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Community Planning

Office of Broadband Development

These are resources for communities to use when planning their broadband development.

Office of Broadband Development Initial Planning Steps

The Office of Broadband Development has created a one-page guide for communities to review when deciding whether to pursue better broadband service.

Material providing more in-depth information is available from the organizations listed below.

Feasibility Studies and Technical Support

The Blandin Foundation commissioned a study to look at what local communities can learn from the feasibility studies the Blandin Foundation has funded.

The Blandin Foundation also offers technical assistance to communities as they begin the process of how to improve the broadband available in their community. More information is available on Blandin’s website.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

NTIA has issued several publications that provide guidance on ways to improve broadband service in your community.

Planning a Community Broadband Roadmap
This toolkit provides steps that can be taken to create a Community Broadband Roadmap. DEED has prepared a two page summary of the Roadmap.

Public Private Partnership Primer
This document provides a basic introduction to a variety of partnership models for communities considering new broadband projects.

NTIA has other resources available as well on its website.

Next Century Cities

Next Century Cities has prepared "Becoming Broadband Ready: A Toolkit for Communities" with ideas for communities to consider as they look for strategies and solutions for broadband connectivity.

GigU/Benton Foundation

The Next Generation Network Connectivity Handbook provides community leaders with ideas for achieving affordable, abundant broadband connectivity by reviewing existing models and identifying best practices.

Google Checklist

Google Fiber is deploying broadband in three areas: Kansas City; Austin, TX; and Provo. To assist communities interested in facilitating the deployment of fiber in their town, Google Fiber put together a checklist of best practices compiled from the Fiber to the Home Council, the Gig U report and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Telework

In 2008, Fergus Falls, Minnesota began its local telework initiative. To assist other communities interested in promoting telework, the Forward Fergus Falls Telework Committee put together a manual of what they learned.

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