Take Me to the Pilot, Show Me the Money!

There's a potential new channel for FCC broadband money, and you want a shot at getting some. If you're planning a pilot project for your broadband buildout, don't miss this interview. 

On January 30, the FCC is likely to approve an order for an Expression of Interest in a program that will award Connect America Fund (CAF) money in one-time grants to fund pilot projects. How much money your project potentially can get depends on several factors including financial and technical viability of the project, soundness of the long-term business plan, strength of local support, community impact and overall creativity of the project.  

Public utilities, community-owned networks and other "nontraditional" organizations will be eligible to receive grants. Get insights to how you can prepare a pilot project proposal that puts you in the running for this program. Alyssa Clemsen-Roberts, Industry Affairs Manager at the Utilities Telecom Council, gives listeners insights on pilot project development, planning and writing the proposal for the FCC. The interview also addresses how to tie effective needs analysis into your planning and establishing benchmarks to measure your pilot's success.