Funding Rural Broadband - a Frontline View Deployment

Volume XIII, Issue 2 walkerfirst.com/skinny-wire Insights for ICT Professionals

99Maximizing Network Investments 99Identifying Funding Resources 99The Emerging Role of Rural Electric Cooperatives 99Redefining Broadband 99Questions Rural Broadband Providers Must Answer 2 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ IN THIS ISSUE . . . Broadband funding appears to be a hot topic these days. Each industry FEATURE ARTICLES event so far in 2019 has allocated at least some part of their educational content toward discussion of funding mechanisms for broadband 4 Funding Rural Broadband - A Frontline View deployment. New federal and state programs, coupled with relaxed state By Alan Fitzpatrick, Open Broadband, LLC legislation regarding electric cooperatives, make this an important topic for the industry, and one we believe resonates well with our subscribers. 9 Public-Private Partnership Will Build Out Affordable Broadband in Rural America There appear to be two basic elements of this discussion, however. One By Sarah Tyree, CoBank is the definition of broadband, which according to the FCC is still 25/3 Mbps. This threshold is the measurement by which communities are 10 Questions for Rural Broadband Providers eligible for federal funding programs. Anything below this standard may By Prayson Pate, ADVA Optical Networking be considered underserved or unserved. Communities at or above the 13 Fiber: We Are the Difference for US Jobs FCC definition fall outside the scope of federal funding, and must rely on By Lisa R. Youngers, Fiber Broadband Association incumbents or new competitors who identify a return on an investment for new infrastructure. 16 Funding Opportunities By Vantage Point Staff The second element is dependence on US mapping to identify unserved and underserved communities. By all accounts, current maps are highly 21 Rural Deployments: What to Buy? suspect, leaving many communities disconnected from vital digital By Steven S. Ross, Broadband Communities resources. According to a research report by CNet earlier this year, “The lack of visibility means 19 million people in this country still lack broad- 22 Mapping A Better Broadband Future band access at a time when the service is considered as important as By Chip Pickering, INCOMPAS water or electricity.” 25 Investing for the Future of Rural Broadband Infrastructure By Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA The digital divide has been about more than the convenience of fast downloads of music and movies for years. Increasingly, broadband con- 28 Broadband Breakthrough: Electric Cooperatives are nectivity is about economic development, community stability, and com- increasingly seen as part of the solution to rural connectivity munity safety. The need for greater than 25/3 Mbps is clear. By Cathy Cash, NRECA Consider, for example, that the FCC website offers a Household 35 NC Broadband Infrastructure Office Broadband Guide, which includes a chart to compare minimum down- By Jeff Sural, NC Department of Information Technology’s load speeds for light, moderate and high household use for one, two, Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO) three of four devices at a time. Industry leading researchers forecast that by 2021, North American households will have an average of 50 net- 36 Show Me the Money: Broadband Funding for Rural Utilities worked devices. By this forecast, the FCC doesn’t offer a solution using By Bob Lockhart its model of 25/3 Mbps. 42 What’s Your Time IQ? By Brenda Abdilla, Management Momentum Whether by 5G or fiber, greater bandwidth paves the way for healthy communities where educational opportunities abound, economic oppor- 45 Do More Than Show Me Money tunities extend to small and medium sized businesses, digital healthcare By Bobbi Harris, Smart Water Smart City, LLC options are available, and community stability is ensured.

This issue tackles a variety of opportunities for broadband deployment RESOURCE ARTICLES in rural America. Funding network infrastructure is increasingly seen as a public/private initiative, as explained in CoBank’s article on page 9. 6 Beyond the Digital Divide: How Regional Providers Will Partnerships with new players such as electric cooperatives pave the Thrive on Digital Disruption way for community development, as outlined in Cathy Cash’s article on By Francisco Sant’Anna, Ciena page 28, and the story of OzarksGo on page 18. Initiatives on the state 15 Keeping the Friday Night Lights Bright level are on the rise, as noted on page 35 highlighting the work of the By Jeff Babbitt, Fujitsu NC Broadband Infrastructure Office. Broadband deployment is on the move, and manufacturers are focused, as you’ll see in this issue, on prod- 18 Broadband in Rural America: ucts and technologies designed to maximize investments and minimize OzarksGo Declares It’s About Time! operational expenses. By Juniper Networks Shirley Bloomfield and Lisa Youngers offer great insight in their articles 31 Maximizing Investment and Reducing Operational Expense as they discuss the value of broadband deployment in America. Ms. By Tom Coburn, ADVA Optical Networking Youngers states that “High speed broadband, which is propelled by fiber deployment, is the great equalizer for many communities throughout 32 An Update on Rural Broadband Funding Opportunities America, especially those in rural areas.” And Ms. Bloomfield expresses By Alyson Moore, Corning hope in her comment that “Funding rural broadband is an extremely 39 Build Your Best Network Under CAF II important endeavor. I am so encouraged by recent developments that By Javier Lopez, ADTRAN indicate these efforts are a shared national interest.”

49 Rural Fiber Distribution TAP Architecture By Fritz Amt, CommScope Randy Turner Editor, Skinny Wire WALKER NEWS Director, Marketing Communications Walker and Associates 17 Walker Recognized by Juniper Networks 336-731-5246 46 In the Spotlight [email protected] 50 Upcoming Events [email protected]

Letters to the editor may be sent to [email protected] Opinions expressed by contributors and commentators do not Skinny Wire is a bi-annual publication of Walker and Associates, Inc. necessarily reflect the views of Walker and Associates, Inc. “Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer m/f/d/v” Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 3 Funding Rural Broadband – A Frontline View By Alan Fitzpatrick CEO Open Broadband, LLC

Our ISP was formed to address the need for broadband in underserved communities, and as a result, have a frontline view of building in rural areas. Using the options listed below we’ve been successful in funding fixed-wireless broadband deployments across 11 counties in North Carolina.

County and Town RFPs This has been one of the most effective ways of matching funding to local Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) almost $10M in broadband grants in 2019 needs. An example is the Orange County For communities lacking the budget to (https://governor.nc.gov/news/governor- NC Broadband Initiative (https://www. establish grants, an effective approach cooper-announces-nearly-10-million- orangecountync.gov/963/Orange- has been to align purchasing with ISPs expand-internet-access). These grants County-Broadband-Initiative). Rural parts willing to deploy in areas of need. We’ve are expected to be funded again in com- of the county were in desperate need partnered with towns by providing ser- ing budget years. The grants have restric- for broadband service. Orange County vice to Town Halls, Fire Departments, tions that the first two categories above established a $500,000 grant and issued Police Stations, Water Treatment Plants, did not. Restrictions included: Must be a an RFP to service providers to build out in Public Works, Parks and Rec, and other Tier 1 county, funds can only be used in these specific areas. Other communities buildings. This revenue source helped census tracks that did not already have a followed the RFP path, and we are fortu- justify our network build. 10 Mbps x 1 Mbps option, and requires nate to be working in NC counties such matching funds. We are thankful that as Wayne, Alexander, Franklin, Granville, Towns and Counties introduced us to the state established the program and and Vance, and towns including Angier rural airports previously limited to DSL we were delighted to be awarded grants and Sanford. service. One of these had an emergency in Caswell and Vance counties. Virginia medical unit that could not function well announced a similar state broadband This funding is usually lower than state without broadband. Funding public Wi-Fi grant program called VATI (https://www. and federal programs. However, coun- zones has provided a dual benefit of dhcd.virginia.gov/virginia-telecommuni- ties and towns specifically target areas improving service in a community, while cation-initiative-vati). of need, and are bottom-up driven. Need providing much needed revenue to an isn’t based on FCC viewpoints and broad- ISP. Startup centers such as coworking USDA ReConnect Program band maps but rather on the needs facilities are another area where local This federal grant/loan program (https:// expressed by the residents and busi- need can help provide funding to a new www.usda.gov/reconnect) has a $600M nesses. In my view, no one understands ISP. Simply by redirecting purchase deci- pool. This option is larger than those the problems better than the people sions, towns and counties can influence listed above, but there are significantly living in the community. Targeted grants, investment in areas of need. more hurdles to pass. The program is that are managed locally and focused on not intended for startup companies, and specific areas of need in the community State Grants requirements include 3-years of audit- is a winning combination. North Carolina established the GREAT ed financials. 5-year budget projections broadband grant program that awarded down to the line item, and there is a long

About the Author: Alan Fitzpatrick is the CEO of Open Broadband, an ISP providing broadband internet service to underserved communities. Prior to Open Broadband, Alan had 20-years management experience in the Telecommunications and Software industries, including COO of DC74 Data Centers, COO of VoIP Services at ACN Inc., Sr. VP of Engineering for US LEC Corp, and founder and CEO of two software companies.

Alan is a promoter of a gigabit internet infrastructure in North Carolina, and co-founded Charlotte Hearts Gigabit, widely credited with attracting Google Fiber to Charlotte. He later joined as a co-founder of NC Hearts Gigabit. Alan is also an Adjunct Professor and enjoys teach- ing entrepreneurship and technology courses for Central Michigan University and Johnson and Wales University.

Alan has an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

4 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ work infrastructure is to obtain custom- efforts. “ . . . no one understands ers who will pay for service. While the • Many grant opportunities are not the problems better than PPP approach mentioned above includes startup friendly, instead favoring a touch of this, other methods we’ve established companies. I question: the people living in the used include promoting an early sign-up Why reward companies who main- community.” form with a small deposit to gauge inter- tain status quo? Why not invest in est. Much like a Kickstarter campaign, an companies who are willing to solve list of other items to complete. In our ISP can see if there is enough demand in the problem, regardless of how long view this program is designed for large, an area to make a business case decision they have existed? well-established incumbent providers to deploy. Areas in need do not require • The state/federal programs do not with a staff of people who have months much marketing effort. A few Facebook stimulate competition. They do the of time to collect all the data and fill out posts, combined with a website signup opposite, preventing funding to the forms. For a younger company, it form and encouragement to share on areas that have 10 Mbps x 1 Mbps might make sense to hire a grant con- Nextdoor.com and social media plat- service. Perhaps funding broadband sultant, assuming one already has the forms can result in hundreds or thou- overbuilds in these areas is exactly information available. The large ISPs will sands of signups. It’s worked for us. what is needed to improve service likely have no trouble applying for this to residents. program, but the program is burden- Closing Frontline Observations • Funding rural broadband is pos- some to small ISPs. • The more decisions that are made sible. Let’s continue to make it hap- locally the better. The users under- pen. Customers stand the pain and are not lim- The best way to fund deployment of net- ited by maps, politics, or lobbying A Quick Review of the FCC Household Broadband Guide By Randy Turner Director, Marketing Communications Walker and Associates A variety of resources are available from age American household members. affordability and availability of advanced the FCC on their website, https://www. This, by default, places most homes in broadband services. fcc.gov. One example is their Household the Advanced Service category, which is Broadband Guide, which provides insight above the FCC definition of broadband, Thankfully attention to bridging this divide into the minimum download speed a currently defined as 25 Mbps download through policy changes, legislative focus, home needs in order to support house- and 3 Mpbs upload. and responses to industry lobbying efforts hold use of broadband. Although this is on the increase. Closing the gap between resource is currently posted, it indicates The reality of the digital divide appears basic definitions and actual consumer a vast gap between US consumers of perpetuated by standards that are out of broadband usage is an ongoing challenge broadband and federal guidelines. touch with current technology. Aging adults, for state and federal legislators. Rural minorities, rural Americans, and lower- Americans stand to gain new opportunities The chart to the right is from the FCC income citizens are least likely to have as lawmakers attempt to reconcile these Household Broadband Guide. Note that broadband services at home, due to both disparities. it assumes a maximum of 4 users or devices at one time. Current research Light Use Moderate Use High Use indicates US households have an aver- (Basic functions: (Basic functions (Basic functions age of 10 connected devices, and that email, browsing, plus one high- plus more than number is projected to increase to 50 basic video, VoIP, demand applica- one high-demand devices by 2021. Internet radio) tion: streaming application run- HD video, multi- ning at the same The site differentiates between Basic, party video con- time) Medium and Advanced Services as fol- ferencing, online lows: gaming, telecom- • Basic Service = 3 to 8 Mbps* muting) • Medium Service = 12 to 25 Mbps • Advanced Service = More than 25 1 user on 1 device Basic Basic Medium Mbp 2 users or devices Basic Medium Medium/ By this standard, there would be few, if at a time Advanced any, homes where Light Use applies.The 3 users or devices Medium Medium Advanced basic combinations of email, web brows- at a time ing, high-definition video consumption, social media posting and viewing, gam- 4 users or devices Medium Advanced Advanced ing and music streaming likely means at a time multiple devices among the 2.53 aver-

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 5 Beyond the Digital Divide: How Regional Providers Will Thrive on Digital Disruption

By Francisco Sant’Anna Senior Industry Advisor for Regional Services Providers Ciena The Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF- high share of service adoption in the versial) may bring new competition for II) auction will provide $1.49 billion to residential and businesses customers broadband where customers had no connect over 700,000 locations in 45 reached by their networks. prior choice, pushing regional incum- states over the next decade. The 103 bents to reposition their value proposi- service providers who won the bid will “The same market forces tion. It will also create a massive demand undertake a demanding task of extend- for mobile backhaul bandwidth. ing their networks to provide fixed that are disrupting the broadband services to those unserved or business of global tech Cybersecurity concerns are changing underserved regions. Nevertheless, the how technology services are bundled logistical challenges of laying infrastruc- giants will inevitably and delivered. Tier-1s are integrating ture in such remote areas are just the Managed Security Services (MSSs) in their beginning of an uphill journey to build a come for the regional connectivity offerings for business cus- sustainable business practice, attractive providers.” tomers (firewall, IPS, IDS, Anti-DDoS, end- to both users and investors, in a scenario point security). Such bundling practices of radical transformations. Yet, with the Tight business plans have a small margin may become the market norm, as CIOs right mindset and by prioritizing invest- for errors, and those service providers increasingly indicate data protection/ ments that enable nimble adaptation will need to make safe and smart technol- integrity and business continuity as a top through evolving demand, these provid- ogy bets to succeed in an environment of priority for their offices. Keeping com- ers may not only survive, but thrive on extreme changes. Emerging digital tech- petitive in business services will require the digital disruption of communication nologies and business models are trans- regional providers to develop a new skill services. forming industries at an increasingly fast set to offer MSSs, which may involve vir- pace. There is no business immune to tualizing security network functions. Aiming at bridging the digital divide, FCC’s the ongoing digital disruption, but there CAF-II auction will subsidize network is certainly no sector as impacted by it as IoT will reshape several industries, bring- expansion for the 103 winning bidders Technology Services. Large service pro- ing vast opportunities to service provid- in 713,176 rural areas where high-quality viders have been reinventing their busi- ers. Being industry-specific, it will require broadband would not be economically nesses to remain relevant and profitable, new vertical expertise to sell and serve feasible otherwise. Fifty-three percent of but how will this disruption impact the business customers, and new partner- this targeted market will have access to edges of the market? The same market ships to integrate devices and analytics in download speeds of at least 100 mega- forces that are disrupting the business the services package. It will also prompt bits per second, and 99.75 percent will of global tech giants will inevitably come new technologies, network topologies, get a minimum of 25 Mb/s—2.5 times for the regional providers. Although computing architectures, systems, and the previous minimum standard for the these companies may not have exten- service practices that may redesign the CAF program. sive resources available to understand way many technology service providers and plan for the new challenges, they are organized. The interest from service providers in can benefit from a much more agile the program was significant, leading to decision-making process, moving swiftly Big Data and Analytics will mean new competition that allowed for a 70 per- and effectively to explore the numerous ways for smart regional service providers cent reduction in the initially planned new opportunities and mitigate threats. to add value to local businesses. subsidies of $5 billion over ten years. This “Emerging digital technologies and busi- Edge Computing will boost the value of means that these providers will be bear- ness models are transforming most their operational sites as potential coming the noble endeavor of taking connec- industries at an increasingly fast pace.” puting facilities, though it may attract tivity to low-density areas with a much outsiders of the tech industry to provide smaller amount of support than initially 5G will be a game-changer, transforming this scattered infrastructure. expected. To make their business profit- the market way beyond mobile network able, they will need to be extremely cost- operators. It will enable new parameters The Digital Experience users enjoy at effective in their approach to infrastruc- for user experience, boost IoT and drive cloud-based online services is becoming ture and operations, and at the same new applications. Fixed-mobile access a pre-requisite for any service offering, time have attractive offers to secure a (for which cost viability is still contro- and providers will need to evolve to

