Regional & Tribal Planning

Broadband Toolkit Modules

Regional Planning vs Local Planning

Broadband service extends beyond county and municipal boundaries, impacting entire regions. In Wisconsin, each community is crafting its own broadband plan based on local priorities. To enhance these efforts, regional collaborations are working with counties and municipalities to find innovative solutions, increase efficiency, and make the most of available resources. Communities that have a local broadband plan aligned with regional priorities and have established partnerships are generally in the strongest position to secure grant funding when it becomes available. This module outlines five key steps for bringing broadband to a community and provides planning tools, templates, and resources to assist in the process.

Overview: The Five Steps to Broadband

When working to bring broadband to a location there are five main steps that can guide your process. The same process can be used when addressing speed issues, reliability issues of broadband, or to address affordability issues for residents.

Step 1: Assemble a Regional or Tribal Leadership Team

Step 1: Assemble a Regional or Tribal Leadership Team

  • Provide strong leadership to oversee the planning and implementation of broadband initiatives. This includes establishing clear goals, coordinating efforts among stakeholders, and ensuring accountability throughout the process. Effective leadership fosters collaboration, mobilizes resources, and drives the community’s vision for expanding broadband access.
  • Engage the necessary technical expertise to inform and guide the development of effective broadband strategies. This includes bringing in specialists who understand the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of broadband infrastructure, ensuring that the planning process is grounded in best practices and tailored to the specific needs of the community or region.
  • Create regional strategic alignment by ensuring that regional and local planning efforts are coordinated and mutually supportive. This involves aligning goals, resources, and actions so that both levels work together effectively to enhance broadband access and implementation.
  • Promote enthusiasm for broadband by actively engaging and educating community members about its benefits. This involves sharing success stories, hosting informational events, and encouraging participation in broadband initiatives. By fostering a positive attitude towards broadband access, communities are more likely to support and advocate for expansion efforts, ultimately leading to greater adoption and utilization.

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Step 2: Use Data to Map the Gaps

  • Understand mapping and survey tools available to identify and analyze broadband coverage gaps in the region. This involves familiarizing yourself with various data sources and tools that can visually represent existing infrastructure, service availability, and areas lacking access. By utilizing these tools, stakeholders can make informed decisions about where to focus efforts for broadband expansion and identify specific community needs based on reliable data.
  • Compile the data to inform decision making by systematically gathering and organizing information from mapping and survey tools. This includes analyzing coverage gaps, assessing community needs, and identifying demographic factors that influence broadband access. By synthesizing this data, stakeholders can prioritize areas for improvement, allocate resources effectively, and develop targeted strategies to enhance broadband infrastructure and services in the region.
  • Analyze data for patterns and identify priorities by examining the compiled information to uncover trends related to broadband access and usage. This involves looking for correlations between coverage gaps, community demographics, and economic factors. By identifying these patterns, stakeholders can determine which areas are most in need of broadband expansion and prioritize initiatives that will have the greatest impact on improving access and supporting community needs

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Step 3: Use Data to Prioritize the Projects

  • Identify which of the Five A’s of broadband—Availability, Adoption, Affordability, Accessibility, and Awareness—need focus and which are critical to the region. This involves evaluating each aspect to determine where the most significant gaps exist and which factors are essential for improving overall broadband service. By prioritizing projects based on these criteria, stakeholders can allocate resources effectively and implement initiatives that address the most pressing needs of the community, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to enhancing broadband access.
  • Align broadband planning with broader economic development initiatives where broadband is key to success. This involves integrating broadband strategies with economic goals to attract businesses, foster innovation, and improve workforce readiness, ensuring that broadband access enhances community prosperity and supports local growth.
  • Use data and regional team expertise to select project locations This involves analyzing gathered data alongside insights from local experts to identify areas that would benefit most from broadband expansion. By combining quantitative data with qualitative knowledge, stakeholders can make informed decisions about where to implement projects for maximum impact and effectiveness.

