Broadband Strategic Plan
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In Association with: September 30, 2016 TRANSMITTAL LETTER Mr. Peter Huber Board of Supervisors Pulaski County Administrator Pulaski County 143 Third Street, NW 143 Third Street, NW Pulaski, Virginia 24301 Pulaski, Virginia 24301 RE: Pulaski County, VA Community Broadband Telecommunications Strategic Planning Project Dear Mr. Huber and Pulaski County Board of Supervisors: Consulting Gateway Corporation (CGC) and Dewberry are pleased to provide the Community Broadband Telecommunications Planning Project study report for Pulaski County, VA. This report provides guidance to meet the established project milestones and expectations of the County while fulfilling the requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia Rural Broadband Planning Initiative funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) consisting of 1) Analyzing Existing Conditions, 2) Setting Broadband Goals, and 3) Identifying Needed Action to Achieve Goals. After examining the options and roles for the County to consider, it is our recommendation that the County can best meet their stated goal of enhancing and encouraging high speed Internet connectivity throughout the county by partnering with private sector providers in implementing a variety of proposed solutions presented in the report. Such a partnership is intended to use funds in a fiscally responsible manner, take advantage of the typical funding opportunities while minimizing the need for other long term funding. Four (4) options are presented for consideration that are not exclusive of each other and it is believed the most impactful solution may be a combination of some of the solutions presented. Details on these options are outlined in the study report. Last Mile Connectivity Solutions Considerations Information Provided Option No. 1: Marketing Existing & Least Risk, Effort, Expense, Six (6) Primary Sites have been Identified Potential Sites Impact & Time for Potential Wireless Solutions Option No. 2: Pulaski Internet Initiative- Liaison Between Customer & Significant and Relevant End-User & Communication Assistance Program Service Provider Provider Information was Collected Option No. 3: Network Extension Funding Provides Incentive for Private Numerous Typical Telecom Funding - Public Private Partnership Borrowing Opportunities Are Presented Option No. 4: Customer Premise Aids Low to Moderate Income Strategy to Financially Assist Potential Equipment Last Mile Cost Subsidy Households Customers get Service A significant catalyst in arriving at these options was direct input from the service providers providing broadband services within the study area, as well as feedback from the members of the Project Management Team. Service Provider Input The biggest obstacle stated to achieving connectivity (including Fiber) is the last mile cost and build. Pulaski County, VA Community Broadband Telecommunications Planning Study 1 Final Report: September 30, 2016 The best way the county can assist the service providers in enhancing Internet last mile connectivity is to share information collected through this study and assist in structuring low interest financing and cost sharing or structuring last mile connectivity solution options. A liaison (Pulaski County) between the end-users and the service providers could bridge the gap between lack of communication and/or knowledge of options available between the parties. Project Management Team Feedback The municipalities would prefer not to own or operate network infrastructure of facilities. While the county is probably willing to make some manageable investment into enhancing Internet access within the county, without being a service provider there would be little monetary return on such an investment in the County providing services and Broadband it is just one of many infrastructure projects needing funding. A sliding scale of options to address enhancing Internet Connectivity should be presented so the elected officials representing the county can consider their comfort level in moving forward. Other options, such as actual network building were not recommended at this time due to several concerns expressed by the Project Management Team members. By partnering with the private sector the County will minimize their investment and risk while meeting the need to address enabling broader service delivery. The most successful solutions will likely consist of the County assuming a liaison role between the service providers and the customers, exchanging service provider commitments of infrastructure investment with commitments by potential customers to take service; as well as the County assisting with funding applications, potential middle and last mile cost subsidy or sharing, and working with service providers to gain access to County owned vertical assets/property perhaps at reduced rates and expedited approvals and permitting. Both wireless and wireline (fiber connectivity) solutions and hybrid of both, such as connecting wireless vertical assets with fiber optic connectivity should be pursued. The County could implement any of the proposed solutions with revising the costs to fit a budget they are comfortable with, and take a ‘wait and see’ approach as to the effectiveness over the next 1 -2 years. It is not recommended the county proceed with any of the proposed options without getting cooperation and buy-in from the areas service providers. The Commonwealth encourages rural municipalities to establish such partnerships with private providers to enhance broadband service delivery to businesses and citizens. There is a unique funding opportunity coming up (2016 Virginia Acts of Assembly- Chapter 780) in which seed money will be made available towards private sector network construction activity by working with the public sector (County). Pulaski County service providers expressed interest in this opportunity. Regardless of the elected officials’ decision on implementation, the Community Broadband Telecommunications Planning Study has collected, organized and mapped out significant data on the study area end-user perceptions, as well starting discussions with service providers’ on potential solutions and increased mapping of their infrastructure that will undoubtedly play a role in enhancing broadband and other telecommunications services in the future. CGC and Dewberry appreciate the opportunity to be an integrated partner in this important initiative and look forward to continuing to assist the County in bringing this vital infrastructure to the County’s Communities. Sincerely, Consulting Gateway Corporation Keith A. Hill, President VA P.E. #0402046171 [email protected] Enclosure: Pulaski County, VA Community Telecommunications Broadband Planning Study Pulaski County, VA Community Broadband Telecommunications Planning Study 2 Final Report: September 30, 2016 Table of Contents ES Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 7 ES1.0 Needs Assessment and Asset Inventory ............................................................................................................. 7 ES1.1 Highlights of Survey Response in the Study Area ...................................................................................... 9 ES2.0 Broadband Education Development Strategies and End User Application ........................................ 20 ES2.1 Gap Analysis with Broadband Education Development and Strategies ................................................ 20 ES2.2 Additional Strategies to Consider ..................................................................................................................... 25 ES2.3 Areas of Unmet Needs and/or Lack of Adequate Communication Infrastructure ............................. 26 ES3.0 Last Mile Connectivity Options .......................................................................................................................... 36 ES3.1 Service Provider Meeting Input: ...................................................................................................................... 36 ES3.2 County Meetings Observations Leaning Towards Potential Last Mile Solution Consideration .... 37 ES3.3 Collaboration Partners and Projects ............................................................................................................... 37 ES3.4 Last Mile Connectivity Considerations ........................................................................................................... 38 ES3.5 Last Mile Connectivity Solutions ................................................................................................................... 39 ES4.0 Preliminary Engineering, Design & Cost Estimates ................................................................................... 41 ES4.1 Proposed Last Mile Connectivity Solutions with Preliminary Cost Estimates ..................................... 41 ES4.1A - OPTION NO. 1: MARKET EXISTING & POTENTIAL SITES/ASSETS ............................................................ 41 ES4.1B - OPTION NO. 2: PULASKI INTERNET INITIATIVE CAP ................................................................................. 41 ES4.1C - OPTION NO. 3: NETWORK EXTENSION FUNDING PPP .................................................................... 42 ES4.1E -FIBER AND/OR WIRELESS NETWORK BUILD .................................................................................................. 43 ES4.2 Last Mile Connectivity