6 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ deliver the visibility, control, and flexibil- years for NFVO and network automa- mable infrastructure (preparing for pro- ity that becomes the qualifying minimum tion to become widely viable for mid-tier gressive degrees of automation as they to be considered by customers. networks. However, there is a lot that become viable), and facilitate intelligence regional service providers can do now to (software and analysis tools). These crite- And the consolidation of the cloud cul- prepare for the upcoming disruption. ria will not only extend investments’ lon- ture of Everything-as-a-Service creates gevity, future-proofing them for a wider myriad new areas for service providers The key is to develop adaptive capa- range of scenarios, but also empower to position themselves as regional tech- bilities to quickly and flexibly respond to providers to be nimble and position for nology leaders integrating far beyond demand and competition shifts, being growth. connectivity. able to seize the numerous opportunities that will come to those who are Want to thrive on digital disruption? How to thrive on digital disruption equipped. Every investment must be Prepare to adapt! Wherever trends may lead the market, made in tune with the guiding principle it is certain that deep changes are com- of adaptability. ing to regional service providers, and Francisco Sant’Anna is Senior Industry Advisor for the key to survive and win in this mar- For the CAF-II winning bidders, there is Regional Services Providers. In this role, he leads ket will be the ability to adapt. There a great opportunity to start these new Ciena’s initiatives in helping these providers evolve their networks to meet their current and future is no miraculous solution for service deployments with flexible and future- business challenges through hardware, software, providers to address these transforma- proof technology choices for their access, and services technologies. tional challenges, and it gets even harder aggregation, and core expansions. The for smaller companies, as many helpful future is built now. Start by calibrating Francisco is a Telecommunications Engineer with innovations take time to become cost- RFPs to prioritize open solutions (broad- a Master in Telecommunication Systems, with 20 effective for regional deployments. For ening alternatives to interoperate and years of experience in the service provider industry. example, it may still take a couple of manage in the future), favor program-

Electric Co-ops and Expanded Rural Broadband Access By NRECA

High speed internet access is a key ingre- network, allowing the co-op and mem- dient to a healthy 21st century rural bers to adopt emerging energy manage- economy. Not only is broadband impor- ment technology. These newly connected tant to the people who live in rural co-op communities are proven to create America, it is also vital to the electric co- jobs, attract new employers, and directly ops that serve them. jump start local economies. “Now, nearly 100 The Federal Communications Commission The convergence of new technology and estimates that 34 million Americans lack partnerships has made rural broadband electric co-ops access to high-speed internet. The vast deployment more achievable than ever. majority call rural America home and live As electric cooperatives work to bring are reinvesting in electric co-op service territories. broadband to rural America, some have formed innovative partnerships with in rural America For more than 75 years, America’s electric local telecom companies and others. Yet cooperatives have powered local econo- despite these advances, the high cost of by bringing mies across 56 percent of the nation. As rural broadband deployment remains times and technology change, broad- the biggest obstacle to successfully clos- high speed band has become an indispensable part ing the digital divide. Rural service terri- of electric utility operations – extend- tory is often rugged and remote, which internet access ing beyond the electric meter and into drives up the cost of deployment. At the household energy management. These same time, there are fewer customers to to rural homes, state-of-the-art energy efficiency services defray the costs. increasingly require access to high speed businesses and internet. In order to close the digital divide for the 34 million Americans who lack broad- schools.” Now, nearly 100 electric co-ops are rein- band internet access, an expanded com- vesting in rural America by bringing high bination of federal grant and loan fund- speed internet access to rural homes, ing through USDA programs is essential. businesses and schools. This connectiv- President Trump’s infrastructure propos- ity serves two key purposes: bridging al and the Farm Bill present two oppor- the digital divide for co-op members and tunities to secure that necessary financial enhancing the co-op business operation backstop.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 7 AD10687C_Ad_FTTH_Subscriber_Experience.pdf 1 6/11/19 4:26 PM

A Better Connected

C M Experience Y

CMY

Visibility Insight Quality

ADTRAN partners with broadband service providers to optimize and enhance the connected experience by improving network visibility, insight and quality to grow customer satisfaction. Internet the way it should be.

adtran.com/SubscriberExperience

8 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ AD10687C_Ad_FTTH_Subscriber_Experience.pdf 1 6/11/19 4:26 PM

By Sarah Tyree Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs CoBank

Modern, high-speed broadband is a critical issue for those of us who live and work in rural communities – or rather, the issue is the lack of access to this vital communications network.

In today’s world, broadband access has become one of the most important tools A Better for driving economic growth for businesses and communities, and delivering a high quality of life to residents. In the same way that society would expect decent, affordable rural housing Connected to include access to water, electricity “Without this type of ongoing financial support, no and phone service, in today’s technology- dependent world, it should also include temporary financing method such as loans, loan access to affordable broadband. Rural C schoolchildren should not have to go to guarantees or one-time grants, will be sufficient to libraries or school parking lots to access M deploy broadband across rural areas and throughout Experience the internet needed to complete their Y homework assignments, rural business- the entire country.”

CM es should be enabled to capitalize on the global marketplace, and rural residents operate all aspects of the systems that returns of delivering cutting-edge tech- MY should have the capability of obtaining enable rural broadband access, including nologies to sparsely populated areas wireless, wireline, cable, fiber transport have led many communications com- CY critical medical care remotely that is sim- and data centers, and we’re also sup- panies to focus on urban and subur- CMY ply not available to them in their distant locations. porting electric distribution cooperatives ban areas, where the larger population K who are entering the broadband arena. translates into scale and therefore bet- The broadband network that serves As of December 31, 2018, our loans to ter economics. As a result, our rural farmers, rural hospitals, rural businesses rural infrastructure customers across the residents are missing the benefits of the and rural residents is the same network U.S. reached $21.4 billion, and included technological revolution many of us take Visibility Insight Quality that connects large cities and urban resi- rural electric cooperatives, rural water for granted. This is why a digital divide dents. Content and applications that are and waste water systems, and rural com- exists in this country, where rural citizens accessed via the internet are hosted in munications providers. are not provided the same advanced data centers typically located in urban communications services as their urban areas. This same data is accessed by Challenges in Rural Areas counterparts. both rural and urban residents by wired The key challenges of deploying afford- or wireless networks, both of which are able broadband throughout the United Universal Service Fund ADTRAN partners with broadband service providers to optimize and enhance dependent on a broadband backbone to States are the high cost and limited To eliminate the digital divide, there is a serve rural America. return on investment. If companies could role for the federal government to assist the connected experience by improving network visibility, insight and quality earn a profit building out broadband to rural broadband, just as there is a role to grow customer satisfaction. Internet the way it should be. As a lender to rural infrastructure, all Americans, they would already have for it to support the federal highway CoBank understands both the challenges done so. system. The Universal Service Fund (USF) and the policy implications of committing is successful in supporting affordable to deploy affordable broadband through- In addition to the high costs associated telephone service, and is now transi- adtran.com/SubscriberExperience out the United States. CoBank is a nation- with constructing broadband infrastruc- tioning to a similar role for broadband al cooperative bank with a mission – ture in rural areas, there are also high service. The public policy of providing a established by Congress – to provide costs associated with maintaining and cost-recovery mechanism to connect all dependable credit and other value-added upgrading these networks to accommo- Americans is not a new concept and its financial services to agriculture and rural date growth of data traffic. The broad- results serve the greater good. infrastructure businesses. CoBank has band network is a dynamic infrastruc- been delivering on this mission for more ture, and frequent technological advanc- The communications industry continues than a century, and has been financ- es warrant upgrades and regular capital to evolve rapidly and the federal regu- ing rural communication businesses and spending. latory framework to keep up with this change is also evolving. Although the USF AD10687C Copyright © 2019 ADTRAN Inc. All rights reserved. being a partner in their growth for more than 30. Our communications customers The higher cost and lower long-term is supporting the deployment of broad- Cont’d on page 11 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 9 The FCC is planning to expand rural uses a 150MHz slot in the 3.5GHz particular, it won’t be able to sup- broadband with the CAF II program, spectrum, either for line of sight port advanced applications such as which provides “funding to local tele- links at 1Gbit/s, or for sharing 5G. phone companies to subsidize the cost among users in a rural environ- • NFV and SDN. Network functions of building new network infrastructure or ment. 5G wireless using mid-band virtualization (NFV) and software- performing network upgrades to provide (2 to 6GHz) spectrum offers good defined networks (SDN) are new voice and broadband service in areas reach and low atmospheric attenua- technologies to help replace closed where it is lacking.” The program includes tion will soon become an option for network appliances with indepen- requirements for access speed, latency, fixed wireless. dent software running on standard usage and pricing. But as a rural broad- • Hybrid networks combine the above servers and switches. NFV and SDN band provider, you should also be think- technologies to optimize band- power the development of innova- ing more broadly about enhancements width and costs. For example, the tive services at record speed, and to your network, and planning beyond customer access might use xDSL, enable deployment of these services today’s applications. You should be think- PON, CBRS, or 5G (see below). The without changing the network infra- ing about the future. Here are some backhaul might use fiber or point- structure. questions to consider. to-point wireless. How will your network support 5G What are the connectivity options for What are the other new technologies deployments? broadband in rural areas? your network should include? CAF II funds network expansion for Rural providers have a wide range of The telecom landscape is evolving, and broadband services, but 5G is looming. choices for growing their network. that means you need to be on the look- Buildouts for 5G will need lots of fiber • xDSL involves a tradeoff between out for relevant technologies to power in the ground, along with distributed bandwidth and cable length. Low your network. Here are some hot new compute to support virtualized network population density in rural areas technologies for consideration. infrastructure for 5G. Furthermore, a means long cable runs, limiting the • Carrier Ethernet provides a low-cost recent ACG report (https://www.acgcc. achievable DSL bandwidth. Modern and high-bandwidth access technol- com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ xDSL techniques such as vectoring ogy that is ideal for business ser- ACG-5G-Ready-TCO-2019.pdf) describes have increased this bandwidth, but vices and mobile backhaul at speeds the benefits of a converged network we are near the theoretical limit. up 100Gbit/s. for supporting 5G. “This paper presents • Fiber provides much higher band- • Fiber monitoring. Without fiber the results of a TCO analysis comparing width than copper, but at the cost monitoring, high-bandwidth ser- the economics of a converged IP/MPLS of tens of thousands of dollars per vices are always at risk of disrup- transport network with more traditional mile. Wavelength division multiplex- tion, often with significant negative dedicated networks. The results of the ing passive optical network (WDM- impact on customers. As soon analysis demonstrate significant savings PON) is an innovative concept for as service providers invest in a with an overall TCO savings of 62%, access and backhaul networks that proactive solution that measures capital expense (CAPEX) savings of 60%, can help lower the cost of fiber- the integrity of their fiber plant, and operations expense (OPEX) savings based access. It uses multiple wave- they can diagnose faults and take of 66%.” lengths over a physical point-to- immediate targeted action. This dra- multipoint fiber infrastructure that matically shortens repair cycles and Your plans broadband expansion plans contains no active components. avoids unnecessary truck rolls. should include support for 5G. Here are • Fixed wireless technologies are an • Synchronization. Synchronization is some ideas: option to lower costs, especially in a vital ingredient for a growing num- • More fiber. Plan fiber routes to sup- the outer reaches of the network. ber of applications, and one that is port increased base station density. Point-to-point links can leverage often overlooked in a packet-based 5G will achieve higher bandwidth various spectrum bands. Citizens network. Without it, your network by having a lot more cells, which Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) cannot achieve its full potential. In means a lot more base stations. All

10 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ of these new base stations will need • Internet of things. IoT is becoming How will you design and deploy your fiber access. That’s a big opportunity important in rural areas to support next generation network? for additional revenue. agriculture, transportation, manu- This is the real world, not a high school • More sites. Consider creation of facturing, and other industries. or college test. You don’t have to answer next generation aggregation sites • Telemedicine. Telemedicine is these questions on your own. The teams that can support distributed com- a promising way to address the at Walker and ADVA stand ready to help pute for hosting 5G infrastructure. shortage of medical personnel in you plan and deploy your next genera- • Bigger backbones. Allocate extra underserved rural areas. But this tion network. We can help you meet the backbone fiber to support high only works if you have plenty of low- demands for today’s subscribers, as well bandwidth services – both for 5G latency bandwidth available. as for next generation services – and help and for the other services described • Gaming. Advances in gaming go well you answer all those questions. next. beyond Fortnite. Next-generation games will bring in augmented real- What other advanced services will ity and virtual reality, both of which your network support? need fat pipes and distributed com- Today, customers mostly use broadband pute resources. services for web access, with streaming How will your team gain the needed video taking the lion’s share of the band- skills to operate a next generation width. But digital services are always network? changing. Here are some of the future services that will be relevant for rural • Training. New technologies require networks. new skills. Walker and ADVA can • Managed security services. Security help in providing the training for threats are growing daily, and your teams in these new areas. addressing them is beyond the tech- • Hiring. You will need some new nical capabilities of many custom- hires to augment your exiting staff. ers. Managed security services are a The good news is that there are very attractive way to close the gap many new graduates who have the for small and medium businesses, needed skills in the areas of virtual- as well as for government sites such ization and automation. as schools and clinics. • Pilot projects. Training is good, but • Managed VPN or SD-WAN for tele- hands-on experience is always the commuters. Businesses need new best teacher. Small-scale pilot proj- employees and using VPNs to sup- ects enable you to bring new tech- port remote workers is a great way nologies in house, without trying to to open the door to untapped talent boil the ocean. in rural areas.

Cont’d from page 9 band, not all broadband users pay USF fees: if a consumer CoBank views the USF as an important public-private partner- has only an internet connection and not a phone connection, ship, through which companies can leverage USF’s support no USF fee is paid. Modifying the contributions to the USF is a to obtain private financing to serve rural America. We firmly necessary step to keep it fully funded in order to connect all believe that a sustainable cost-recovery mechanism is impera- Americans to broadband. tive to assist the financing of rural broadband. Without this type of ongoing financial support, no temporary financing method When a company explores how to provide broadband in a such as loans, loan guarantees or one-time grants, will be suf- high-cost rural area, it analyzes the available support programs ficient to deploy broadband across rural areas and throughout and determines whether they will assist in making the project the entire country. We cannot expect companies to deploy viable. If the company determines the support is not reliable broadband in areas where there is no return on investment and is subject to change, then the expansion plans are put on without a support program. We need dedicated federal invest- hold. Since ment so every American, even in remote areas in rural America, has access to broadband. December 2011, the funding for the USF high-cost rural program has been capped, so as more companies build out more CoBank welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with other broadband, each provider is being reimbursed a lower rate entities that care about rural America in supporting USF to each year. This has been a disincentive to making additional deploy broadband to rural America. As the report of the fed- investments in high cost areas. eral Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity highlighted, reliable and affordable high-speed internet e-con- Over the past six years, the Federal Communications nectivity will transform rural America as a key catalyst for Commission has rolled out modified USF programs known as prosperity. the Connect America Fund to offer certainty to communication companies building in rural communities by providing ten Sarah Tyree is Vice President of Policy & Public Affairs at CoBank. years of stable support. CoBank has seen an increase in investment due to this consistent level of resources.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 11 Is Your Network Ready For His Next Big Idea?

