State Government Sections

FCC map of broadband access in the United States

Broadband Access

A girl raising her hand in a classroom or educational setting

Education

Environment & Natural Resources

Photograph of the Lincoln Memorial and the inscription behind the statue

Historical Preservation

Broadband Access

“The Internet is the essential tool for communication in today’s world,” according to Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). When communities are without reliable internet access, they can fall behind, missing business and educational opportunities. RESPEC Data and Technology experts help communities overcome this digital divide and get the resources they need to thrive.

Our team of advisors, engineers, and technologists has deep expertise in broadband planning, design, and implementation, and we can assist with every aspect of broadband funding and access projects. From securing funding and identifying the best technologies to ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, we can help communities access fast and reliable internet services.

Strategy

RESPEC works with jurisdictions to develop comprehensive strategic plans based on the community’s broadband needs and desired outcomes. Our team of broadband consultants, who have experience in public-sector, utility, and infrastructure projects, will lead a structured planning process that begins with a community needs assessment. This assessment will evaluate currently available access options and identify areas that are underserved or unserved.

The plan will be tailored to the specific needs of each community, and the multidisciplinary RESPEC team will develop a comprehensive set of deliverables based on the specific projects selected and design it to provide actionable insights and recommendations that address the identified needs and goals of the community.

Color coded community planning document
Closely cropped photo of details on a 100 dollar bill

Funding

Since 2009, the United States Government has spent more than $90 billion on broadband internet connectivity. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and other Federal and State programs are estimated to provide an additional $80 billion by 2030. RESPEC has the expertise to help your community tap into these public funding opportunities.

Our team also brings experience working with national and local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to create public and private partnerships to bring services to communities. RESPEC speaks broadband, helping your community bridge knowledge gaps and partner with ISPs to create new and expanded service options.

Engineering

RESPEC has a comprehensive skill set in site utility and broadband design, covering every stage of the project lifecycle. We have a diverse team of specialists equipped to handle all aspects of the pre-construction and construction services, including the following:

  • Broadband specialists to review the required speeds and cabling infrastructure's ability to saisfy broadband requirements
  • Site survey experts to collect data on existing utility corridors and infrastructure
  • Planning professionals to work closely with user groups, including local residents, to identify the most optimal path for new utilities
  • Civil, electrical, and environmental engineers to design utility pathways and evaluate the environmental impact of any selected route
  • Construction administration and management personnel to assist and interact with contractors during construction
construction work digging in fiber optic and high-speed data lines
a community presentation

Community Engagement

Effectively harnessing public input and inspiring action is the difference between success and failure of every phase of a broadband initiative. As a full-service consulting firm, RESPEC has talent across numerous disciplines allowing our team to leverage the right people for every step of a project. Our community outreach planning will combine the above strengths to plan an engagement strategy that captures the audience, facilitates the necessary feedback, and compiles the information into an actionable plan for the community.

  • Stakeholder research and contact sourcing and tailored messaging development
  • Campaign branding, including website and comprehensive media toolkit (flyers, info sheets, etc.)
  • Social media, e-mail outreach planning, and execution
  • Direct mail marketing where appropriate
  • Newspaper, television, and radio advertising coordination

 

Broadband Mapping Challenged in New Mexico

The State of New Mexico, which ranks 39th nationally for internet access, asked RESPEC to help its communities challenge the FCC Broadband Map and improve their broadband access and position. RESPEC carried out the review and challenge to the FCC mapping across the state, encouraging community participation, and reporting thousands of location and availability challenges in just two months. Now communities across New Mexico are better positioned to receive maximum funding for high-speed infrastructure investments—potentially $80 million.