is encouraging all interested parties to submit feedback through the NTIA web site.
  

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Applying for Broadband Grants Through the NTIA

Created by Anna M. Gould (EDUCAUSE) on March 11, 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Broadband Initiative allows two entities to distribute broadband funding: the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) program and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This post will look at the basics for applying for NTIA grants.

Funding through this program is aimed at improving broadband access in underserved and unserved areas with a special concentration on "community anchor institutions," including schools, public safety organizations, and health care centers. Yesterday, the NTIA posted a notice in the Federal Register asking for feedback on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. After collecting comments for 30 days, NTIA will issue a Notice of Funding Available, or NOFA. This notice will contain final application rules, which are required before any grant funding may be distributed. It is expected that the agency will issue three NOFAs in order to provide enough time for states and others to complete their applications. NTIA is working on a very short deadline, since they are required to disperse all funding by September 30, 2010.

The NTIA’s “Broadband Technology Opportunities Program” (BTOP) is charged with distributing $4.7 billion, including $350 million for broadband mapping. Eligible applicants include any state, local, territorial or tribal government, as well as non-profit organizations. It is also possible that ISPs, infrastructure providers, and other for-profit ventures may be eligible if they can prove it is in the “public interest,” a term yet to be defined. Yesterday, Bernadette McGuire-Rivera, the Associate Administrator of the NTIA, said many are concerned about the definitions of “unserved” and “underserved” areas. Her agency will be collecting public comments in order to address this, as well as a myriad of other questions and concerns.

More information:

v The first of three notices will likely be released in the April-June timeframe. It is expected that the second window would be in the fall and the last would be in spring of 2010.

v Each state must receive some funding.

v Applicants are encouraged to be concise with both their public comments and applications.

v NTIA plans to award funding through BTOP’s four major areas: broadband mapping, general broadband, community computing and innovative applications.

v Applicants must demonstrate how their project would efficiently use grant money for fulfilling the program’s goals. They must also show that they would be able to complete the project, and provide at least 20 percent of its costs. Finally, applicants must demonstrate that a given project would be impossible if they did not receive a BTOP grant before September 2010.

v Applicants can apply to both the NTIA’s BTOP program, as well as the USDA’s RUS program. There are restrictions, however.

v The rule-making process will be critical, since questions remain about eligibility and grant distribution priorities. No applications will be accepted by the NTIA until grant criteria is established and rules are adopted. That said, McGuire-Rivera recommends that people begin working on their applications now.

***********Tomorrow: Applying for Broadband Grants Through the RUS.****************************

SOURCE

DOWNLOAD FED REGISTER HERE - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_BTOP_RFI_090312.pdf

BirDog Tuner Discussion

I just joined SatelliteGuys.US because there are a ton of passionate folks discussing our solution there. One of the first threads that I jumped into is: SkywayUSA and Birdog

EchoStar Provides Transponder Service for SkyWay Broadband

This is big news. Huge news. Incredible news! Credibility in the industry. A multi-year, multi-transponder lease! More bandwidth than we know what to do with. OK we KNOW what to do with it but after so many years developing and engineering the most stable (and affordable) rural broadband solution, its nice to have the support and relationship with a company such as EchoStar, who already have 13 million mostly rural relationships on the Dish Network side. Get ready rural America (and beyond) our retail partner shored up the right satellite capacity now its time get yourselves connected!Regards,

Thomas
800 761 9149
tomw@bbinabox.com
www.bbinabox.com

# # # # # #

Will Provide Ku-Band Satellite Bandwidth for High Speed Internet Service

By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 9/29/2008 1:39:00 PM MT

EchoStar has done a deal to provide transponder service to support SkyWay USA’s satellite broadband Internet service, officials said Monday.

Through the agreement, EchoStar will provide SkyWay USA with domestic Ku-band satellite bandwidth.

“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with SkyWay USA to provide them with critical bandwidth to support their rural satellite internet solution,” Dean Olmstead, president of EchoStar Satellite Services, said in a prepared statement. “With EchoStar’s U.S. fleet of powerful Ku and Ka-band satellites, we were able to provide an immediate solution to help SkyWay USA expand its customer base.”