His imagination knows no limits, and neither should his network. Invest in next-generation services that will help transform his next “what if?” Evolve your network. into an amazing invention. Transform the world. Wherever you are with your network transformation, we can help. Our flexible, Discover how we can help best-in-class performance and quality solutions address your current needs corning.com/ and easily evolve to meet future network challenges. community-broadband

12 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ By Lisa R. Youngers President and CEO Fiber Broadband Association

June is an exciting time of the year for speed counties. Americans — it’s the start of summer, • Early adoption of high speed broad- “High speed which means warm weather, sun, beach- band could reduce unemployment es and vacation. But my fellow fiber rates by an average of 0.16 percent- broadband, which friends and I also look forward to June age points per year. because it is when we convene for the • Counties lacking high speed broad- is propelled by fiber annual Fiber Connect conference. band have smaller populations and population density, lower house- deployment, is the Earlier this summer, the Fiber Broadband hold income, and a slightly smaller Association hosted our three-day confer- proportion of people with at least a great equalizer for ence in Orlando, Florida and welcomed high school diploma. over 1,500 fiber industry professionals many communities and leaders from across the broadband These findings illustrate the need for industry. The conference featured key- more high speed broadband, particularly throughout America, notes about the future of 5G, the digital in rural communities, to drive econom- divide, the IoT, Smart Cities, Esports and ic growth and productivity. According especially those in more. All of this showed us one thing: to the latest data from the Federal that fiber is what makes the difference Communications Commission (FCC), rural areas.” for our connected future. roughly 19 million Americans lack access to high-speed broadband — and most of About the Author These topics generated fruitful discus- them live in rural areas. This leaves them Lisa R. Youngers currently sions and thoughtful conversations struggling to stay connected and unable leads the Fiber Broadband about the potential for our fiber future, to take part in the opportunities available Association as its President & CEO — the largest trade associ- but it was the findings from a study to urban residents. People living in rural ation in the Americas dedicated released during Fiber Connect that excit- communities deserve the same access to all-fiber-optic broadband. ed me the most. to fast, reliable broadband as citizens Youngers brings two decades of living in urban areas. Without high speed communications experience to Researchers from the University of broadband access, rural Americans are the Association ranging from wireline/wireless tele- Tennessee at Chattanooga and Oklahoma at an unfair disadvantage in accessing communications, satellite and broadcast to state State University investigated the impact economic, educational and healthcare infrastructure. Most recently, Youngers was CEO of high speed broadband has on the work- resources. Nextlink Wireless, where she drove all operational, technical and financial aspects of the business force and found that high speed broad- as well as M&A activity. Prior to leading Nextlink, band reduced unemployment rates High speed broadband, which is pro- Youngers was Vice President and Assistant General throughout Tennessee, especially in rural pelled by fiber deployment, is the Counsel of Federal Advocacy and Strategy at XO communities. A major reason why rural great equalizer for many communities Communications where she led the company’s communities have fallen behind urban throughout America, especially those in initiatives involving federal policy, operations and areas is that they lack access to high rural areas. This research makes me technology. Before that, she served as Federal speed broadband and other technolo- hopeful for our future because it shows Regulatory Counsel for General Communication, gies, creating a troubling digital divide in the impact that fiber broadband access Inc. and MCI advocating on competition issues. Youngers also served as Assistant Attorney General our country. Here are some of the key can have on everyday people. Broadband for the state of Minnesota as counsel to the Public highlights from the study: creates jobs and provides unparalleled Utilities Commission and the Rail/Trucking Safety access. It matters to communities and Board. Youngers is a member of the Minnesota • In studying 95 counties in provides a world of difference. So when and District of Columbia Bars. She earned her Tennessee from 2011 to 2016, we chose the theme of this year’s Fiber bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin- researchers found that access to Connect conference — Fiber: We Are the Madison and a JD from the Mitchell Hamline high speed broadband can signifi- Difference — we did so to show our com- School of Law. cantly reduce unemployment rates, mitment to making a positive difference especially in rural communities. in the lives and communities all across • Counties with access to high speed America. broadband have an approximately 0.26 percentage point lower rate of unemployment compared to low

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 13 14 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ Keeping the Friday Night Lights Bright Why Carrier Ethernet is the Best Choice for Evolving Your Network By Jeff Babbitt Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.

In many rural areas, groups of towns are connected by a single network ring or a small cluster of rings – a familiar type of communications infrastructure throughout the US. In these towns, local high school football games often get top billing, complete with video links among the communities to live-stream these games, usually on Friday nights. Sometimes known as the “Friday Night Lights,” these games are one of the most common sources of traffic bursts on rural and small local communications networks. They are essentially mini ver- sions of the fabled “Mother’s Day Events” of traditional telecom.

Service providers in these rural communities have delivered connectivity primarily via 10G for about the past ten years. But today’s 10G networks are struggling to keep pace with the rise of connected- everywhere mobile and wireless services, not to mention the rising trajectory in the coherent DWDM systems cannot handle to 200G. Additionally, the management bandwidth requirements of new stream- 100G coherent channels. Therefore, an n system should utilize a future-proof soft- ing video, audio, gaming, and imaging × 10G network will very likely have to be ware architecture based on SDN and technologies. replaced in the future when 100G service open APIs. demands arrive. With a new Carrier Ethernet system, a “ . . . the service Luckily, there is another approach that service provider can add functionality to can combine current needs with future deliver a range of new services, creating provider is better 100G services, and still be economical. more value through innovation. Offering A high-capacity Carrier Ethernet tech- support for MEF compliant E-Line and positioned for nology is the most efficient and flexible E-LAN services, this system enables more option to meet capacity needs today, flexibility in size and class of service, and future growth, since with room to grow for the future. has ample capability for both point-to- point and multipoint-to-multipoint bridg- a simple firmware Most deployments involve Carrier ing. The upgraded transport system will Ethernet transport in a single 100G ring, deliver sufficient capacity for now, with upgrade will to provide a carrier-grade architecture a flexible upgrade path beyond 100G in with traffic management, network pro- the future. This provides the best possi- double the network tection, and performance monitoring. ble solution, striking the perfect balance This Ethernet approach can match the between pay-as-you-grow scalability, capacity to 200G.” capacity of n × 10G DWDM, and is more maximum efficiency, and optimum ROI. economical than DWDM when the num- A 100G Layer 2 network offers greater To make room for more traffic, service ber of 10G wavelengths grows beyond longevity in service provider networks. providers will often deploy an n × 10G five channels. It will be easy to accom- When trying to “keep the lights on” for DWDM network, but this may not be the modate 100G services by adding an n × the Friday night football game, a 100G best option. An n × 10G DWDM architec- 100G coherent DWDM system with little Ethernet ring is the best choice. ture will meet the near-term traffic needs, impact to the 100G ring. Additionally, but is not guaranteed to handle the typi- with an Ethernet network, E-Line and cal portfolio of services that providers E-LAN services can be offered instead will need to deliver in the long term. of the optical services on the n × 10G The primary reason is that almost all n × DWDM network. With this approach, the 10G DWDM networks use non-coherent service provider is better positioned for technologies. 100G services will require future growth, since a simple firmware a coherent optical network, yet non- upgrade will double the network capacity

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 15 By Kristy Szabo Director of Consulting Carmen O’Neill, PE Director of Engineering Bree Conrardy Engineering Staff Vantage Point Solutions

The economic, wellness, and cultural based on Form 477 data from the FCC Funding entities need to be confident consequences of the digital divide are that shows which areas are reported that, as an applicant, you know what severe for those lacking adequate access as “served” with a specified broadband you’re doing and that you can get the to broadband; and many programs are speed – i.e., 25Mbps Download/3Mbps proposed advanced services deployed to available, or being developed, to help Upload. the areas you say you can. The engineer- providers address the service gap in ing layout is how you make your case. rural areas. Whether it’s a federal fund- When evaluating a funding program, it Once you’ve determined where, exactly, ing program, a state grant, or something is imperative to understand the eligibil- you plan to deploy broadband, the net- else – what can your operation do to ity criteria, which areas are eligible, and work design addresses questions such optimize your chance of success in these what degree of service overlap – if any – as: How will you receive service from programs? is permissible. Every other step depends upstream providers? What fiber architec- on this, so it is an important strategic ture option is ideal for your company’s While no two programs are exactly alike, consideration. specifics? Will it be buried, or aerial on a company, community, or cooperative utility poles? In addition to painting a can position themselves to succeed in Services that will be offered strategic vision of your network’s future, competitive funding programs by plan- In addition to knowing where you are these answers determine the estimated ning ahead and understanding the most proposing to build your broadband net- Capital Expenditures (CapEx) required to common application requirements. work, you should also take into consider- complete the project. ation what services and speeds you are The two most significant components of planning to offer – various broadband Professional Engineering (PE) any program are the engineering designs/ speed offerings, voice offerings, video Certification capital expenditure estimates and the offerings, and package bundles, are all It’s also worth noting that, to be a financial feasibility assessment; these key components of the overall network good steward of the funding program’s are deeply entwined and serve as the business plan. It’s important to know this resources (public or private), they often basis for other application components. when designing the network, as it can require a Professional Engineering certi- However, they require considerable time impact the way the network will be engi- fication on the proposed network. This and consideration to be developed effec- neered and the electronics necessary to certification ensures that the needs iden- tively; which is why planning ahead (even support the proposed services. It will also tified for the area can actually be met before a program is announced!) is often influence your marketing research and with the proposed design, within realistic a critical factor in securing funding. pricing, and you will want to ensure you timelines and, perhaps the most critical have adequate staffing to support each piece, within the project budget. Eligibility Analysis service offered. These factors, in turn, Generally speaking, grantors and lend- impact your financial projections and Financial Projections & Budget ers are providing money to get broad- business plan. Financial projections for your operation band to unserved or underserved areas. should include not only the anticipated Where, exactly, are you planning to revenues and debt service on the capital serve? Eligibility criteria varies from one Engineering layouts and Capital expenditures, but also operational costs. program to the next, but is generally Expenditure estimates These include staffing, costs of provid-

16 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ ing service, equipment costs and maintenance, marketing, insurance, taxes, Walker and Associates and professional fees such as engineering, legal, consulting, and accounting. Financial projections will also incorpo- Recognized by Juniper rate planned pricing models and estimated take rates to forecast the financial strength of your proposed network Networks operation. By Tyson Philyaw Sr. OEM Development Manager In addition to the financial forecasts, Walker and Associates many programs require a budget that explains where the money for your proj- Earlier this year Walker and Associates received the AMER Partner of the Year, ect will come from – including a required AMER Telco Partner of the Year and AMER Partner of the year – EAST Awards match, if any – and what it will be used from Juniper Networks for performance during 2018. for. “Walker and Associates is pleased to be recognized by Juniper Networks. Juniper Operational Experience & is known to have the foremost channel program within the telecommunications Management Team Experience industry, and to be highlighted as a leader within Juniper’s channel is outstand- Many applications require proof of oper- ing.” stated Tyson Philyaw, Sr. OEM Development Manager for Juniper Networks ational or managerial experience. This is at Walker. typically a statement indicating that you have been successfully operational for a “Walker and Associates is excited for our future with Juniper. Our leadership certain number of years, and your staff teams are actively engaged at the strategic level, allowing execution by the is adequately prepared to operate the strongest sales teams supporting Commercial and the Federal Markets.” added proposed network. Gus Vasilakis, Marketing VP at Walker.

Timelines Juniper stated that each of these awards indicates Walker’s outstanding overall Funding programs frequently include performance and the company’s ongoing commitment to providing market- tight deadlines for meeting the buildout differentiating, value-added services and resources to the service provider requirements; and the penalties for miss- market. ing them are often severe. For companies unaccustomed to large network buildouts, it’s easy to underestimate how long each step takes – for instance, acquiring pole permits is often a complicated and lengthy process and fiber lead times can fluctuate considerably throughout the year and from year to year. Working with a project manager experienced in under- takings of similar size will help protect your organization from these delays and deadline threats.

Community Benefits In addition to technical and financial information, your application should also clearly identify how the program’s dollars will benefit the targeted community(ies) by bringing broadband services to the area. After all – the real goal is the economic, wellness, and cultural benefits of broadband in unserved or underserved areas.

While individual funding programs may open and close, keep in mind that you Pictured above, left to right: Christian Goffi, Partner Account Leader North America, are making an investment for a 30-year Juniper; Tyson Philyaw, Sr. OEM Development Manager, Walker; Doug Wilson, plan. If planned and built correctly, your Partner Account Manager, Juniper; Mark Walker, President, Walker; Miguel Adorno network will require minimal mainte- - Field Marketing Manager, Juniper; Gus Vasilakis, VP Marketing, Walker; Clay Miller, nance or alterations, and will benefit your Sr. Systems Engineer, Juniper customers and operation for decades to come. An impact that important deserves thoughtful, strategic preparation – and most importantly, planning ahead.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 17 BROADBAND IN RURAL AMERICA: OZARKSGO DECLARES “IT’S ABOUT TIME” By Juniper Networks

Many residents in rural America still lack the nation, depriving it of fast, affordable clear phone calls come directly into peo- high-speed broadband, cutting them off access to the World Wide Web. People ple’s homes. Movies download in 30 sec- from vast informational, educational, have few choices of Internet service pro- onds. The pricing is compelling: a 1 Gbps and economic opportunities. OzarksGo, viders, when they have a choice at all. plan runs less than $80 a month. With a a different kind of service provider, has With less competition, they can easily community focus and a state-of-the art set out to change that for the people of have to pay higher prices for lower qual- network, it’s no surprise that OzarksGo Arkansas and Oklahoma. To bring fiber ity services, despite earning less than has seen a surge of customer demand. to the homes of its community, OzarksGo people in urban areas. But with the has built an integrated optical network help of OzarksGo, a subsidiary of Ozarks Thousands of customers signed up for with the Juniper Networks® MX Series 5G Electric, a nonprofit rural electric coop- the service in the first year. “People in Universal Routing Platforms and Juniper erative, things are changing for the the area have wanted an alternative for Networks QFX5100 Switch. people of northwest Arkansas and north- a long time, and they’ve been looking east Oklahoma. forward to us providing it,” Noland says. Stilwell once had the distinction of being the poorest town in Oklahoma. Nearly “We look at broadband the way electric- Technology Solution one-third of its 3200 residents lived below ity was viewed 80 years ago,” says Heath Building a network that brings fiber to the the poverty line, and only three-quarters Noland, network operations manager at home—and delivering triple-play servic- of adults had a high school diploma.Like OzarksGo. “Broadband should be ubiq- es faster and at a low cost— hinges on an many parts of rural America, Stilwell was uitous and simple to deploy, because it’s integrated packet optical network from being left out of the 21st century econo- essential to the success of individuals Juniper Networks. The legacy approach my. And it was not alone. Approximately and communities.” calls for building separate dense wave- one-quarter of Arkansas and Oklahoma length-division multiplexing (DWDM) and residents lack high-speed broadband— Noland, who helped build Ozarks IP/MPLS networks. With an integrated nearly double the national average. Electric’s operational network, jumped network, however, OzarksGo can elimi- at the opportunity to bring fast, afford- nate excessive equipment cost and com- While students at Stilwell schools had able Internet to his community. He was plexity while simplifying provisioning and laptops, without Internet at home, they soon joined by Hyatt, who has spent monitoring. And with control capabilities, were still at a disadvantage. “Having more than a decade working on some it can improve operations and accelerate Internet service that’s reliable and usable of the largest service provider networks, service agility. Breaking with the status changes people’s lives,” says Billy Hyatt, and by Steven Karp, who helped build quo has also enabled OzarksGo to short- senior network engineer at OzarksGo. the Arkansas research and education circuit the cost and deployment overruns “The kids don’t have to go to the library network. that other electric cooperatives have or McDonalds at night to do their home- experienced when bringing fiber to the work.” “As a subsidiary of an electric co-op, our home in their service areas. focus is to serve our members at the Business Challenges best cost,” says Noland. OzarksGo offers “Using packet optical from Juniper Having too few people and being too allfiber gigabit Internet, premium televi- allowed us to bring 100 gig to the table far removed from the mainstream, rural sion, and phone service to residential faster,” Hyatt says. “With Juniper, we can America has largely been overlooked by and commercial customers. Lightning- be nimble and operationally efficient. the Internet backbone that crisscrosses fast Internet, HD television, and crystal- The network is cost-optimized so by the