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Step 4: Pitch the Providers

  • Identify funds the community, region, or county has available to commit to a project. This involves researching and compiling information on financial resources such as grants, state and federal funding, and local budgets that can support broadband initiatives. By understanding the funding landscape, stakeholders can present a compelling case to providers, demonstrating the community’s commitment and capacity to invest in broadband expansion.
  • Understand which providers are the incumbents in the community, including cable, satellite, wireless, and fiber-to-the-premises providers. This involves mapping out the existing service landscape to identify the primary telecommunications companies operating in the area. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these providers, stakeholders can tailor their proposals and strategies to address gaps in service, promote competition, and foster collaboration for broadband expansion.
  • Reach out to the to the provider’s State Government Affairs Representative or President/CEO to schedule a meeting. This step involves initiating contact with key decision-makers within the broadband provider organizations to discuss potential partnerships and project opportunities. By setting up a meeting, stakeholders can present their findings, share community needs, and explore how the provider can support or enhance broadband initiatives in the region.

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Step 5: Find the Funding

  • Compile cost estimates using mapping data and conversations with providers. This involves gathering detailed information on the financial requirements for broadband expansion projects based on identified gaps and needs. By analyzing mapping data and consulting with providers about their services and infrastructure costs, stakeholders can create accurate estimates that reflect the total investment needed, which is essential for securing funding and presenting a viable plan to potential investors or funding agencies.
  • Review finance and funding options to select the best solutions for your region. This involves researching various funding sources, such as federal grants, state programs, private investments, and public-private partnerships. By evaluating the advantages and eligibility criteria of each option, stakeholders can choose the most appropriate funding mechanisms that align with the community’s goals and financial needs, ensuring sustainable support for broadband expansion initiatives.
  • Understand how a local match can influence relationships with providers. This involves recognizing that a financial commitment from the community can enhance credibility and foster trust with broadband providers. A local match demonstrates the community’s investment and dedication to the project, making it more appealing for providers to collaborate. By highlighting this commitment, stakeholders can strengthen partnerships and negotiate more favorable terms for broadband expansion.

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Additional Planning Resources

PSC Community Broadband Planning Resources Webpage

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) provides resources for communities planning broadband expansion, emphasizing its role in economic development and quality of life. It encourages local engagement to identify needs and offers strategic planning tools, funding opportunities, and successful case studies to inspire initiatives.

UW- Division of Extension
Broadband Toolkit

The toolkit is designed to help Wisconsin communities increase broadband access by engaging local stakeholders and developing comprehensive implementation strategies.

Broadband USA Tribal Broadband
Planning Toolkit

The toolkit is designed to help tribes create and implement broadband plans to enhance internet access and meaningful use within their communities.

Tribal Broadband Planning Toolkit PDF
Tribal Broadband Planning Toolkit Excel template

New North Broadband Access Study

The study aims to improve broadband access across the 18-county region of Northeast Wisconsin.

Spotlight

Building a Connected Future: New North’s Vision for Broadband in Northeastern Wisconsin

Barbara Koldos, Vice President of Business Development at New North, has played a pivotal role in advancing broadband in the Northeastern Wisconsin. Despite being new to the field, she has successfully navigated the complexities of broadband deployment. Her vision focuses on improving connectivity to boost economic development, education, and healthcare in the region.

New North, Inc. is a regional economic development organization in northeastern Wisconsin, focused on leading broadband deployment. Its goal is to create a resilient and connected region by improving broadband access, which enhances economic opportunities, supports education and healthcare, and fosters a higher quality of life for residents.

New North has developed several tools to support broadband expansion:

  • New North Broadband Overview Map: An interactive tool that provides localized data for planning broadband infrastructure. It includes up to date data on environmental factors, population, housing units, and economic levels.
  • Broadband Access Study and Expansion Plan: Conducted with an EDA Broadband Grant, this study analyzed broadband availability and created cost models to help counties improve coverage. New North has been a leader in defining a regional strategy for broadband expansion.
  • BEAD Readiness Workshops: These workshops prepare counties for the Broadband Equity and Deployment (BEAD) program, ensuring they are ready to apply for grants and expand broadband coverage.

