Re: Grant Funding

[Fletcher Kittredge <fkittred () staff gwi net>]

What do you want to know?   We were the first NTIA grant announced.    $32
million project to build rural *dark* fiber networks.   The model was to
form a new company which would be carrier neutral and just build and
maintain rural dark fiber.   A carrier's carrier;  structural separation;
prices based on cost plus margin, not what the market would bear, open
access, non-discrimination....  This model seemed to resonate with the
Feds.    The local incumbents still seem to have a hard time believing we
would get a government subsidy and then immediately give it away.   A model
where any carrier, including them, could have access to dark fiber on equal
terms is beyond their ken.


regards,
Fletcher


On Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 4:11 PM, Jared Mauch <jared () puck nether net> wrote:

> I'm interested in hearing from anyone that has gotten USDA RUS or similar
> funding myself.
>
> I'm fairly convinced that with the recent strategies of VZ and ATT they
> will fully divest themselves of regulated last-mile services as soon as
> reasonably feasible (exception: cellular) creating further demand/need to
> bridge the gap.
>
> - Jared
>
> On Jan 19, 2010, at 3:59 PM, David Nguyen wrote:
>
> > Does anyone have any good suggestions on grant funding for a network
> > refresh?  NSF?


-- 
Fletcher Kittredge
GWI
8 Pomerleau Street
Biddeford, ME 04005-9457
207-602-1134