18 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ tals, and schools is also high. The second “High-speed Internet provides the largest school district in Arkansas recently became a customer. That’s because foundation to close the education gap OzarksGo’s community focus is a compelling differentiator. “When we bid on between poor and wealthy projects like fiber leases for hospitals, we come at it from the perspective of the communities.” community,” says Hyatt. “With Juniper time we get to years five and six, we OzarksGo uses the Juniper Networks Networks, we are able to be more cost- should be more profitable.” MX480 5G Universal Routing Platform for driven and less profit-driven for services core routing and data center aggrega- like telehealth.” OzarksGo is in the second year of a six- tion, and the MX204 3D Universal Edge year project, starting in the more densely Router for the 100 Gbps optical ring In the same way that Ozarks Electric populated areas around Fayetteville, Ark., connecting the access networks at the brought electricity to the farms in the and then expanding to areas that might substations to their core ring for redun- 1930s, OzarksGo is bringing high-speed only have a dozen customers. The com- dancy. The QFX5110 Switch is a universal broadband to rural America, giving resi- pany began by offering triple-play ser- box that is used to aggregate traffic in dents access to the same opportunities vices where cable and DSL were already the data center as well as provide flexible and resources as people in more densely available; now it’s reaching areas that port options for service distribution in populated areas. High-speed Internet had little more than dial-up, satellite the substations. provides the foundation to close the edu- broadband, or nothing at all. cation gap between poor and wealthy “Juniper makes our network faster,” says communities. Job growth is essential to “Wedington Township, which is about 20 Karp. “With our Juniper network, we can keeping rural areas vibrant. Communities miles outside of Fayetteville, didn’t have bring content to our members in rural can stay connected to the resources of any service without us—just smoke sig- America.” the broader world. Rural America has nals,” says Steven Karp, senior network lacked access to fast, reliable Internet for engineer at OzarksGo. “About 150 people Business Results—Banishing DSL, far too long. OzarksGo is changing that, live there, and now people have a gig Dial-up, and Smoke Signals one home at a time. fiber connection to their homes, enabled OzarksGo launched as a residential ser- by a Juniper packet optical network.” vice, but interest from businesses, hospi-

ABOUT OZARKSGO

We’re changing the game. In addition, we’ve watched for far too long our area suffer from a lack of true broadband availability or lack of reliable Get to know us a little better and how we’re changing the and affordable service. definition of internet in Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma. EMPOWERING MEMBERS OzarksGo is also a natural extension of our purpose - “pow- OzarksGo is a telecommunications subsidiary of Ozarks ering communities and empowering members”. We believe Electric Cooperative, offering all-fiber gigabit Internet and that broadband is the electricity of the 1930s and 1940s. premium television and telephone services to Northwest Remember, in 1930, fewer than 10% of farms had access to Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma. electricity. In 2016, 53% of Americans lack access to broadband (as defined by FCC - 25 mbps download speed and 3 The project began by reviewing the way we are able to com- mbps upload speed). municate between our substations and offices. By connecting our substations and offices with fiber-optic cable, we can cre- Much like we did with electricity in 1938, we’re going to pro- ate a truly “smart” grid that will provide us with more down vide real, affordable broadband to Northwest Arkansas and line automation capabilities, ultimately increasing the reliabil- Northeast Oklahoma. ity of our electric service to members.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 19 POWER GRID 4.0 MONTRÉAL, OCTOBER DIGITALIZATION QUÉBEC 16, 17, & 18, FORUM CANADA 2 019

For more information visit: UTCPowerGrid.org The Path to the Digitized Future of the 21st Century Utility Customer demand, emerging renewable energy production, and energy storage are a few major developments driving electric utilities to evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with these new energy sources, and how their existing infrastructure may need to transform. Such evaluations are causing decisionmakers at utilities to consider automation and digitization their existing utility communications networks.

Utility information and communications technology (ICT) market indicators signify that electric utilities must come to terms with the necessity to build robust and intelligent networks supported by smarter infrastructures. The investment in digital assets is paramount, and C-level executives are continuing to realize that now is the time to allocate resources to transform their core utility business.

The UTC Cross-Border Power Grid 4.0 Digitalization Forum will be the premier global venue to discuss these issues. This event will bring together the CEOS, CISOs, CIOs, and the full slate of utility C-suite officials and their teams for a three- day foray into these issues.

HOST PREMIER UTILITY SPONSOR

PLATINUM & DAY 1 RECEPTION SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR To view featured speakers or HOTEL INFORMATION register as a speaker please Hotel Omni Mont-Royal visit: UTCPowerGrid.org Montreal, QC

20 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/

19-UTC-002867-Power-Grid-Ad-8_5_11.indd 1 7/22/19 1:54 PM POWER GRID 4.0 MONTRÉAL, OCTOBER DIGITALIZATION QUÉBEC 16, 17, & 18, Rural Deployments: FORUM CANADA 2 019 What to Buy? Recent actions by the White House and Department of Commerce complicate already difficult choices for network deployers. The issues are not purely technical. By Steven S. Ross Editor-at-Large Broadband Communities

the United States.” The same day, the Be prepared to modify grant and Commerce Department slapped Huawei loan applications. Huawei itself sells with a requirement that it receive a spe- about as much equipment and soft- cial license before it buys any American ware worldwide as all other suppli- technology – including the chips and ers combined; if it is hobbled, prices What if most of us don’t find out about software it uses in its products. will rise. the next war until it is over? The internet’s • Regulatory focus will be on equip- very reason for being was to keep the The two actions were not directly related, ment and software used in the For more information visit: UTCPowerGrid.org United States running in time of nuclear even though news reports treated them network core. Most equipment is war. It was designed as a decentralized as one. The message, if you were watch- used at the network edge, close to “network of networks” that could route ing network news, is that anything made customers. That is especially true of traffic around sections “damaged” by the in China is now subject to new and pos- 5G. A good reason for multiple net- unthinkable. The idea was to coordinate sibly draconian regulation. That’s prema- work providers in the same region The Path to the Digitized Future military actions, get paychecks and cash ture. The Commerce action was mainly to coordinate their 5G network delivered, and inform the public when to due to Huawei’s allegedly continuing to plans is that a single central office is evacuate and when to return home. violate sanctions on North Korea and easier to protect than a half-dozen. of the 21st Century Utility Iran after promising that it would not Broadband Communities’ financial sell equipment to those countries. The models suggest cost savings and Customer demand, emerging renewable energy production, and energy storage are a few major developments Today, the internet itself is the target. U.S. has long required such restrictions revenue increases that can double driving electric utilities to evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with these new energy sources, and We use it to control power and sewage as a precondition for licensing use of or triple overall profits with coordi- how their existing infrastructure may need to transform. Such evaluations are causing decisionmakers at utilities to treatment plants, factories, traffic lights, such technologies, ranging from Google’s nation and consolidation, even with- consider automation and digitization their existing utility communications networks. aircraft, medical facilities, first responder networks, military installations and, of Android to chips used in cellular net- out savings from using “white box” Utility information and communications technology (ICT) market indicators signify that electric utilities must come to course, those cat videos. Soon, we will works. It brought the hammer down on equipment that can easily be run terms with the necessity to build robust and intelligent networks supported by smarter infrastructures. The investment also use it for driverless vehicles, ware- ZTE a few years ago for similar violations, from the same, domestically sup- and before that on both Huawei and plied software if necessary. in digital assets is paramount, and C-level executives are continuing to realize that now is the time to allocate houses, ports and more. The network of ZTE for violating software copyrights. • Coordination requires looking resources to transform their core utility business. networks stretches around the world. But stiffening those rules with licens- at what equipment others in the The UTC Cross-Border Power Grid 4.0 Digitalization Forum will be the premier global venue to discuss these issues. This The United States itself has shown the ing reviews and adding the potentially region are using, looking at routing event will bring together the CEOS, CISOs, CIOs, and the full slate of utility C-suite officials and their teams for a three- potential of cyberwarfare by gumming cumbersome purchase reviews asked by options and fiber counts so their day foray into these issues. up the computer controls of Iran’s nucle- the new executive order could, in theory, routes mesh, and considering 5G ar materials production and cutting con- restrict purchase and software updates sites that can combine all spectrum nections to a Russian troll farm in St. on all equipment made in China, includ- licensed to all carriers in a given Petersburg. Now we notice that most ing equipment made there by American area (not easy!), so providers won't of our network electronic devices are companies. be stuck providing only low-margin HOST PREMIER dark fiber to cell sites controlled by UTILITY SPONSOR manufactured in China, a country emerging as our biggest economic rival. How, then, does a deployer minimize national carriers. risk and satisfy its lenders without going On May 15, President Trump issued an broke? A few suggestions: For more details, see https://www.bbc- executive order for multiagency review • Expect a policy that, in practice, will mag.com/pub/doc/BBC_May19_Hawk. of any transaction that, among other be less draconian than advertised, pdf things, “poses an undue risk of sabo- but don’t count on it. The threat is PLATINUM & DAY 1 RECEPTION SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR tage to or subversion of the design, real and the stakes are high. • In an election year, politicians want To view featured speakers or HOTEL INFORMATION integrity, manufacturing, production, distribution, installation, operation, or to appear tough. The fine points of register as a speaker please Hotel Omni Mont-Royal maintenance of information and com- technology mean nothing to most of visit: UTCPowerGrid.org Montreal, QC munications technology or services in them. Keep in touch with regulators and your federal elected officials.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 21

19-UTC-002867-Power-Grid-Ad-8_5_11.indd 1 7/22/19 1:54 PM Mapping a Better Broadband Future By Chip Pickering CEO INCOMPAS

In the last decade, the FCC has been focused on how to ensure that all Americans have high-speed broadband available to them where there is no business case for the private sector to deploy. It has done so largely through the of steps in FCC’s universal service fund (USF)—which recent years to address has been transformed from supporting these issues, including telephone networks to broadband net- adopting policies that encourage more works in rural areas. predictable and more reasonable costs to build, and adopting a one-touch make- Despite the FCC’s best efforts, we still ready (OTMR) policy for pole attach- face serious challenges in connecting ments that INCOMPAS and its members all Americans, including businesses endorsed. of all sizes, to high-speed broadband. broadband map is unreliable. It Many are starting to question the data For wireless deployment, the FCC, led by is broken and needs to be fixed immedi- used to measure broadband access and Commissioner Brendan Carr, has adopt- ately so that funding is directed to those competition. Indeed, the broken broad- ed streamlining processes to encour- areas that currently are not served. band maps have been a frequent target age deployment, including 5G network for criticism by both Republicans and rollout—which is the next generation The FCC’s map depends on providers to Democrats in Congress. of wireless networks that companies identify and report where they “could” have begun to deploy. It is important to serve—not where they actually “do” The FCC data estimates that approxi- emphasize that all wireless networks are serve; and once a provider says it could mately 21.3 million Americans live in reliant on wireline networks. Real 5G will serve a census block, the FCC considers areas without broadband access; how- require a dense, competitive fiber infra- the entire population of the census block ever, Microsoft’s user data tells a very dif- structure—new networks built across to be served. This has added to the frus- ferent story. Over 160 million Americans the nation, ideally by hundreds of local tration that broadband availability in the are not using high-speed internet access broadband builders. U.S. is inadequate as the broadband map (currently defined at 25 Mbps down- does not reflect true broadband network load/3 Mbps upload by the FCC). That’s a With the introduction of 5G, the expec- availability. huge discrepancy, and a huge problem. tation is that more devices will be connected online. For example, the number There are certain efforts underway to Building Out Broadband Networks of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is remedy these deficiencies. For exam- Some of the problem is about broad- expected to grow to 10 billion by 2020 ple, the FCC has a proceeding open to band network coverage, but there also and 22 billion by 2025, according to improve Form 477, which providers use is an issue with affordability. The other IOT Analytics Research. Given the data to report their broadband data. FCC problem we face as a nation is that there demands, there will be a significant need Chairman Ajit Pai has indicated that he is very little choice for competitive broad- for more wired backhaul—i.e., fiber, to plans to introduce reform measures to band service at home. Most Americans carry wireless traffic to the internet. As Form 477 at the FCC’s August meet- only have ONE provider, TWO if they such, the efforts to streamline both wired ing. Congress also tasked the National are lucky—which means that there is and wireless deployments is important Telecommunications and Information not sufficient competitive pressure on to enable faster and more cost-effective Administration (NTIA) with improving these monopoly providers to invest and broadband networks to be built. the broadband maps, and it currently is innovate. working to do so in eight states. The Need for Accurate Broadband INCOMPAS’ competitive fiber provider Mapping We need reliable and verifiable coverage and wireless members continue to deploy There are a number of efforts being maps so that communities and consum- broadband throughout the nation. It discussed to address the challenges with ers are informed, and policymakers can remains the case that building last-mile delivering broadband networks where make prudent decisions for rural broad- fiber is costly and time-consuming. The there is no economic case to build those band funding. INCOMPAS supports good news: The FCC has taken a number networks. However, the nation’s current reform of the FCC’s Form 477 so that

22 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ broadband pro- simply have not done enough to close About the Author viders offer more persistent gaps. Investments must begin Chip Pickering is the CEO of INCOMPAS, the granular information there.” internet and competitive networks association. about their network Chip was a six-term Republican Member of Congress representing Mississippi's Third District. coverage, such as where Our fellow Americans who have been left During his time in the House, he served on the they currently provide ser- behind because they have no access to Energy & Commerce Committee, where he was vice at the address level. broadband infrastructure should be our vice chairman from 2002 to 2006, as well as INCOMPAS also believes nation’s priority, and Chairman Pai has the Science Committee. While chair of the Basic using third-party data, made this his priority. He has proposed Research Subcommittee, he oversaw the transition such as Microsoft’s user a new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to the commercial internet, information and the FCC’s that would spend more than $20 billion and the establishment of sub- scription information, over 10 years to address the persistent domain names, registries and internet governance. would dramatically improve digital divide through a reverse auction. He also successfully led a the maps. We also believe A reverse auction that allows all pro- bipartisan legislative effort crowd-sourc- ing data so consumers viders—whether competitive or incum- to codify net neutrality can confirm where they do and don’t bent—to participate in the opportunity principles through the House have coverage will help bring the internet to obtain that funding to build and serve in 2006. Before serving in to families most in need of connections. these areas will ensure that taxpayers the House, Chip was a key No child should have to sit outside a fast will get as much bang for their bucks as Republican Senate staffer in developing the 1996 food restaurant looking for a homework possible. In fact, reverse auctions have Telecommunications Act. In addition to his work with INCOMPAS, Chip teaches at Ole Miss. hotspot. brought more benefits and saved the taxpayers money. Legislation to require improvements have been introduced in the Congress, One study estimated that the Connect but there is no reason for the FCC to America Fund II auction resulted in 70% delay. It should improve the Form 477 less funding than the FCC’s original and include other data points from third model suggested would be needed to parties now so that there is a better deploy broadband. We need to stretch understanding of the need for broad- our limited dollars when we are using band infrastructure to be built with tar- taxpayer money to build broadband, and geted funding. using reverse auctions that allow all providers a chance to compete for the fund- Prioritizing Unserved Areas ing will drive needed efficiencies. Identifying the areas that have the great- It is heartening to see the efforts under- est need for infrastructure—urban, way to ensure every American citizen has suburban and rural—is the right poli- the opportunity to connect to broadband cy choice. Former FCC Commissioner and enable every community the chance Mignon Clyburn recently testified to connect to the digital economy. This is before the House Energy & Commerce a worthy goal that will serve our nation Committee, stating: well.

