RESPEC PROJECT

Across the United States, rural communities are at the center of an unprecedented drive to expand broadband access. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which includes $65 billion for broadband deployment and affordability initiatives and the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) program, the need for capable partners to deliver resilient broadband infrastructure has never been more significant.

RESPEC is meeting this challenge head-on, combining engineering, data analytics, GIS mapping, and project management to bridge the digital divide.

Joe Brisson, RESPEC’s Broadband Program Manager, leads these efforts with a focus on empowering communities through strategic, collaborative broadband solutions. “Our goal,” says Brisson, “is to provide each community with a clear path to broadband access, from funding guidance to final implementation.”

Project Highlights: Supporting States and Local Communities

RESPEC’s broadband initiatives are already making a significant impact. The company’s multi-pronged approach has driven several successful projects, including:

• • New Mexico’s Broadband Expansion: RESPEC partnered with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) to validate the state’s broadband maps, a critical step to securing federal funds. By cross-referencing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data with on-the-ground insights, RESPEC ensured the accuracy of coverage maps, which helped the state maximize its allocation and reach underserved residents. “The mapping work we do is foundational,” says Paul Senne, GIS lead at RESPEC. “By validating and refining broadband data, we’re ensuring these funds go exactly where they’re needed most.” We also provide project managers to OBAE to assist with project execution.
  • Colorado’s Rural Community Assessment: In Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, RESPEC developed a custom speed-test app to collect real-time data on local internet speeds. This data-driven approach allowed the town to assess connectivity needs precisely, building a solid foundation for future infrastructure improvements.
  • Quad Counties Project in Wisconsin: RESPEC’s work in Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, and Trempealeau Counties involves assessing and mapping coverage gaps and advising on strategies to attract internet service providers (ISPs). Using a proprietary speed-test tool, RESPEC collected granular data to help these counties prepare for the influx of BEAD funding, strengthening their case for expanded broadband service.
  • Alaska’s Extreme Terrain Solutions: RESPEC is developing point-to-point satellite infrastructure to bridge connectivity gaps between remote facilities in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Borough. This project includes engineering solutions for mounting antennae, building telecom rooms, and tackling the logistical challenges posed by the harsh Alaskan climate.

Through these and other projects, RESPEC has earned a reputation as a reliable partner in navigating the complex landscape of broadband funding, design, and implementation.

A One-Stop Solution for Broadband Challenges

RESPEC’s expertise spans the entire lifecycle of broadband projects. The company’s comprehensive service model combines specialists from Data & Technology Services (DTS), GIS, and Infrastructure to provide seamless end-to-end solutions. This integrated approach means clients benefit from a single point of contact for everything from initial planning and mapping to construction oversight and program management.

“Clients appreciate having a one-stop shop that manages all aspects of broadband deployment,” Brisson explains. “For many communities, especially rural ones, RESPEC’s holistic model is the ideal fit to keep projects on time and budget.” With RESPEC’s coordinated team structure, clients can expect a streamlined process that reduces delays and minimizes costs.

Expanding Broadband Expertise and Learning

As RESPEC grows its broadband services, the team is learning and adapting in response to the unique needs of each project and community. “Broadband is a relatively new space for us, and we’re leveraging decades of experience in rural and infrastructure projects,” Brisson says. “It’s all about bringing RESPEC’s practical know-how to a new arena and showing communities that we have what it takes to get the job done, no matter the challenges.”

RESPEC’s extensive experience working in challenging environments, such as Alaska and other remote U.S. regions, has provided valuable insights that translate well to broadband projects. Brisson points out that RESPEC’s background in complex infrastructure work and its agile, employee-owned structure have positioned the company as a leader in broadband expansion. “There’s a huge demand in rural America, and our expertise makes RESPEC specifically qualified to address it,” he adds.

A Strategic Path Forward

Looking ahead, RESPEC targets medium-sized ISPs and local cooperatives that may need more internal resources to compete for broadband funding or manage large-scale projects independently. “Our sweet spot for the next 5 years is helping these ISPs expand into underserved areas, where we can support everything from the planning phase through construction oversight,” Brisson explains.

With plans for a national marketing campaign, RESPEC aims to reach small ISPs with a message of partnership and practical support. By aligning with these local providers, RESPEC is reinforcing its commitment to rural connectivity and helping to realize the vision of “Internet for All.”