EchoStar’s capacity will be used by SkyWay USA to provide high-speed satellite Internet services to rural America. EchoStar represents a significant source of Ku-band and Ka-band satellite capacity together with satellite-related products and uplink support services.

“We are very excited about our multi-transponder, long-term agreement with EchoStar,” SkyWay USA CEO Dwayne Hay said in a prepared statement. “Our agreement with this strategic partner gives SkyWay the green light to rapidly deploy our hybrid satellite internet platform while not being concerned about satellite capacity for the next several years.”

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Can't Argue, when you're right you're right Stephen!

Another great write up, this time by our friends at EzineArticles.com Thomas William VP Partner Solutions Broadband in a Box 1302 Clear Springs Trace Louisville Kentucky 40223 Direct: (502) 426.2067 Toll Free: (800) 761.9149 Fax: (502) 515.3710 Email: tomw@bbinabox.com # # # # # # # # # One Way Satellite Internet Service By Stephen Long

It can be nearly impossible to get good high speed Internet access if you don't live near a city. When you do find that access, it often turns out to be far too expensive. If you feel like you're being punished with lack of access, just because you happen to live in a rural area, you're not alone. Over 25 million Americans living outside the range of DSL and cable feel the same way.

The good news is that a growing number of providers also agree with you. They think that every rural American deserves to have reliable access to broadband speed Internet services, including affordable, efficient satellite Internet access and a service that's friendly and helpful.

You should have the high speed satellite Internet access you've waiting for, no matter who you are and where you live. Even if you're one of the twenty-five million people living outside the DSL and cable service area, you can have access to all your favorite pages without the wait.

One way satellite Internet service uses satellite technology to download data to all 48 contiguous states at high speeds. You'll get your equipment cheaply, too - there's no need to pay the high prices for equipment and installation that come with two-way satellite access.

Equipment purchases start at forty-nine dollars, and annual plans for services are less than thirty dollars each month. That's cheaper than many cable plans, and comparable to a number of DSL service plans. Installation can be done on your own, and takes only a few hours. Otherwise, you can use some of the installers offered by your network. This reliable, affordable service is the solution to your high speed Internet woes.

One way satellite Internet access is a simpler system that offers a better online experience than two way satellite Internet systems. Unlike two-way services, these systems use your phone line as the request path. You won't need complicated, expensive equipment for two way transmissions, that way. This type of system gives you the ability to install the system on your own, lower latency, and significantly reduced rain fade.

Unlike two-way satellite Internet service, one way systems almost never go down. Don't worry about rain or heavy cloud cover - you'll have access to the sites you love. This service is reliable and affordable, and available in all of the lower 48 - no American will have to go without access to broadband speed Internet.

You'll enjoy on-demand movie downloads, streaming video and music, and the ability to do remote study for school. You can watch online TV and enjoy an interactive experience - much more than you can do with dialup! Don't wait any longer for your high-res images, flash animations, video, or updated software. DSL and cable have left you behind, but you don't have to go without Internet service just because of where you live.

Can't get cable or DSL. Set up your home with Skyway's high speed Satellite Internet Access. Skyway USA offers affordable satellite Internet access plans to rural America. Get the speed that you deserve for as low as $29.95 PER month!

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Skyway USA shoots for the stars with satellite broadband service

Friday, October 12, 2007

Photo by Ron Bath

George Dick, CEO of Skyway USA LLC, demonstrated how users of his company’s satellite broadband service can install and “find” the satellite themselves using a skybeeper and earpiece.

Business First of Louisville - by Sarah Jeffords Business First Staff Writer

Millions of rural households across America have yet to transition into the age of high-speed Internet access, often because cable providers and phone companies have not invested in the infrastructure to take their services to more remote areas.

But satellite broadband has emerged in recent years as another option for those coping with slower dial-up service.

Louisville's Skyway USA LLC is gearing up to become a dominant player in the field. The company offers a satellite broadband package that customers can purchase online and install themselves.

At an initial cost of $124 for equipment and service activation, plus a monthly service fee -- $29.99 for the entry-level package -- the company is touting itself as a low-cost alternative to existing satellite Internet providers such as WildBlue and Hughes Network Systems LLC.

WildBlue's entry-level monthly fee is $49.95 with an upfront cost of $328.95 for equipment and installation. Hughes' monthly service costs $59.99 with a $299.98 equipment and installation fee.