In Door County, improved broadband access, supported by New North’s regional planning efforts, has significantly boosted economic development. New North facilitated collaboration among local governments, internet service providers, and community organizations to identify connectivity gaps and develop targeted solutions. This has enabled businesses to expand their online presence, allowing local artisans and farmers to sell directly to consumers outside the region. The area has also attracted remote workers, increasing demand for local services and benefiting restaurants, shops, and hospitality businesses. Community initiatives promoting digital literacy have empowered residents to embrace new technologies. Overall, broadband access has strengthened existing businesses and created new economic opportunities, establishing Door County as a vibrant hub for tourism and entrepreneurship.

Conversation with Barbara Koldos, Vice President of Business Development at New North and Jessica Hatch, Community Broadband Coordinator, Door County

Assemble a Regional or Tribal Leadership Team:

A strong broadband team should include diverse stakeholders from across the region, as their varied perspectives and expertise are crucial for successful broadband planning. Each region can create a team that aligns with its specific priorities, focusing on the Five A’s: Availability, Adequacy, Affordability, Adoptability, Accessibility, and Availability.

Diverse teams ensure that all community voices are represented, helping to identify unique needs and challenges. Input from local businesses, educators, health care providers, and community leaders informs strategies that address both technical and social impacts. Collaboration fosters community buy-in and support, while diverse expertise enhances problem-solving capabilities, leading to innovative solutions tailored to the region.

Strong Plans include Community Voices

Community voices are essential to broadband planning because they provide critical insights into local needs, challenges, and priorities. By incorporating local perspectives, planners can identify underserved areas, allocate resources more effectively, and build stronger support for broadband initiatives. Community involvement fosters a sense of ownership and advocacy, which can enhance the implementation and sustainability of broadband projects.

UW-Extension published a toolkit for community member participation in broadband planning. The Organizing for Community Broadband Planning Toolkit provides tips, processes, and actionable steps you can take to move your community’s broadband efforts forward. Including a helpful worksheet on How to Engage Local Partners.

Further reading: Five Lessons for Tech-Powered Civic Engagement (Next Century Cities)

Build Your Broadband Planning Team Contact List

Fill out this comprehensive Broadband Planning Team Contact List to streamline collaboration. Use this table to record team members, their roles, and contact details, ensuring all key contributors are identified and organized for effective planning.

resources for tribal communities

The Tribal Broadband Bootcamp is a comprehensive program designed to empower Tribal communities to develop and expand broadband access. It offers training and resources on various aspects of broadband deployment, including funding strategies, technical support, and community engagement. The Bootcamp aims to address the digital divide in Tribal areas by fostering collaboration among Tribal leaders, service providers, and government agencies. Participants gain practical knowledge and tools to implement effective broadband solutions that enhance connectivity, promote economic development, and improve overall quality of life in their communities. If you are interested in attending one of the upcoming Tribal Broadband Bootcamps, fill out this inquiry form. Full travel and lodging support is available.  Recordings from past Bootcamps are available online.

The TBCP is a $3 billion program, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to support Tribal governments bringing high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. The program seeks to improve quality of life, spur economic development, and create opportunities for remote employment, online entrepreneurship, remote learning, and telehealth by expanding broadband access and by providing digital training and inclusion programs to Native American communities.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) partnered with AMERIND Critical Infrastructure to support Tribal governments and Native entities working to create digital inclusion ecosystems that positively impact their communities. Seven Star Communities serve as models for sustainable connectivity, addressing various needs—educational, health, economic, cultural, and social—while promoting digital self-determination through strategic planning, funding, leadership support, and community engagement. Eligible applicants include federal, or state recognized Tribal governments or political subdivisions of a Tribal/Indigenous government, a Tribal organization, or entities that serve Tribes, including Tribal nonprofits or for-profit organizations owned by the Tribe and place-based organizations not located on Tribal lands serving Tribal communities. Seven Star Community Fact Sheet

