Four strategic steps your community can take now to prepare for NTIA’s new broadband grant programs

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will distribute more than $2 billion in new broadband grant funding through three new programs created by the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act. If your community or institution will be eligible to apply for one or more of these programs, don’t wait for NTIA to issue rules later in spring 2021. Start preparing the broad outlines of your proposed projects now—so you’re ready to submit a competitive application when the window opens this summer. While the programs will have different rules and requirements, your strategic approach to preparing an application will share these key steps:

• Understand and document your community’s broadband needs
• Develop a technical analysis and cost estimates for construction, equipment, and operations
• Develop a business strategy
• Create a grant checklist and start marking off the basics