A new Vermont broadband funding program aims to make it easier for customers requiring “long drops” to get service.
Depending on the provider, Vermont customers who live more than 2,000 feet from a road may be required to pay extra to get their home connected to high-speed broadband. The new program, known as The Affordable Long Drop Program, is designed to cover those costs.
Britaney Watson, digital equity officer for the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB), told Telecompetitor in an email that the program will cover up to 100% of the cost of a long drop “provided that we understand and support the justification and have the funding available.”
The program has up to $6.1 million available, Watson said. Funding came through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF).
Communications Union Districts (CUDs), small communications carriers, and broadband providers working in conjunction with CUDs may be eligible for funding. Applicants must have an approved universal service plan and a viable business plan.
Applications will be accepted from August 29 until September 12.
Vermont Long Drop Program Details
As Watson explained, Long Drop Program applicants must determine the number of individual customers who need long drops and the costs associated with providing those drops.
The application process includes creating a service plan for the locations identified, calculating the total project cost, and presenting a plan for serving those locations.
As part of the process, “providers may need to analyze demographic and geographic data, conduct outreach, build partnerships, and verify FCC and Public Service Department data,” Watson said.
According to Vermont broadband providers NEK Broadband and CVFiber, there are hundreds of potential customers in their combined service area who have not been able to get broadband service because they need long drops and can’t afford them.
The Affordable Long Drop Program “will prioritize funding for manufactured home communities, low- and moderate-income Vermonters, and customers at eligible addresses who have signed up and committed to service,” a VCBB press release said.
Vermont had a similar program a few years ago, known as the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program.
