5 Things You Should Know About The Infrastructure Bill
The recent Infrastructure Bill passed by the Biden Administration includes a ton of information and it can be overwhelming. So, we here at WANRack decided to break it down and share with you the five pieces of information we feel are most important to note when thinking about your community's current and future broadband needs! Here you go:
1. Nearly two-thirds of the $65 billion funding will go to state broadband infrastructure buildouts. That is almost $42.5 billion! Each state is guaranteed to receive at least $100 million, totaling about $5 billion overall. There are currently no rules on how each recipient will obtain these funds. Ultimately the $100 million that each state receives will be up to the state's chosen decision-makers to decide how and who will get the funding. Our job is to assist you in utilizing and managing these funds for your shovel-ready projects!
2. We are beginning to see a shift from underserved being defined at 100/20, whereas before, it was 25/3. The reason being for this is a push for longer and more permanent solutions, like fiber. Fiber networks are an excellent investment for obvious reasons, but they also provide unlimited potential. The fiber technology is superior to traditional cable and legacy networks.
3. The remaining funding will depend on FCC mapping. There will be about $37 billion remaining in the broadband infrastructure funds once each state receives its $100 million. The $37 billion will be divvied out based on FCC mapping. So now is the time to get your projects shovel-ready and utilize the $100 million your state will receive. If you wait, it could be a year or two before you see the funding since you will have to wait for the FCC mapping to be complete.
4. $1 billion of the broadband funding is dedicated to middle mile buildouts in rural communities. Apart from the $100 million allocated to each state, a specific $1 billion is set aside for middle-mile fiber projects. WANRack's model is designed to be an Open Access Network (OAN). An Open Access Network (OAN) is a model that encompasses a separation between the physical network infrastructure and the services that are provided across it. Under our open access model, WANRack seeks to build a twenty-first-century fiber network in which multiple services can be offered over the network. The result is a smart community with numerous providers. This drives prices down via increased competition.
5. Shovel-ready projects should go after existing dollars. Some of this funding may take time to roll out. The recently passed infrastructure bill is great, but many details still need to be ironed out before they can be used. We are here to share with you that many other funds and grants are available right now. So now is the time to act! Whether you are just starting to think about your broadband needs or you have a shovel-ready project, there is funding available to you to utilize.
The funds available are an unprecedented opportunity to fund your community broadband investment. So let WANRack help you get your community's wide area network project shovel ready!