“Funding must be targeted to places with the greatest need, to ensure that those communities and citizens who have been completely left behind, are connected as quickly as possible. Prior attempts— while important and well-intentioned—

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 23 Join the Fiber Broadband Association and accelerate the connected future—built on fiber

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24 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ Investing for the Future of Rural Broadband Infrastructure

By Shirley Bloomfield CEO NTCA

It certainly has been an exciting few broadband programs to distribute new in economic and educational opportuni- months for our industry. Rural broad- loans and grants. ties in these rural communities are simi- band funding is picking up momentum larly sustainable. like a rock rolling downhill. We have seen We also need to be mindful of the poten- President Trump and FCC Chairman Ajit tial for overbuilding. Many hands will Funding rural broadband is an extremely Pai announce the launch of the Rural be raised in the effort take advantage important endeavor. I am so encouraged Digital Opportunity Fund, which will proof these funding programs, so coordi- by recent developments that indicate vide $20.4 billion over the course of nation is key. Any infrastructure dol- these efforts are a shared national inter- 10 years to support broadband efforts lars directed toward rural broadband est. However, providing the resources is across rural America. House Energy and deployment should be coordinated with just the first step in the process. How we Commerce Committee Chairman Frank federal broadband programs at both spend these funds is just as important, Pallone (D-N.J.) reintroduced the LIFT USDA and the FCC. This will ensure that if not more so, than receiving them in America Act, which aims to provide all programs are working with each other the first place. That said, there are three resources to build sustainable broadband to prevent costly duplicative overbuild- points to keep in mind as funding for in rural areas, and we continue to hear ing resulting from efforts to hastily spur rural broadband gains momentum: buzz about a potential infrastructure bill broadband deployment. 1. Stick with what works. Programs like that emphasizes a shared national goal the Universal Service Fund are tried of expanding rural broadband. Proper “Funding rural broadband and tested in successful rural broad- funding is needed to achieve this goal, is an extremely important band deployment. and I am optimistic about all of these 2. Beware of overbuilding. More money developments. endeavor. I am so can create more occasion for costly and duplicative overbuilding. We know the benefits of broadband con- encouraged by recent 3. Invest in the future. Look for long- nectivity are many. That is why recent developments that term solutions like fiber-optic net- momentum to provide resources for rural works that can be readily upgraded broadband expansion across America is indicate these efforts and provide the fastest speeds over so encouraging. However, funding is only are a shared national time. the first step. The second step is spending it wisely, and for this, we must take interest.” Access to high-speed internet is an essen- great care. Finally, it is important that we spend tial part of our lives. Through coordina- money on long-term solutions. That tion and investment for the long term, we NTCA believes the best way to capital- means investing in future-proof fiber- can make sure more Americans have the ize on recent momentum to solve our optic networks. Even the great promise access they need today and tomorrow. country’s rural broadband challenges of 5G will ultimately rely on substantial is to invest in the future, not just in fiber investments—especially in rural immediate needs. We can do this with America. What would be ineffective and Shirley Bloomfield is chief good policy that expands on what has especially inefficient is prioritizing tech- executive officer of NTCA–The worked in the past and promotes invest- nologies that are cheaper in the short Rural Broadband Association, the premier association ment in long-term solutions. That means term but cannot provide the broadband representing nearly 850 leveraging existing federal programs with speeds and capacity for meaningful inter- independent, community-based proven track records of success, like the net access for the long-haul. That is why telecommunications companies FCC’s Universal Service Fund. The U.S. when the government looks to fund rural that are leading innovation Department of Agriculture (USDA) and broadband, it is critical that we invest in in rural and small-town America. With more the FCC already have the expertise in technology that can be readily upgraded than 30 years of experience representing the place to implement large quantities of to deliver the fastest speeds over a long country’s smallest independent telecom operators, federal dollars to support rural broad- period of time. Additionally, when we Bloomfield is an expert on the role of federal communications policies in sustaining the vitality band buildout. Rather than reinventing build sustainable infrastructure in rural of rural and remote communities and the benefits the wheel, it is critical that Congress use America it engenders confidence that rural broadband networks bring to the national these tried and tested existing federal the broadband-supported investments economy.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 25 A Better Formula for Rural FTTH Deployments

Whether you’re establishing or expanding your fiber-to-the-x Equipment Savings Deployment Efficiencies • With tap architecture, providers have seen large • The four-fiber cables used make for more efficient (FTTX) network, CommScope can help you build a high-performing reductions in the number of optical fibers used in deployments. More cable on the truck reels means network quickly and cost-effectively. a deployment—some as large as 87 percent. less splices when they reach the end. Plug-And-Play Equipment Deployment Economics CommScope offers a complete line of fiber to the home (FTTH) solutions developed specifically for rural • Our fiber enclosures eliminate the need for drop • Tap architecture uses less cables—keeping and suburban deployment. By leveraging our fiber distribution technologies and tailoring them to serve cable splices, allowing technicians to simply plug deployment costs under control, wherever low- and medium-density subscriber environments, this portfolio provides flexibility, scalability and preterminated drop cables into ports on the outside they take place. ease-of-use to overcome the challenges of deploying fiber in rural and suburban areas. of the terminal.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/© 2019 CommScope, Inc. All rights reserved. AD-113594-EN 27 BROADBAND BREAKTHROUGH Electric cooperatives are increasingly seen as part of the solution to rural connectivity By Cathy Cash Senior Writer/Editor NRECA Reprinted by permission from RE Magazine

“What we are sitting on is transforma- “I do believe we’ve reached a tipping tive.” point for general acceptance of the potential role of co-ops in solving this Ron Holcomb is on Capitol Hill in problem,” says Brian O’Hara, NRECA reg- Washington, D.C., telling congressional ulatory issues director for telecom and staff about how a number of member- broadband. “We’re very much considered owned, not-for-profit electric coopera- a part of the equation. tives are embracing a new phase of their core business: improving the quality of “That certainly doesn’t mean co-ops must life in rural America, this time through be the solution in every case,” he adds. broadband internet access. “But there’s been a noticeable realization at the local, state, and federal levels that Earlier this year, Tipmont REMC in what electric co-ops bring to the table is Lafayette, Indiana, accelerated its broad- uniquely valuable in working to bridge band commitment when it bought its the digital divide.” In Indiana and Missouri, co-ops success- local fiber competitor. fully pressed to change laws that could The stakes are significant. Lack of reli- have forced them to revise easement “If there is a better investment, I can’t able high-speed internet access means agreements with landowners to include think of one,” says Holcomb, Tipmont’s many of the small towns, farm com- running fiber-optic cable over their exist- president and CEO. “An essential service munities, and remote populations that ing infrastructure. co-op, that’s what we have to become.” co-ops serve risk being left behind in key It’s an increasingly familiar refrain lately, areas like education, health care, jobs, Passage of the easement bill was “a cru- as some electric co-ops across the coun- and commerce. cial step in bringing high-speed internet try study, plan for, and initiate projects service to rural people across the state to bring broadband to their unserved or A recent NRECA study estimates about who desperately need it,” says Caleb underserved communities. $68 billion in economic value will be Jones, CEO of the Association of Missouri lost to the estimated 6.3 million co-op- Electric Cooperatives. “It took a true More than 100 electric cooperatives are member households without broadband grassroots effort to make this happen.” deploying broadband, and another 200- if they remain unserved or underserved plus co-ops are exploring the option and over the next 20 years. Similarly, a 2018 In fact, co-op clout is a key factor in paving conducting feasibility studies, according Purdue University study commissioned the way for broadband access, says Scott to NRECA research. by Indiana Electric Cooperatives and Bowers, vice president of government Tipmont REMC and funded by CoBank relations at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. Several states have passed or are pass- found Indiana can expect to reap $4 in “There is more hope that this problem is ing laws addressing potential legal hur- economic gains for every $1 invested in going to get solved because co-ops are dles for electric cooperatives to get into broadband. leading and actively engaged,” he says. broadband. And many states offer loans “We’re crossing obstacles off the list.” and grants that co-ops can leverage for Electric co-ops get that. “They’re in a connectivity projects position, not unlike 80 years ago, to This year in Mississippi, Gov. Phil Bryant make a real difference in their communi- signed a law that allows electric co-ops to Huge new federal programs aimed at ties,” O’Hara says. “Their success hinges pursue broadband. In a state that ranks boosting rural broadband are making on critical pieces coming together.” near the bottom on internet access, the billions of dollars available to co-ops and bill passed the legislature overwhelm- other providers, while national media Changing state laws ingly. reports and access advocacy groups are Co-ops and statewide associations in After the bill was signed, nearly all of the referencing the promise of electric co-op several states have worked to amend state’s 25 electric co-ops indicated they engagement in rural broadband with or rewrite outdated or inadequate laws would be looking at options for broad- increasing frequency. that could hinder cooperative broadband band. projects.

28 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ remains funding,” says Trent Scott, vice president of corporate strategy for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association in Nashville. “It’s expensive. Yet the co-ops are structuring projects in such a way that they can be successful. Grants and low-interest loans from the state or federal government will have a big impact on the speed at which we can deliver broadband to people in underserved areas.”

Indiana recently launched a $100 million grant program to get broadband built in areas the state defined as unserved. “Gov. [Eric] Holcomb’s announcement, as well as the significant support of the Indiana legislature, is pretty indicative of how Indiana policymakers view the role that electric co-ops can play,” says Bowers of the Indiana statewide. “They are looking to electric co-ops to help solve the connectivity problem and not just in Indiana.”

Federal initiatives grow At the national level, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this year plans to auction about $100 million from its Connect America Fund (CAF) to get internet access built in unserved or “We’ve listened and paid attention to the In North Carolina, dual easement use is underserved communities. Another auc- fact that there is a great need not being just one issue electric co-ops want state tion is slated for 2021. met in the rural parts of our state and lawmakers to address. A bill making its other states,” says Jason Siegfried, presi- way through the legislature would allevi- The CAF program was opened to electric dent and CEO of Southern Pine Electric in ate the easement concern, lift the state’s co-ops for the first time in 2018, and the Taylorsville, Mississippi. 20-year ban on electric co-ops using U.S. FCC awarded 35 co-ops about $225 mil- Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants lion to be doled out over 10 years. The 70,000-meter co-op is in the midst for broadband service, and allow co-ops of a feasibility study that will inform a to use their fiber networks to enable Electric co-ops’ efforts got another broadband strategy as early as this year. retail communications. boost last year when the USDA created “We recognize that co-ops are getting ReConnect, a rural broadband program into the business in other states and hav- Nelle Hotchkiss, chief operating officer of that’s part of the Rural Utilities Service ing success,” Siegfried says. the statewide North Carolina Association (RUS). Congress has allocated $1.15 bil- of Electric Cooperatives, says constituent lion for ReConnect grants, grant-loan Texas co-ops are pushing for legislation feedback during the 2018 elections has awards, and low-interest loans specifi- that, like in Indiana and Missouri, will helped their cause. cally for rural broadband. address delivering retail broadband without revising easements. “The legislators on the campaign trail last Congress also authorized a new annual fall heard it loudly and clearly,” she says. $350 million grants-and-loans program “We can install fiber on the pole for elec- “The consumers in rural North Carolina for deploying rural broadband in the tric system communications, but we can’t are tired of waiting for affordable, reli- 2018 Farm Bill. Projects in areas with deliver broadband without obtaining a able, high-speed broadband.” fewer than seven meters per square mile new easement,” says Darren Schauer, may qualify for grants covering up to 75 general manager and CEO of Guadalupe State funding programs begin percent of the cost. Valley Electric Cooperative. “If we can States have also begun to create broad- get legislation passed, we can take those band loan and grant programs to offset Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue trav- resources and apply them to building or defer the enormous upfront costs of eled last year to tiny Hamilton, Alabama, additional fiber.” building out fiber infrastructure. to present Tombigbee Communications, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative’s broad- The co-op began providing fiber-to-the- In March, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee award- band subsidiary, with $2.98 million from home to its south central Texas territory ed six electric co-ops nearly $6.3 million the RUS Community Connect Broadband in 2013 and plans to serve 14,000 mem- in state broadband accessibility grants to Grant Program. The co-op serves about bers by year’s end. connect rural residents. 10,000 meters.

“The biggest hurdle with broadband “To compete in today’s global marketplace, we must remove the infrastructure Cont’d on page 41 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 29 CO-OPS ARE GOING BROADBAND Join NRECA and partner with America’s Electric Cooperatives. electric.coop

30 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ Maximizing Investment CO-OPS ARE GOING and Reducing Operational Expense BROADBAND With Proactive Fiber Join NRECA and partner with Monitoring

By Tom Coburn America’s Electric Cooperatives. Product Line Manager Fiber Assurance Solutions electric.coop ADVA Optical Networking

Rural Digital Opportunity funds from the operation and service quality without CAF II program enables the buildout of taking the network offline. In compari- “Beyond the initial broadband voice and data services to son, traditional OTDR troubleshooting new or under-serviced end users. Beyond methods are costly and slow as they are acquisition of funds the initial acquisition of funds and instal- utilized after a failure has been reported lation of equipment, an important part and are labor intensive. and installation of any provider’s business plan is to ensure they gain the highest returns on Proactive fiber monitoring provides of equipment, an those funds over time. Ensuring proper updates in seconds or minutes from a network operation and availability maxi- central location before the end customer important part mizes revenue opportunities while also is even aware there is a service disrup- controlling operational expenses improv- tion. These monitoring solutions enable of any provider’s ing overall profitability. the “fault fix” process to begin often times before the end user reports an business plan is to Importance of Monitoring Fiber Optic issue. Infrastructure ensure they gain A major component of any new network Fiber Monitoring Highlights: upgrade related to this program includes • Validates fiber infrastructure (new the highest returns fiber optic buildouts or upgrades. and existing) for proper operation Whether it’s a PON implementation to which reduces time to revenue. on those funds over the end user or backhaul for fixed wire- • Monitors active networks without less and/or 5G cell services, fiber optics the need to take the network offline time.” are a critical component of any new or which reduces the time to identify upgraded service. faults from multiple hours to min- provides both initial benefits to install utes and get new services on line in a very The value of improving network avail- • Monitors incremental changes in efficient manner. Longer term benefits ability improves customer satisfaction, fiber characteristics with alarm include providing performance monitor- reduces churn, shortens service acti- thresholds and historical data to ing and network troubleshooting, lead- vation time, and reduces operational track changes over time before they ing to reduced operational costs over expenses by reducing truck rolls and become critical. time and further protecting revenue and exposure to SLA penalties. • Improves security and operation of profits by reducing OPEX. A strong ROI physical assets by monitoring man- makes a proactive fiber monitoring solu- Benefits of Proactive Fiber Monitoring hole access and water sensing. tion an important consideration for any In-Service fiber monitoring watches the rural carrier or provider expanding their network proactively without disrupting Protecting Infrastructure Investments network and services as part of any CAF network traffic. It monitors for fiber cuts and Improving ROI and OPEX II initiatives. and attenuation events that can impact Implementing a fiber monitoring solution

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 31 By Alyson Moore North American Market Manager Corning Optical Communications

Conquering the digital divide requires a variety of resources, with financial investment chief among them. Building broadband networks can be capital-intensive projects, and broadband service providers who are committed to rural markets can use all the financial resources they can get. Luckily, the federal government has recently acted to make more funding available. “USDA rules for the program have These actions include the introduction of identified several potential participants, the new ReConnect program at the Rural Development arm of the U.S. Department including state and local governments, of Agriculture (USDA). Additionally, funding for traditional USDA rural broadband nonprofit organizations, for-profit loan and grant programs has been final- ized with recent passage of the Farm Bill. corporations, limited liability companies, USDA ReConnect Program cooperatives, and Native American tribes.“ The new USDA ReConnect Program was authorized by Congress in 2018 and will loan/grant combinations. The maxi- Mbps. The actual number of farms, busi- provide $600 million in the form of loans mum amount that can be requested nesses, healthcare, and educational facil- and grants for rural broadband projects. in an application is $25,000,000 for ities the project will serve will be a key According to the USDA, a primary goal the loan and $25,000,000 for the evaluation criterion as well. of the ReConnect Program is to expand grant. Loan and grant amounts will broadband service to rural areas with- always be equal. Applications are Farm Bill Provides Rural Broadband out sufficient broadband access, defined due to USDA by June 21, 2019. Funding as 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps • 100 Percent Loan: Up to Congress recently passed, and the upstream. $200,000,000 is available for loans. president has signed the Agricultural The maximum amount that can Improvement Act of 2018, more com- USDA rules for the program have identi- be requested in an application is monly referred to as the Farm Bill. It fied several potential participants, includ- $50,000,000. Applications are due to is comprehensive legislation addressing ing state and local governments, nonprof- USDA by July 12, 2019, though USDA many aspects of agriculture and rural it organizations, for-profit corporations, will evaluate and award loan-only America, including rural broadband. limited liability companies, cooperatives, projects on a first-come-first-serve There are a few rural broadband funding and Native American tribes. Participants basis, beginning in April 2019. mechanisms that flow from the legisla- in the program will be required to deliver tion. broadband service of at least 25/3 Mbps There are specific criteria tied to each to every farm, household, and hospital funding program. To be eligible for a The bulk of the funding will allocate inside their identified service area. 100 percent loan or 50 percent loan/50 $350 million annually from 2019 to 2023 percent grant, the service area must be toward grants, loans, and loan guaran- There are a few funding components to in a rural market where 90 percent of tees for rural broadband. To qualify for the program, including: the households do not have access to this funding, service providers will have • 100 Percent Grant: Up to sufficient broadband. The 100 percent to target rural markets where no more $200,000,000 is available for grants. grant component is only eligible for rural than 10 percent of the households can The maximum amount that can markets where 100 percent of the house- get broadband at speeds of 10/1 Mbps. be requested in an application is holds do not have access to sufficient Providers also must commit to bringing $25,000,000. Applications are due to broadband. 25/3 Mbps to their markets. USDA by May 31, 2019. • 50 Percent Loan/50 Percent Grant: A point system will be used, with extra There are population-density provisions Up to $200,000,000 is available for points allotted to projects that commit governing the grant mechanism of the to offering symmetrical speeds of 100 program. Grant funding can only cover