The Building Indigenous Future Zones Report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance highlights four case studies of tribal broadband initiatives. These case studies showcase how Tribal Nations, such as the Coeur d’Alene, Nez Perce, Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe, and St. Regis Mohawk, are building their own Internet service providers to address the digital divide while maintaining tribal sovereignty. The report emphasizes the importance of local economic development, self-determination, and the unique challenges faced by these communities in securing funding and managing spectrum rights.

County Level Planning Teams

Each county can assemble its own teams to facilitate broadband expansion, allowing the regional team to leverage local expertise and insights for more effective regional meetings. This collaboration ensures that specific community needs are addressed and enhances the overall strategy for broadband development in the region.

Spotlight

Marathon County Broadband Task Force

Marathon County aims to be the healthiest, safest, and most prosperous county in Wisconsin, recognizing that broadband access is vital for achieving this goal. To this end, the county established Goal 8.7 in its Strategic Plan (2018-2022): to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet throughout the region. To facilitate broadband expansion, the county formed a Broadband Task Force consisting of nine members, including four from the County Board and five community experts. The Task Force reviewed the “Broadband for Marathon County Assessment and Plan” and developed recommendations for policies and partnerships.

Collaborating with the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC), Marathon County collected over 2,700 speed tests from more than 1,800 locations using Geo Software. This data was analyzed and mapped to identify areas for future broadband improvement projects. A marketing plan was implemented to encourage participation in speed testing, engaging county staff, elected officials, school districts, libraries, and local businesses. The insights gained will help prioritize broadband expansion efforts in the county.

Secure Informed Support by Presenting the Case for Broadband

Presenting demographic and economic development data to county leadership and local stakeholders is crucial for gaining support for broadband expansion, and it’s equally important to involve community stakeholders in this process. Here’s why:

  1. Informed Decision-Making: Data provides a clear picture of the current state of broadband access and usage in the community, enabling county boards and stakeholders to make informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
  2. Highlighting Need: Demographic data can reveal gaps in service, such as underserved populations or areas with limited access. This helps stakeholders understand the urgency and necessity for broadband expansion, fostering a shared sense of purpose.
  3. Economic Benefits: Economic development data can showcase how improved broadband can drive growth, attract businesses, support local economies, and create jobs. This aligns broadband expansion with broader economic goals, making it relevant to both county boards and community stakeholders, including local businesses and educational institutions.
  4. Community Support: Engaging community stakeholders, such as residents, business owners, and educational leaders, in discussions around the data helps build a compelling case. Their input and experiences can provide valuable context and emphasize the importance of broadband, fostering community-wide support.
  5. Long-term Planning: Data aids in illustrating the long-term benefits of broadband, such as improved education, healthcare access, and remote work opportunities. When stakeholders see these benefits clearly, it reinforces the idea that investment in broadband is an investment in the community’s future.
  6. Funding Opportunities: Demonstrating a clear need through data enhances the credibility of proposals for state or federal funding, increasing the likelihood of securing financial support. Engaging stakeholders in this process can also help identify additional funding sources, such as local grants or private investments.
  7. Collaboration and Partnerships: Involving community stakeholders in presenting data fosters collaboration, which can lead to partnerships that amplify the impact of broadband initiatives. For example, local schools might collaborate with broadband providers to ensure equitable access for students.
  8. Feedback Loop: Engaging stakeholders allows for a feedback mechanism, where community concerns and suggestions can be addressed in planning and implementation, ensuring that broadband expansion meets the specific needs of the community.

By effectively presenting the case for broadband expansion in your community and involving community stakeholders in the process, county/ regional leadership can gain broader support for broadband expansion. This collaborative approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters a collective commitment to bridging the digital divide and improving quality of life for all residents.

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Data driven decisions