Rates for all companies, found on their Web sites, include promotional discounts.

Operating in trial mode

So far, about 450 customers nationwide have signed up for Skyway's service. But CEO and investor George Dick said he believes that is just the beginning. Many customers signed on during a trial phase that began when company founder and president Dwayne Hay formed Skyway in March.

Since then, Skyway officials, including Dick -- who became CEO in July -- have focused on fine-tuning operations.

Technical equipment, which is manufactured in Sweden, has been tested. Billing systems have been implemented and a customer-service center and warehouse has been established in Jackson, Ky., southeast of Lexington.

Plus, Skyway has had a capital infusion, about which company officials declined to release details, and it brought on new advisers, including:

• John Bohn Jr., former owner and president of Holdaway Medical Services Inc.;
• Daniel Mongiardo, a physician and candidate for Kentucky lieutenant governor in the upcoming November election;
• Merrily Orsini, managing director of marketing and communications firm Corecubed;
• Bill Strench, a member of the Frost Brown Todd LLC law firm;
• Gerald Tyrell, who has held leadership positions with First National Bank of Louisville, Porcelain Metals Corp. and now Venture Resources Inc., a business brokerage firm.

Skyway is poised for a major launch of the service on Nov. 1, when it will roll out a dealer program and aggressively target not only residents in the Bluegrass, but also customers across the country.

Starting from scratch

Hay and his brother, Michael Hay, founded Skyway in 2003 in Jackson after spending more than two decades as distributors for satellite TV.

Then, the company took a dive when the satellite provider it had contracted with went bankrupt, leaving Skyway with customers but no service.

Attempts to reorganize the company through a reverse merger that would take the company public proved to be a wrong move.

Dwayne Hay chalked it up as a learning experience and chose to seek private investors.

The ensuing series of events is a lesson in how relationships can help get the deal done.

Hay put in a call to former classmate and friend Mongiardo, who contacted longtime business acquaintance Don Smith, retired president and CEO of international business consulting firm Smith & Co. LLC.

Smith contacted Dick, a former employee of his who now owns Four Colour Imports Ltd., a Louisville printing company.

Smith, chairman of the advisory board, also has been instrumental in pulling together the collective expertise needed to take the Skyway concept forward -- and not at a snail's pace.

Goal is 1 million customers in five years

Projections call for 10,000 customers within six months. Within two years, that number is expected to jump to 100,000 customers, and 1 million by 2012.

Company officials think they can sell as many as 5,000 systems per month via the Internet by using search-engine optimization techniques that will push the company's Web site higher in Internet searches.

Although its sounds lofty, it's a realistic goal, according to one adviser.

Strench, who concentrates his law practice in the venture capital and financing sectors, said he has "scrutinized the numbers," and believes Skyway officials are on target.

"There clearly is a demand for this type of product," he said. "When you talk about Internet service, it's almost like TV -- an essential of a household."

The question is not whether there is an extensive market for satellite broadband, Strench said, but whether Skyway officials can reach those customers.

So finding the right marketing approach will be crucial, along with establishing a strong distribution network.

But Strench believes Skyway officials have an opportunity to leverage a lot of local talent. "I'm real impressed with the people who have affiliated with the company," he said, adding that the caliber of the management team and advisory board influenced his decision to join Skyway.

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Skyway USA LLC

Business: Provides satellite broadband service to rural areas
Headquarters: 10900 Plantside Drive, Suite E
CEO: George Dick
Employees: 16, including eight in Louisville
Web site: www.skywayusa.com

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How it works

Skyway USA leases satellite space from SES Americom, the North American subsidiary of Luxembourg-based SES Global.

In addition, Skyway and Canadian partner Business Television co-own an "earth station" in Toronto. The teleport complex transmits information to the satellite.

Those two relationships allow Skyway to offer the satellite Internet service to rural households without having to build out a technical infrastructure.

To activate the service, customers receive a self-install kit with an external modem. For now, the service goes through customers' landline phone connection. A technology upgrade is in the works that would avoid tying up phone lines.

The kit also includes a skybeeper, a proprietary device used to "find" the satellite.

The equipment is manufactured by companies in Sweden and then shipped to Skyway's Jackson, Ky., warehouse.

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