32 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 75 percent of a project’s cost in areas in the 21st-century digital opportunities increased funding will support TELCOs with fewer than seven people per square that broadband provides,” said Federal that are in the ACAM program to deliver mile. For areas with density of between Communications Commission (FCC) 25/3 Mbps service and, according to the 7 and 12 people per square mile, grant Chairman Ajit Pai in a prepared state- FCC, expand rural broadband availability funding cannot exceed 50 percent of a ment. “By tapping the mechanisms of the to 100K more rural locations. project’s cost. Higher-density areas of marketplace, the Phase II auction served between 12 and 20 people per square as the most appropriate and cost-effec- mile will qualify for 25 percent grant tive way to allocate funding for broad- funding. band in these unserved communities, bringing the highest-quality broadband Alyson Moore manages the North Additional funding mechanisms include services to the most consumers at the American market for Corning $50 million annually for Community lowest cost to the ratepayer.” Optical Communications. With Connect grants; $10 million for middle 20 years of experience in the mile infrastructure for rural areas; and According to the FCC, 53 percent of all telecommunications industry, $10 million annually for a program that homes and businesses served by carri- Alyson’s expertise spans a variety will be called the Innovative Broadband ers that won CAF-II auction funding will of network types including those operated by enterprise Advancement Program. That program have broadband availability of at least and carrier customers. In her was previously called the Rural Gigabit 100 Mbps. Nineteen percent will gain current role, Alyson focuses on Network Pilot Program. access to Gigabit service as well. Over the community broadband space, specifically 99 percent will have access to 25 Mbps on solutions to increase the performance, lower The Community Connect Program offers speeds or better. the costs, and improve the installations of access funding that helps cover the costs of pro- In other Connect America Fund news, networks. She holds a bachelor’s in marketing viding broadband to community facili- the FCC recently updated the Alternative and an MBA from Virginia Tech. ties. Funding recipients must offer at Connect America Cost Model, or ACAM least two computer access points for free program. The commission increased broadband service. funding for this program, which supports small “rate-of-return” telecom carriers, The Middle Mile Program provides grants by $67 million annually, closing some and loans for middle mile projects where budget shortfalls for the program. The at least 75 percent of interconnection points are in rural areas, and the network has to be capable of supporting retail broadband service meeting the maximum broadband buildout requirements. Grant funding can only cover 20 percent of a project’s cost.

Finally, the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program – provides funding for projects that support innovative technologies and methods that significantly decrease the cost of broadband The Champion of deployment in rural areas, and provide substantially faster broadband speeds. The USDA offers program details online. Open Networking Applications are now being accepted, with an application deadline of September 30, 2019. USDA processes these loan applications as they are accepted.

Connect America Fund Updates The optical network solutions provider preferred Much of the attention to the Connect America Fund (CAF) program is currently by service providers, health care systems, focused on the recently concluded CAF-II auction. Over 100 rural broadband pro- higher education, and more. viders won over $1.4 billion in funding for the next 10 years to help bring broadband to rural areas. The funding will help over 700K locations across rural America to gain better accessibility to broadband. “The successful conclusion of this first- of-its kind auction is great news for the residents of these rural communi- Learn more at ties, who will finally be able to share www.championone.com/walker

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 33 34 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ NC Broadband Infrastructure Office By Jeff Sural Director North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO)

Ensuring all North Carolinians have mum of 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps On-the-ground resources access to affordable high-speed inter- upload speeds. We know that many counties and com- net, anywhere and at any time is the munities do not have the resources to goal of our team at the North Carolina Applicants are scored based on the hire broadband experts, so we can pro- Department of Information Technology’s number of households, businesses and vide this support to them through an (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office agricultural operations they propose to on-the-ground technical support team (BIO). Our work to expand affordable serve, the average cost per household of experts. access and adoption of broadband and and speeds offered. Applicants who demonstrating its benefits requires stra- agree to provide higher-speed service, Through the First Responder Emerging tegic, innovative and dedicated partner- defined as a minimum of 25 Mbps down- Technologies program, FirstTech, we are ships, policies, tools and programs. load and 3 Mbps upload, receive higher equipping first responders with the tech- award amounts. nology, tools and training they need to In March, Gov. Roy Cooper signed better serve citizens. Executive Order 91, establishing a new In the GREAT grant’s inaugural year, BIO Task Force on Connecting North Carolina awarded a total of $9.8 million to 21 In addition, the BIO leads digital inclusion to increase high-speed internet access applicants in 19 counties. This invest- efforts to close the digital divide. These across North Carolina. The task force ment is anticipated to result in high- efforts include: brings together state government lead- speed internet access to 9,800 house- • A statewide collaborative of digital ers to identify and remove barriers to holds and more than 590 businesses, inclusion leaders. facilitate private-sector deployment of agricultural operations and community • A pilot program in partnership with last-mile infrastructure, eliminate the institutions such as libraries, schools and the State Library of NC and funded homework gap, and support the adop- hospitals. Of the 14 companies receiving by the Institute of Museum and tion of affordable, high-speed internet funding, 11 are NC-based small busi- Library Services to bridge the home- access, as well as improve data collec- nesses, telephone cooperatives and an work gap that occurs when stu- tion and analysis to locate unserved and electric membership cooperative. dents are assigned homework that underserved areas. Their work also will requires internet access but lack include updating the Connecting North Future investment and mapping an internet connection at home. Carolina: State Broadband Plan, which Prudent investment of state funds for Through the pilot, Wi-Fi hotspot was published in 2016. grants and identifying unserved areas devices are being provided for up requires accurate data and mapping of to 35 K-12 households in an under- The BIO has established strategic part- those areas. FCC data report 94.8 per- served county; and nerships across the state and, together, cent of North Carolinians have access • A feasibility study of telehealth we are creating new opportunities to to broadband. We know that number and broadband in 20 counties, in better connect our state. is overstated, but currently it is the partnership with the NC Office of only data available to track broadband Rural Health and funded by the Rural broadband grant program deployment. The BIO has initiated several Appalachian Regional Commission. The Federal Communications efforts to gather more detailed data and Commission’s latest data shows that build more accurate maps of households In today’s globally-connected society, more than 500,000 North Carolinians with and without broadband service. robust communication networks are lack access to broadband at their desig- vital. Through strategic and innovative nated speed threshold of 25 Megabits The use of specialized software allows partnerships and programs, we are mak- per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps us to identify the location of fiber optic ing great strides towards closing the digi- upload. To help close this digital divide, cables and cell phone towers. We also tal divide and providing greater opportu- the state legislature established the created an online speed reporting tool nities for everyone. Growing Rural Economies with Access that allows a person without service to to Technology (GREAT) broadband grant enter their address from work, library or ABOUT THE AUTHOR program. The program provides match- mobile device and we’re able to plot that Jeff Sural is the Director of the North Carolina ing grants to internet service providers location. Department of Information Technology’s Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO). BIO was and electric membership cooperatives established in 2014 as a statewide resource for to lower financial barriers that prevent Along with those efforts, we have partnered broadband access, first responder communication high-speed internet service expansion. with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s and student connectivity initiatives. BIO provides National Telecommunications and policy and strategy guidance and recommenda- Eligible areas are census blocks or por- Information Administration to locate and tions to community and state leaders on ways tions of census blocks in Tier One -- the identify additional data sources and anal- to enhance high-speed internet access for global 40 most economically distressed -- coun- ysis methods. competitiveness, education, public safety, health- ties lacking access to service at a mini- care, and government efficiency.

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 35 By Darren Farnan, United Electric Cooperative Lee Ayers, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Bob Lockhart, Utilities Technology Council

Funding opportunities for rural broad- Mb service. The main requirement of the million in grants, $200 million in loans, band services continue to appear. Rural award is that the recipient be the carrier and $200 million in combination grant/ electric utilities are uniquely positioned of last resort for voice service as well, loans. and those funds are being award- to provide rural broadband service, since and the recipient will need to become a ed through 2019. RUS also received their infrastructures are already present registered Eligible Telecommunications an additional $500 million appropriation anywhere that electricity is being deliv- Carrier (ETC) in the states where they for this program to be distributed in ered. Many rural utilities have existing provide service. 2019/2020 bringing just over $1 billion in optical fiber telecommunications for grid funding. However, this funding is more management use cases. Thus, those Next on the horizon is the Rural Digital complex for recipients due to a some- utilities already have local broadband Opportunity Fund, also known as RDOF, what cumbersome application and scor- expertise and infrastructure in place. in which the FCC proposes to make $20.4 ing process. The program’s construction, As the U.S. Federal Communications billion available, to enable rural broad- engineering, and environmental require- Commission (FCC) and other agencies band networks to deliver up to gigabit ments can drive up project costs and make rural broadband funding available, speed broadband. The FCC has said extend project time frames. rural utilities are uniquely positioned the process will begin in late 2019, with close the digital divide. Recent experi- a minimum service requirement of 25 A number of States have implemented ence shows that utilities can be success- megabits per second (Mbps) download rural broadband funding programs to ful in their applications. and 3 Mbps upload speeds (25/3), giv- assist providers in extending networks ing preference to proposals with higher that meet the minimum 25/3 broadband, Recent Successes and Upcoming speeds and lower latency. This is a for example, in Minnesota. However, Awards significant opportunity for rural utilities these programs are often limited in fund- The Connect America Fund Phase II to access the level of funding needed to ing amounts in comparison to federal (CAF-II) was an overall success, based on bridge the rural divide. Importantly, this programs. the awards made to utility companies. is not new funding. The FCC intends to The National Rural Electric Cooperative redirect funding that has been going to The Devil is in the Details Association (NRECA) states that over $225 large price cap carriers that have failed to Two key administrative topics can have million was awarded to Rural Electric meet FCC expectations of providing rural an outsideze influence on how funds Cooperatives, bringing primarily gigabit broadband. are awarded: broadband definition and fiber services to rural, high-cost locations. mapping. The FCC allocates funds based Overall, CAF-II awarded approximately Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of on their definition of broadband, which $1.4 billion over the next 10 years in an Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) can vary over time. Currently, funding area with a previous budget of $5 billion, has diverse funding programs such as is focused on a minimum of 10/1 service due to the reverse auction process. Over Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and for incumbent carriers or the current FCC 53% of the awarded service areas are Community Connect, but RUS’ largest defined broadband speed of 25/3. Some now in line to get 100 Mb service – this, focus has been the Re-Connect Program State funding programs and even CAF-II in areas where incumbent price-cap car- with $600 million allocated for a combi- have implemented a weighting system riers were only obligated to provide 10 nation of grant and loan awards: $200 that favors 100 Mb or Gigabit (1000 Mb)

36 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ homes on that block. Equitable dis- “The pre- tribution of the FCC’s awards requires mapping more accurately states’ current existence of local service levels to each geographic area.

infrastructure and Simultaneously, the current providers report their speeds for each census via local expertise can FCC Form 477 twice per year, but the FCC does not verify that those reports work to the rural are accurate. Reporting is entirely on an honor system. This process under- utility’s advantage.” states the true lack of broadband availability because unserved households objectives. Meanwhile, utilities should are lumped into “served” census blocks emphasize their experience with infra- or else those underserved households structure deployment – considering that are in areas where providers overstate broadband is another service that can the actual speeds they are providing. ride on the upgrade to an already exist- However, seeking a national broadband ing infrastructure. The pre-existence of map could have the adverse impact of local infrastructure and local expertise delaying new program funding until can work to the rural utility’s advantage. more trusted maps are developed.

Mapping identifies which areas of the One Important Next Step U.S. are underserved by broadband. The FCC has recently announced via blog Mapping is critical because awards are that it will begin discussing the rollout of based on the FCC’s maps, which have the Rural Broadband Opportunity Fund speeds. Services below 100 Mb may be recently come under scrutiny in the U.S. during Summer 2019, with rollout in unable to provide the benefits for which Congress and among broadband provid- place by the end of 2019. With $20.4 bil- broadband is intended in the first place. ers. The FCC mapping geographically lion at stake, this issue merits the close A successful application should dem- defines areas using U.S. Census Blocks attention of any rural utility. Beyond onstrate that the resulting service will to determine broadband availability. If in-house monitoring, utility trade asso- meet or exceed 100 Mb, and it should there is one home served by broadband ciations keep a close eye on the FCC explain why services below 100 Mb will in a Census Block, then the entire block and keep their members informed of be ineffective toward achieving the FCC’s is considered served and therefore no current proceedings and recommended funding will be available to serve any next steps. Background: Broadband and Rural America An Excerpt From the Congressional Research Service Publication “Broadband Loan and Grant Programs in the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service”

The broadband loan and grant programs at RUS are intended example, aside from enabling existing businesses to remain in to accelerate the deployment of broadband services in rural their rural locations, broadband access could attract new busi- America. “Broadband” refers to high-speed internet access and ness enterprises drawn by lower costs and a more desirable advanced telecommunications services for private homes, lifestyle. Essentially, broadband potentially allows businesses commercial establishments, schools, and public institutions. and individuals in rural America to live locally while compet- Currently in the United States, residential broadband is primar- ing globally in an online environment. A 2016 study from the ily provided via cable modem (from the local provider of cable Hudson Institute found that rural broadband providers directly television service), fiber-optic cable, mobile ireless (e.g., smart- and indirectly added $24.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2015. phones), or over the copper telephone line (digital subscriber The rural broadband industry supported 69,595 jobs in 2015, line or “DSL”). Other broadband technologies include fixed both through its own employment and the employment that its wireless and satellite. purchases of goods and services generated.1

Broadband access enables a number of beneficial applications Given the large potential impact broadband may have on the to individual users and to communities. These include ecom- economic development of rural America, concern has been merce, telecommuting, voice service (voice over the internet raised over a “digital divide” between rural and urban or subur- protocol or “VOIP”), distance learning, telemedicine, public ban areas with respect to broadband deployment. While there safety, and others. It is becoming generally accepted that are many examples of rural communities with state-of-the-art broadband access in a community can play an important role telecommunications facilities,2 recent surveys and studies have in economic development. indicated that, in general, rural areas tend to lag behind urban and suburban areas in broadband deployment. Access to affordable broadband is viewed as particularly important for the economic development of rural areas because Read the complete publication at https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/ it enables individuals and businesses to participate fully in RL33816.pdf the online economy regardless of geographical location. For

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 37 AMERICA IS GROWING

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38 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ Build Your Best Network Under CAF II: Connect Hard-to-reach Subscribers through Affordable, Low-maintenance, and Flexible Broadband Deployment Solutions by Javier Lopez Portfolio Manager ADTRAN

Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced updates to its Connect America Fund (CAF) program to improve the quality and availability of high-speed internet service in rural America. Further, the U.S. Department of Agriculture also unveiled a $600 million loan and grant program to assist with building rural broadband infrastructure. These avenues present a significant opportunity for service providers to expand broadband coverage in rural and remote areas and help bridge the digital divide that remains in the nation, all while gaining more market share.

