Vermont Department of Public Service
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Vermont Community Broadband Board Awards $20.2 Million Construction Grant to CUD Northwest Fiberworx
Vermont Community Broadband Board has awarded a $20.2 million construction grant to Communications Union District (CUD) Northwest Fiberworx. The grant was awarded at VCBB’s May meeting and comes from the Broadband Construction Program, a State of Vermont grant funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
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Vermont Community Broadband Board Invites Proposals for New Program to Aid Entities Applying for BEAD Program
Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) invites proposals from eligible internet service providers to take part in the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Subrecipient Support Program, which provides funds to promote the ability of various entities to participate in the BEAD Program. The program provides needs-based grants to assist in preparing a BEAD application. Awards range from $10,000-$200,000 to be used for planning, analysis, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and short-term capacity necessary to plan and draft an application to the BEAD program.
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Vermont Seeks Public Comment on Draft Broadband Plans
The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) released Vermont’s Draft BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) Five-Year Action Plan and Draft BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1 and wants your comments.
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Vermont Seeks Input on the Telecommunications Facility Siting Process in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Public Service is seeking input from the public regarding the telecommunications facilities siting process (as established under 30 V.S.A. §248a). The goal is to conduct a study that ensures that the siting process is done in a manner that is transparent, fair, and responsive to the needs of the community, while also considering the development and expansion of telecommunications infrastructure in the state.
Vermont Department of Public Service Announces Statewide Drive Test of Mobile Wireless Coverage
The Vermont Department of Public Service (PSD) released the results of a drive test, conducted in conjunction with the Agency of Transportation (AOT), to determine mobile wireless coverage throughout the state. “Identifying areas that lack service is a critical step toward the expansion and improvement of mobile wireless service around the state, and we are glad to have contributed to that effort,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.
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Vermont Community Broadband Board Expands Town Match Grant for Vermont Municipalities
The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) will match town Local Fiscal Recovery American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund contributions dedicated to broadband in an expanded town match program as part of the VCBB’s Act 71 Broadband Construction Grant Program. To be matched, the funds must be pledged to the Communications Union District (CUD) serving the town or to an eligible provider committing to build out to all underserved locations in a community if the town is not a member of a CUD.
Vermont Announces More Than $48 Million in New Broadband Investments
Gov Phil Scott (D-VT) joined the Vermont Congressional Delegation, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB), and several Cpmmunications Union Districts (CUDs) to announce an additional $48.8 million in broadband construction grant awards. This will bring the total investment in broadband buildout in Vermont to nearly $100 million since the launch of the VCBB in August 2021.
Vermont to conduct new drive tests to determine mobile wireless coverage throughout the state (Vermont Department of Public Service)
Submitted by Grace Tepper on Mon, 07/11/2022 - 15:41Critical Communications Infrastructure Program
Gov Phil Scott (R-VT) proposed a $51.5 million program, with money from the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, to deploy 100 cell towers to reach unserved wireless areas in Vermont. Administered by the Department of Public Service, the Critical Communications Infrastructure Program (CCIP) will fund the deployment of additional cell towers to expand mobile wireless voice and data coverage throughout Vermont. Federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund As with broadband service, the need for expanded cell coverage is critical for telehealth, public safety, education, and the economy.