5 Ways to Make Smart Use of Broadband Financing

Our industry is at a moment of tremendous opportunity, friction between countries, and economic downturns. Communication is often key during times like these.

Here are 5 key considerations I’m evaluating for local leaders and other eligible recipients in each state to make the most of broadband funding:

1. Choose the right technology

First, to make the most of broadband funding and bridge the digital divide in communities, local leaders need to choose the best technology to deliver last-mile broadband service. For policymakers, "getting it right the first time" is critical when it comes to broadband technology.

Fortunately for them, this debate has been settled and fiber is the clear choice. Fiber optics is the fastest and most reliable broadband technology, capable of delivering the highest speeds and longest distances at the lowest operating costs. At the same time, alternatives to fiber optic technology face challenges with limited bandwidth, shorter distances, noise, latency and other factors that lead to reduced quality and ultimately increased long-term costs.

Aside from fiber's nearly unlimited bandwidth and scalability, perhaps one of its most compelling arguments is that it remains the most future-proof technology around. Not only is fiber optic the longest-lived technology on average, reducing future operating expenses, but fiber optic networks can also be upgraded to meet future bandwidth needs by simply upgrading the electronics at the end, thus avoiding rip-and-replacement events and associated costs. This makes fiber the superior broadband technology.

2. Leverage industry experts

After 25 years in this business, I can tell you that every network deployment, no matter how simple, presents unexpected challenges. That’s why I recommend grant recipients work with technology and industry experts.

As we have said many times, connecting all Americans to high-speed internet requires collaboration and partnerships. From the initial planning process through the design phase, network construction, turn-up and operation, it is important to find proven allies and trusted advisors who will not only guide your efforts to build and operate your network, but also have extensive access to the right resources and solutions plan. At Corning, we have developed an ecosystem to support rural deployments and create future-proof, cost-effective fiber solutions that simplify installation.

3. Optimize network architecture based on your priorities

Different business goals, priorities and geographies require different network architectures to be considered. While planning the network design, we consider various variables such as cost, scalability, speed of deployment, availability of skilled labor, performance, etc. We work closely with service providers to assess their needs and capabilities, identify where additional industry expertise is needed, and assist with design and deployment plans.

Bringing connectivity to rural areas presents many challenges related to low density and difficult terrain, so it is critical to innovate in all aspects of delivering broadband to underserved communities. At Corning, we have been focused on how to solve these challenges, working with rural providers to find ways to help them optimize their network architecture to achieve their business goals. We developed flexible network building blocks that allow for progressive deployment that matches a "pay as you go" model.

4. Consider alternative business models

As mentioned earlier, building rural and underserved areas requires a different way of thinking. A key variable that affects network architecture is the business model in which you operate. In some cases, it makes sense to share the costs of building and/or operating a network. Whether you adopt an infrastructure model (building the network for one or more anchor service providers) or an open access model (allowing all providers to access the network at scale), there are different considerations you need to make when planning and optimizing your network architecture Network variables to consider cost, size, speed, access points, and other factors.

These factors regarding the business model will be considered when working with Corning to design the network. When building for one or more service providers, it's critical to achieve agile and modular architecture with industry-leading solutions that comply with various service provider standards.

5. Leverage solutions to alleviate workforce challenges

As funding becomes available to provide connectivity to underserved communities, regional network operators must still contend with workforce constraints. Therefore, it is crucial for network operators to take advantage of labor-saving solutions, such as pre-terminated connections that can be installed without the need for professionals. At Corning, we have developed an ecosystem to support rural deployments and create future-proof, cost-effective fiber solutions that simplify installation.

The ANETFIBER system ushered in the era of fiber-to-the-home just a few years ago by eliminating on-site splicing – and we’ve never stopped improving it. This fully connected solution reduces deployment time and the need for skilled labor, allowing operators to complete projects five times faster and at a total cost that is 30% lower than other FTTH solutions. With fewer components to manage in the field, our solutions also reduce supply chain complexity to address the unique challenges of modern network deployments.