Given the range of geographic and logistical challenges involved with rural broadband service delivery, service providers responsible for CAF II build-outs should consider network solutions that optimize existing infrastructure, simplify deploy- to discover the impressive speeds Tackle CAF II Requirements, Minimize ment and provisioning, and improve the available through deployment of Expenses broadband experience for subscribers. the right FTTN solutions, with some As a world leader in broadband access, Fiber-to-the-Node (FTTN) solutions offer capable of delivering up to 500Mbps ADTRAN is committed to supporting ser- just such an approach, with flexible, services utilizing technologies such vice providers as they address the con- cost-effective deployment options that as Vectoring and Super-Vectoring. nectivity disparity in rural America. The ultimately lower the operators’ overall • The range of long-reach backhaul company’s focus remains on delivering capital and operational costs while also technology through FTTN the best available options on the market affording a range of benefits. deployment can be equally striking, today—solutions that allow operators to with service coverage extending fully tackle challenging CAF II deployment Advantages of Using FTTN Solutions thousands of feet from the fiber requirements while minimizing expens- With broadband service requirements node to quickly and cost-effectively es. Service providers should expect to be fueling a push for fiber deeper into the connect hard-to-reach subscribers. able to expand their community’s broad- network and closer to the end user, • Powering options for today’s band footprint quickly and cost-effec- service providers can more effectively latest FTTN solutions are also tively, and one of the clearest paths to utilize existing copper infrastructure in considerable, including local or serving the underserved is by deploying combination with sealed FTTN solutions remote powering, as well as flexible today’s leading FTTN access solutions. As to address subscriber demands for years built-in holdover and battery backup the market leader in building and deploy- to come. By deploying the most cutting- options—all of which greatly reduce ing solutions for CAF and rural applica- edge generation of today’s sealed micro installation and maintenance costs. tions, ADTRAN’s own portfolio of sealed FTTN solutions, operators can expect to • Service providers can also expect micro FTTN solutions delivers numerous capitalize on a host of technical advance- to deliver best-in-class triple play innovations that help operators afford- ments and advantages. services over today’s leading FTTN ably deliver broadband services into • FTTN solutions can tackle a range solutions, as they support both remote and rural areas. Service provid- of subscriber densities, from integrated and overlay POTS, ers looking to invest in topnotch options low-density (16 subscribers) for together with IPTV services. for their CAF II builds would do well to rural deployments to high-density • Lastly, if a wide reach FTTN solution learn more about how ADTRAN’s FTTN system level vectoring solutions is paired with the right whole-home family of solutions expands service pro- (up to 384 subscribers across eight Wi-Fi solution, operators can deliver viders’ reach to more customers by uti- nodes) which can serve semi-urban an integrated connected home lizing enhanced technologies, ultimately environments and Multi-Dwelling solution that offers subscribers helping them build their best networks. Units (MDUs). much greater visibility and control • Some operators may be surprised over their network.

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Skinny Wire AD_INCOMPAS _Louisville 2019 AD.indd 1 4/25/19 12:30 PM Cont’d from page 29 gaps in rural communities,” Perdue said what is that going to do to your afford- at the event. ability component?”

‘Well past experimental’ Mike Williams, CEO of statewide associa- In a year tinged by weak agricultural tion Texas Electric Cooperatives, is more commodity prices, trade tensions, and blunt. the historic federal government shut- “You can’t sell electricity to people who down, farm loan defaults loom large over don’t live there anymore.” rural America’s economy. He sees the economic benefits as a key Many co-op leaders believe broadband factor in a co-op’s broadband decision. internet access is needed now more than ever, for everything from precision “In Texas, some family farmers have to farming to online employment and pur- work another job to continue to farm. chases, in the communities they serve. Broadband gives you the opportunity to Waiting for third-party providers is often do that,” he says. “We have communities not an option. that are not doing well. We can give them this critical infrastructure so residents “It is clear for the co-ops who want to go can to continue to live and work there. into the business and solve the issues of not having rural broadband that there “It might even encourage young peo- are ways to do it,” says Gary Wood, CEO ple, who leave and have gotten used to at Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, Netflix, to come back and be part of their which received CAF funds for its upcom- communities.” ing fiber buildout. “It’s still up to the co-op.” NRECA Chief Economist Russell Tucker says it’s tempting to get caught up in Michael Callahan, CEO of the statewide the rush of co-op broadband, but he association Electric Cooperatives of cautions a go-slow approach in most Mississippi, says his state’s low popula- cases. He says a key entry point is invest- tion density has kept most broadband ing first in backbone infrastructure and providers away. Some areas have only communications that will improve a co- about two households per mile of line, op’s system and can be leveraged, after far below the 35 one cable operator careful study, to provide connectivity to insisted on, he says. members.

So, since the enactment of the ease- “When we talk about bridging the digital ments law, a handful of co-ops have divide, it’s certainly important to focus been hard at work on fiber projects. “I’m on the role of the electric co-op,” he says. excited,” Callahan says. “All across the “Broadband backbones are necessary to spectrum, co-ops can participate and optimize operations and adapt to chang- make broadband better in the state of ing consumer behavior. And if a co-op Mississippi.” makes the decision to go forward with broadband, they can be a major step Likewise in Tennessee. toward providing services either directly or through a third party.” “Conversations are being had in co-op boardrooms across the state,” says Scott So is co-op broadband at a tipping point? of the Tennessee statewide. “All of our co-ops are looking at broadband to Time will tell, but Bowers says he sees determine if that is the right thing to do an increasing number of co-ops that are to best serve their members.” “well past experimental discussions.”

Bowers at the Indiana statewide sees “With the amount of investment and broadband as a way to stem a tide of effort put in, I think this has become outward migration from dozens of the the reality for electric co-ops across the state’s rural counties. country.”

“Strong communities must have good job Williams agrees. “Everybody’s talking and education opportunities. Broadband about broadband. Co-ops are doing is an essential piece of that now,” he says. something about it.” “If you have a service territory without broadband, it can be very challenging to attract residents and keep the ones you have. If your customer base is shrinking,

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 41 What’s Your Time IQ? Three Tips to Rehab Your Time

By Brenda Abdilla CEO Management Momentum

Time overwhelm is the most commonly occurring obstacle to success in today’s business world. You can be the most competent programmer, engineer, scrum master or sales leader in your space, and yet the common struggle to master use of your time can gall you endlessly and Rehab Your Electronic there—the “defers” go to your to-do reduce your effectiveness in nearly all list and/or calendar, and the ones that you do. Environment Got thousands of emails? It’s not you need to keep track of go to an your fault! Over 269 billion emails were email folder titled in such a way that TIPS TO REHAB YOUR TIME you can easily find it. No exceptions. Tackle Your Physical sent and received each day in 2017, and that figure is expected to grow to If you are scared, make more folders, Environment almost 320 billion emails per day in 2021, or shove everything you’re worried according to Statista. about into a special folder you can Decluttering your office, home, check in one month. You probably garage and car is not just the latest Nearly 45% of all email is spam, which won’t even miss it. trend; it may also help you live longer. includes phishing scams; 76% of compa- 3. Find focused time to work in your Recent studies have shown a relation- nies reported being victims of a phishing inbox. Checking it constantly is com- ship between clutter and the stress hor- scam in 2016 (Symantac). Users find that pletely ineffective, regardless of what mone, cortisol, which wreaks havoc on only about 15% of their email is relevant. you do for a living. Other experts say our health. You may think that clutter, to check it twice a day, which is not messiness and piles of paperwork do That’s a lot of non-relevance to sort enough for most of us. But make not bother you, but evidence shows that through every waking day. The only solu- some rules for yourself—like that these things bother us on a subconscious tion is to find a way to dominate your you always have at least 30-minute level. inbox. You can’t let it rule you; instead, increments to work in your inbox, create some habits and rules to get never less. Your job is to reduce A simple strategy for clearing clutter is it—and keep it—within your control. the number in your inbox, to think to start by clearing everything off of ONE Otherwise, you and your brain could clearly about your responses, and to cluttered surface in your home or office. become buried in a pile of irrelevant move things forward. You cannot do Just pick stuff up and move it off of that information that may be hiding some that without at least 3 or 4 focused surface. Then take time to clean and very, very important information—which sessions per day of at least 30 min- improve the surface before you put any- defeats the purpose. utes each. thing back. Then, focus on the piles and work quickly, but with intense focus—be The list of strategies you can deploy is If you have over 5,000 emails in your brutal in your scrutiny of what needs to endless, but you have to contemplate inbox, you are going to need a half-day go where. Don’t let yourself go back to which ones will work for your unique without interruption to clear them and what you have always done—it was not brain wiring before implementing. to set-up your new rules and folders. It’s working. Leaving everything in your inbox is not going to feel so good when you accom- a strategy. That is defeat. Before you plish this! If you pay close attention to the state of employ any new strategies to tackle your (Google any of these strategies if you your feelings after you finish, you may inbox, do these THREE basics: don’t know how to do it for your email notice a slight elevation in mood—that’s 1. Set a rule in your inbox to move platform.) dopamine. One of your brain’s happy every email with the word “unsub- chemicals. There are not a ton of secret scribe” into a separate file. This will One more thing about managing our strategies needed for de-cluttering. It is reduce your inbox magically over- electronic environments: research tells pretty basic, because it is a physical thing. night. us that 72% of employees cannot find Bottom line: take time away from doing 2. Apply the do, defer or delete strat- the information they need in the com- other things to clear, clean and scrutinize egy to your inbox work which every- pany’s information systems. This can be items in your space. Easy to say, hard to body knows. But once you have read resolved with some improved commu- do. But DO it. something it does NOT get to stay in nication between IT and other depart- 42 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ ments to develop common language for filing shared documentation—or maybe How Do You Go Online? just training is needed. By Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY Rethink Your Ambient Life You get your internet at home by subscribing to a high speed broadband ser- I use the term ambient to illustrate vice, as do a majority of your fellow Americans. That is unless you’re among the point of the dings, pings, rings and the 1 in 4 adults who’ve ditched or passed on home broadband. And many alerts in our lives, because they exist of you who’ve come to that decision have found what you deem a suitable all around us—ambiently. It would be substitute: your smartphone. impossible to talk about time management without addressing something that Such is a key finding from a mobile technology and home broadband survey secretly manages what our brain pays of U.S. adults released Thursday by the Pew Research Center. Pew found that attention to. It probably does not sur- 37% of respondents indicated that when using the internet they primarily do prise you to know that the average pro- so on a smartphone, nearly double the 19% who answered the same way in fessional is interrupted every three min- 2013. utes at work (source: The University of California). But guess what the cause of And 45% of the non-broadband crowd say that their smartphone lets them 44% of our interruptions is? The answer do everything they need to do online, up substantially from the 27% who said is us. Our habits cause us to interrupt so in 2015. our own focus and flow at least 44% of the time. In fact, Pew reports the share of non-broadband users who say their smartphone is the most important reason for not having a high-speed internet The problem with the alerts is that they connection where they live has nearly doubled over the same time period, cause a cognitive distraction for our brain. from 12% to 23%. The brain associates the sound or sight of an alert with a possible connection, so For sure, some people cited the affordability of broadband as the reason for hearing or seeing it makes it increasingly their reluctance. But the percentage of non-broadband adopters who cited hard to resist responding. Check it quick price as a barrier, dropped from 33% in 2015 to 21% today. and you have switched tasks—arguably the most anti-time-efficient thing you can In the meantime, while the growth of smartphone use for a cyber-connection do. I ask my clients to consider going a has grown across all age groups, young adults are more likely to reach for a week largely without sounds (except for handset when they go online. Fifty-eight percent of those ages 18 to 29 mostly possibly a sound associated with your use the phone for such a purpose, up from 41% in 2013. children’s school or your spouses’ texts for safety reasons). No email previews, As you might expect, income levels are also a factor in whether people sub- no dings, no banners, no typing sound scribe to home broadband. The report found that 73% of U.S. adults say they on your phone, no push notifications, subscribe to broadband internet services at home, but the number climbs to nothing (except your ringer when appro- 92% among adults in households with incomes of $75,000 or more annually. priate). Oh, and when you are focused, By contrast, in households where the yearly income is south of $30,000, the put the DND on your company’s instant share of broadband subscribers drops to 56%. messaging system. Just you, and your keenly focused mind dominating your That 36-point gap in broadband adoption between the highest- and lowest- devices like a boss. Try it. income groups is substantially larger than the 24-point gap in smartphone ownership between these groups, the report says. Take the Free Time IQ Test https://managementmomentum.net/time-iq Educational differences show a nearly identical pattern. Bio: Among other findings: Some 46% of smartphone owners say when using the ABOUT THE AUTHOR internet, they mostly do so on their phone, compared to 34% six years ago. Brenda Abdilla is a PCC level During the same period, the share of smartphone users who say a desktop, Executive & Leadership Coach. laptop or tablet computer is their primary device for going online has fallen Her diverse client list ranges from from 53% in 2013 to 30% today. And roughly one-quarter of smartphone the US Department of Justice, users say they equally use a cellphone or a desktop, laptop or tablet computer Medtronic, Cisco, the Women’s when going online, up from 12% in 2013. Bar Association, Comcast to IHS Markit. Brenda also serves as the Professional Chair of a Women Presidents’ Organization group Meanwhile, 6 in 10 of the folks without broadband indicated that they have in Denver, CO. She is the author of three books, never had high-speed internet service at home in the past, compared to about her most recent is What’s Your Lane: Career Clarity one-third who have. And fully 80% of non-broadband users say they would for Moms who Want to Work a Little, a Lot or Not not be interested in having broadband at home in the future, while 18% think at All. Visit her site to take free assessments on this is something they would consider. your next Career Change, Working Style or Time Management issues. https://managementmomen- The survey was conducted from Jan. 8 through Feb. 7 of this year, among a tum.net/assessments#freeassessments nationally representative sample of 1,502 adults 18 or older. Subscribe to the Coaching Minute or take the Free Time IQ test at www.ManagementMomentum.net

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 43 GO TO THE SUMMIT

Cybersecurity is at the TOP of your agenda, and rural broadband providers need to protect their company and customers. The time is now. Reach the PEAK of network protection with the education and resources needed to develop a strategy to stop hackers in their TRACKS. Learn what you need to do before it’s too late.

MORE INFORMATION www.NTCA.org/cybersummit

44 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/

ad_2019cs_skinnywire.indd 1 7/1/2019 5:04:17 PM Do More Than Show Me The Money

By Bobbi Harris CMO Smart Water Smart City, LLC

Federal grants, state grants, local grants, Copper (DSL) or fiber may be the broad- States which invest in or encourage loans, and grant/loan programs and now band delivery method of choice for some widespread and rapid deployment of the FCC Connect America Fund reverse however, the evolution of fixed wireless rural broadband technology will find in auction phase two (CAF II) - the list is access has made it a viable alternative a few years they are ahead in their abil- long and complicated but reportedly or supplementary solution for deliver- ity to train their work force and educate designed specifically for “bridging the ing high-speed broadband to rural loca- residents, attract new business devel- digital divide.” But will all the funding pro- tions. The use of licensed versus unli- opment, and to compete in the global grams really bring broadband solutions censed spectrum must be considered. economy. Those that lag or remain on to rural America? Unlicensed spectrum may be used by the sidelines, or worse, actively obstruct anyone, but under federal regulations, this rollout of broadband will find their More than 30 years after America Online unlicensed spectrum must not interfere economies incurably behind those who (AOL) launch an internet craze, many with licensed spectrum, and must also are quicker to move ahead. Strategies still struggle to get high-speed internet accept interference from other devices. for decision-making must include not access in parts of this country. The glo- New fixed wireless products and technol- only a discussion weighing the relative balization of business, education and ogies address many challenges, including costs and benefits of using wired or wire- personal networks has solved problems radio size, ease of deployments, reliabil- less technology, but also rights-of-way that many people never knew existed. ity and interference from other wireless issues, siting of facilities, local terrain and We have reached a new level of maturity signals. Technologies like SON (self-orga- environment, and other factors that may in telecommunications technology. but nizing networks), massive MIMO, beam- inform decisions regarding the best tech- technology alone does not solve prob- forming, beam steering, interference nology for a specific community. lems; Telecom technology merely pro- cancellation and others have helped to GO TO THE SUMMIT vides us the tools to address them. mitigate many of these challenges. Whether delivered via fiber, cable modem, mobile or fixed wireless, copper We still must address the growing divide Wireless broadband service is available wire, or satellite, the lack of adequate between the segments that have access from commercial carriers in many areas, broadband is most pressing in large to networks using fast connections and and that service may be appropriate geographical areas with low population Cybersecurity is at the TOP of your agenda, and rural broadband those who don’t. Broadband allows for certain non-critical applications, or densities and often reduce economic providers need to protect their company and customers. The time speed, access and reach beyond our in cases where the utility has not yet incentives – where telecommunications dreams of 30 years ago. At least it does had time to build a utility-grade system. providers are still unlikely to invest in and is now. to those who have access. But will grants, But mission-critical applications require maintain broadband infrastructure and loans, partnerships and reverse auctions greater security, reliability, and guaran- service. Everything from telemedicine, really move us forward in the next 30 teed speed (lower latency) than com- economic growth, education and remote Reach the PEAK of network protection with the education and years? mercial carriers provide and certainly business operations rely on high-speed many commercial carriers will not see a connectivity. Will the new $2Billion CAF II resources needed to develop a strategy to stop hackers in their Certainly, there is great competition business case for delivering high-speed funding finally deliver these transforma- TRACKS. for the money. The pressure is build- broadband in all rural areas. If electric tive services? ing on technology providers and the rural cooperatives and IOUs that serve electric utility industry to address the a rural footprint are able to get funding Learn what you need to do before it’s too late. gaps. Technology is widely available and for broadband rollouts for these ser- improving rapidly and as with any new vice territories, they will greatly benefit mass deployment and capital invest- their customers if they can also provide ment, the technology has both support- broadband communication services like ers and detractors. Utilities, cities and internet and TV. Utility networks must states are looking at their options to be hardened to prevent compromise by deploy broadband, and there are many human actors and natural disasters, reli- options; Broadband over existing copper able so they work even under emergency lines, private LTE broadband, highspeed conditions, and resilient to quickly recov- MORE INFORMATION fiber, and now 5G through small cell er from setbacks and support power deployments. Each has created a ground restoration efforts. This level of service www.NTCA.org/cybersummit swell of champions and a vocal group of is just what rural homes and businesses opponents. deserve as they play catchup to urban “smart cities.”

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 45

ad_2019cs_skinnywire.indd 1 7/1/2019 5:04:17 PM in the SPOTLIGHT

RICH HOFSTRA verticals including Tier 1, 2 Carriers, BS in Computer Science and Electrical Rich Hofstra joins Walker Regional Operators, Managed Service Engineering from Geneva College in and Associates as Optical Providers, Utilities, State and Local gov- Beaver Falls, PA. He is active on several Business Development ernment and dedicated teams support- industry panels and participates on com- Manager. Rich has over ing DoD, civilian, and federal agencies. munity boards and committees. 25 years of experience in Optical Networking Mr. Vasilakis has more than two success- [email protected] with the last 15 years ful decades of experience in the telecom 336-731-5295 in partnership sales & management and networking space with an extensive positions. Prior to joining Walker and background in sales strategies and busi- Associates, Rich has held positions at ness process, building partner ecosys- Fujitsu Network Communications, ADVA tems to support enterprise and carrier RICHARD LUEBKE Optical Networking, BTI Systems and business. Richard Luebke joins Juniper Networks. Over his career Rich Walker and Associates as has held roles in development, Product Prior to joining Walker, Gus founded Business Development Planning and Management, and most Transform Strategies, LLC, a company Manager with focus on recently in partnership sales and man- focused on partner channel develop- Electric Cooperatives. In agement where he successfully built and ment. Earlier, he served as Ciena 2008 Richard co-found- managed multiple strategic OEM rela- Communications’ Vice President of ed Rare Comet LLC - a tionships. In his role with Walker and Partners, Enterprise, and Public Sector, consulting group targeting telecom and Associates, Rich will be responsible for responsible for developing the North energy applications in the utility industry. business development of optical net- American account base selling strate- He has been an advisor to municipalities working solutions. gy, and transformation of the partner and electric cooperatives on fiber broad- team to a vertical center of excellence. band and smart grid projects, and is a [email protected] In addition, he introduced a new Route- frequent speaker and participant in FTTH 336-731-5278 To-Market that included revamping of industry events. both distribution and system integrators to complement Ciena’s successful carrier Richard resides in Sunriver, Oregon, GUS VASILAKIS and managed service programs. where he recently led his community’s Gus Vasilakis is currently efforts to upgrade their telecommunica- Vice President Marketing Mr. Vasilakis also served selling and exec- tions infrastructure. of Walker and Associates, utive roles at Alcatel/Alcatel-Lucent over a certified WBE suppli- a 17-year span, where he won several Previously, Richard spent 20 years in er of communications excellence awards. He also instituted a Silicon Valley as an engineer with Intel, networking equipment, ground floor program for vertical mar- HP, and Oracle, with a focus on telecom- software and services. ket specialization, ensuring client success munications software and services. In this role, Gus is responsible for Go-To- through program management and cus- Market strategies, OEM relationships, tom services over technological speed- [email protected] and Marketing Communications for the feed selling of their competitors at the 541-508-9902 Commercial and Federal Business Units. time. The diverse active and passive platform teams under Gus, support Walker’s top Gus is a Pittsburgh native and holds a

46 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ STEVE QUAYLE now includes Walker’s technical sales Steve joins Walker and Associates as a engineering bench, technical certification Field Systems Engineer. Steve graduated plan, OEM selection, proposal enrich- from the University of Central Florida ment, software monetization and ser- with a Bachelor’s degree in Management vices breadth. Trey’s new role is a VP of Information Systems. With over 20 years Technology at Walker, yet with the title of working in tech, Steve has worked in of CTO, to help showcase Walker’s grow- service provider environments as an engi- ing technical competency and influence neer for various value added resellers as on the industry. a Solutions Architect, as well as being a technical trainer. Having worked most Join us in congratulating Trey on his new of his career around Juniper Networks role. products, Steve has achieved many acclaimed certifications, namely, being a [email protected] double JNCIE (Juniper Networks Certified 336-731-5275 Internet Expert) in Service Provider and Enterprise. He is also a certified Juniper Instructor which has allowed him to travel all over the world and pass on his knowledge to over a thousand network KEVIN FOSTER - engineers. In his pass time, Steve enjoys IN MEMORIUM working out, being around water (lakes, Our associates, custom- pool, ocean) as well as providing night- ers and business part- club entertainment as an EDM DJ. ners were saddened by the sudden death of [email protected] Kevin Foster on February 336-731-5412 8, 2019. Kevin worked as a Sales Executive in Walker’s Inside Sales Department since joiniig the company in 1998. His expertise in technology, company processes, and his experience working with customers across the coun- KATHY SHIPP try, made him a valued member of the Kathy Shipp retired from company’s sales team. Kevin enjoyed Walker and Associates the outdoors, was an avid hiker, and this past May. Kathy loved spending time with his family. He worked at Walker as was known for his wry sense of humor a Customer Service and will be dearly missed by his fam- Representative provid- ily and friends. His celebration of Life ing sales support to the Inside Sales Service was held Tuesday, February 12 team in Alpharetta, Georgia. She has at Oak Grove United Methodist Church spent nearly 30 years in the telecommu- in Mocksville, NC followed by a grave- nications industry, working previously at side service. He is survived by his high Alltel Supply, Windstream Supply, before school sweetheart and wife of 31 years, joining Walker in 2009. Retirement Kim Lagle Foster, his two children Ryan plans include more time with family and Foster and Bethany Foster, his mother friends, some travel, and pursuing other and father, Joyce and C. W. Foster, Jr. interests. We wish Kathy the best in retirement, and appreciate all her years Our deepest condolences remain with of dedicated work for customers. Kevin’s family as we grieve the loss of this beloved associate and friend.

TREY HALL Trey Hall, previously Walker’s VP of Marketing and Technology, has taken on the newly created role of VP of Technology/CTO for the company. This new role segments the work required to focus on technology suitability assessment, technology participation plan and market penetration strategy. His leadership

Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 47 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WASHINGTON, DC OCTOBER 30 - 31, 2019

HELPING COMMUNITIES TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR BROADBAND FUTURES April 27 – 30, 2020 HOUSTON, TX Marriott Marquis Houston The Leading Broadband Event for Multi-Housing, Commercial Properties, and Communities For More Information: www.TownsAndTech.com For Assistance Contact: [email protected] I 877-588-1649 CONFERENCE SITE The Westin Alexandria – Old Town 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 253-8600

48 Skinny Wire | Summer 2019 | http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/877-588-1649 | www.bbcmag.com MARK YOUR CALENDAR Rural Fiber Distribution TAP Architecture: A more efficient approach for deploying a future-focused FTTH network By Fritz Amt Network Architect, Retired MARK YOUR CALENDAR CommScope Bringing broadband service to rural rural installations. These deployments “. . . providers have seen WASHINGTON, DC and underserved exurban areas can can cover great distances of sparsely- pose unique challenges to providers. populated terrain, with just three or four large reductions in the Deployments must cover great distances homes per kilometer. Land can be moun- OCTOBER 30 - 31, 2019 to reach just a few homes. Rural areas tainous, forested, or desert, with little number of optical fibers have higher costs per home passed, and existing infrastructure. Providers need used in a deployment— require high subscriber take rates to solutions with design simplicity, to keep make fiber deployments economically labor and equipment costs as low as some as large as 87 possible. Providers must invest heav- possible. percent.” ily in equipment and labor, so solutions that can reduce expenditures in either EQUIPMENT SAVINGS area. In a typical tap deployment, just of those key categories can make the The biggest difference between tap net- two splices will be necessary for each difference between economic success or work and splitter-based architectures two to eight homes: one for the input to failure. This white paper will explore the is cabling requirements. For a deploy- the module, and one for the through-leg. tap network architecture option to create ment serving 256 subscribers, the mini- This compares to as many as 72 splices or expand rural fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) mum number of fibers required in the required with a centralized architecture. networks. splitter-based architecture is 256. These 256 fibers run in several smaller cables FUTURE EXPANSION FIBER-OPTIC TAPS from the equipment cabinet. The cabi- Some operators believe that, compared HELPING COMMUNITIES TAKE CONTROL In a tap FTTH network architecture, a net is necessary to house the eight 1x32 to splitter architecture, architecture net- OF THEIR April 27 – 30, 2020 fiber cable is deployed throughout a ser- splitter components, which route optical works are difficult to expand. While it’s BROADBAND FUTURES vice area, and fiber-optic taps divert opti- signals to subscribers, as well as per- true tap systems are often designed cal signals to subscribers. It’s a simple mit fiber access. For many rural deploy- with minimal fiber use, to save as much HOUSTON, TX process: the cable is opened, and one of ments, splitter-based architecture is con- upfront cost as possible, designers can Marriott Marquis Houston the fibers inside is carefully cut. A fiber- siderably more expensive, as it requires use a 1:2 split at launch to increase optic optic tap is spliced into the line, which the use of much more fiber cable and use efficiency. If expansion is required siphons off a portion of the signal for a distribution equipment. later, this 1:2 split can be removed to The Leading Broadband Event for subscriber. The tap allows the signal to add capacity, and additional fiber-optic continue down the line to the next home In comparison, for a 256-subscriber taps added to change to a higher port Multi-Housing, Commercial Properties, or business, where the process is repeat- deployment, tap architecture needs a count. And, in another expansion strate- and Communities ed. Multiple taps can be spliced onto the minimum of eight fibers. Two four-fiber gy, many operators purchase dark fibers For More Information: line until the signal is exhausted—usually cables are run directly into the serving along with the initial four-fiber cables, as at 32 subscribers. At this point another area, without the need of a cabinet to the economics are best with a full buffer www.TownsAndTech.com fiber in the cable is cut, and the process house splitters and connections. Cable tube of 12 fibers. The cable size doesn’t continues. A tap network design is quite savings would depend upon the length change, and the additional dark fibers For Assistance Contact: different from the design of a traditional of the runs to the actual drop points; provide the highest utility of all solu- “centralized” FTTH network, which typi- but, since four-fiber cable costs much tions, with each fiber good for another [email protected] I 877-588-1649 cally uses splitters installed in a cabinet less than 72-fiber cable, savings could 32 homes. configuration to distribute data to sub- easily run to thousands of dollars. With scribers. In this splitter-based architec- tap architecture, providers have seen SUMMARY ture, a fiberoptic feeder line runs from large reductions in the number of optical While several fiber architectures have CONFERENCE SITE the central office or head-end location fibers used in a deployment—some as been developed to support FTTH deploy- to a cabinet in the street or service area. large as 87 percent. Tapped architecture ments, tap network architecture is opti- The Westin Alexandria – Old Town The feeder line terminates on an optical also avoids the need for an equipment mal for rural broadband networks. A splitter in the cabinet, which distributes cabinet, splitters, mounting pad, and cab- major benefit of this design is the signifi- 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 22314 the signal to subscribers with additional inet installation labor. cant reduction in fiber required to serve fibers. This hub-and-spoke design gives a rural area. With the long distances typi- (703) 253-8600 providers great flexibility, as the cabinets LABOR SAVINGS cally involved in rural FTTH deployments, allow easy management of both fiber Tap architecture commonly uses four- this reduction in fiber count can dramati- connections and central office equip- fiber cables, compared to the 72- or cally reduce up-front network costs, and ment, and can also be in proximity to 48-fiber cables used in splitter architec- allow providers to serve areas where remote central office equipment. ture, which creates considerable savings deploying a fiber-optic network would in splicing and material labor. The num- have been cost-prohibitive. DIFFICULT TOPOGRAPHY ber of splices required is further reduced Of course, network architecture is a cru- because tap architecture requires no cial decision for providers embarking on splitters at the entrance to the service 877-588-1649 | www.bbcmag.com Skinny Wire | Summer 2019| http://www.walkerfirst.com/literature/skinny-wire/ 49 AUGUST 2019 As an active member of multiple state, regional NTA Annual Convention Lake Tahoe, NV and national industry associations, Walker CTCE Myrtle Beach, SC and Associates is strategically engaged with organizations supporting telecommunications Tri State Telecom Conference Sun Valley, ID markets. We demonstrate our commitment * TechNet Augusta Augusta, GA through event sponsorships, contributing TTA Convention and Showcase San Antonio, TX educational content and advertising, and SEPTEMBER 2019 exhibiting at conferences and expos. ITA Fall Vendor Showcase East Peoria, IL TANE/TAM Broadband Convergence Look for us at the events listed here, and refer Rockport, ME Convention to the Upcoming Events section of our website, http://walkerfirst.com, for additional details. UTC Region 5 LaCrosse, WI ISE EXPO Fort Worth, TX We look forward to seeing you at these events! SCTE Cable-Tec Expo New Orleans, LA Great Lakes Technology Showcase Ft. Wayne, IN OCTOBER 2019 Northeast Telecommunications Showcase Proud Member of: Binghamton, NY (NETS) * UTC Region 3 Fall 2019 Mobile, AL TSTCI Annual Meeting Austin, TX * KTA-TTA Fall Conference Bowling Green, KY MATSS 2019 Kansas City, MO NASA Ames Mountain View, CA ATA Tech Showcase Anchorage, AK WSTA Fall Conference & Exhibits Stevens Point, WI NASA Kennedy Cape Canaveral, FL Berkeley Lab Berkeley, CA * BBC Economic Development Summit Washington DC NOVEMBER 2019 Ft. Huachuca Technology Day Sierra Vista, AZ * SCTBA Fall Conference & Showcase Columbia, SC FermiLab Batabia, IL

*Associate membership in NRECA does not signify an endorsement of products or services DECEMBER 2019 MTA Annual Vendor Showcase Billings, MT SDTA Outdoor Plant Workshop Mitchell, SD TechNet Indo-Pacific Honolulu, HI * CDCA Defense Summit Charleston, SC

* - Indicates Walker and Associates is an event sponsor

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20181211_Multicloud Print Ad_Edited.pdf 1 1/16/2019 5:13:55 PM THE ADAPTIVE NETWORK™ The future of networking is here Transform your business with next-gen networking solutions Reduce complexity and increase ROI with packet networking solutions Scale smart with open and programmable infrastructure Streamline operations and service delivery with a more adaptive network Walker and Associates, Inc. PO Box 1029 7129 Old Hwy 52 Welcome, NC 27374 THE ADAPTIVE NETWORK™ The future of networking is here Transform your business with next-gen networking solutions Reduce complexity and increase ROI with packet networking solutions Scale smart with open and programmable infrastructure Streamline operations and service delivery with a more adaptive network