N.H. broadband collaborative seeks $66m grant

Monday, January 10, 2011

Exanded broadband networks fueled by fiber optics could give the state a much-needed Internet power boost and spur economic development, according to a statewide collaborative of public and private groups, but it needs some serious cash to get there.

Network New Hampshire Now, led by the University of New Hampshire and the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, has submitted a $66 million proposal to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program to fund what it says is "critically needed broadband expansion" in New Hampshire.

The proposal seeks to build "a middle-mile fiber-optic network" across the state – a statewide mid-tier backbone linking the larger connectivity of the Web to networks that feed individual homes, businesses and organizations.

That "middle mile," according to DRED Commissioner George Bald, "is a major opportunity for economic development."

"In particular, the network designed for New Hampshire has openness as its core purpose, enabling affordable choices for all providers to reach areas of the state that have been difficult to service," said Bald, adding that the Network New Hampshire Now proposal "puts the state on par with international fiber-optic broadband capacity and capability."

The proposed three-year build-out will take place in three parts, starting with existing fiber networks on the Seacoast. It then looks to circle the state to the west, up through the North Country, then ending in the Lakes Region. A second expansion model, call FastRoads, will pilot connectivity to homes in Rindge in southern New Hampshire and Enfield in western New Hampshire. The third leg includes construction of a middle-mile microwave network for public safety, public television and mobile broadband communications on mountaintops across New Hampshire.

Once built, the so-called "dark fiber" could be used by any service provider, said Scott Valcourt, principal investigator at UNH for the grant proposal.

The proposal also calls for formation of a private company, New Hampshire Fiber Network, to oversee and maintain the network once it is built, with fees coming from the entities using it, Valcourt said.

"The great thing about this proposal and other broadband projects is that it creates an opportunity for everyone to work together – educational institutions, service providers and the state – to create more opportunities for our citizens and businesses," he said.

In addition to UNH and DRED, the network's partners include the Community Development Finance Authority, all University System of New Hampshire institutions, the Community College System of New Hampshire, the Keene Municipal Broadband Committee, Southwest Regional Planning Commission, North Country Investment Corp., town managers in Hanover and Keene, state legislators and telecommunications vendors.

For more information, visit networknhnow.org. – CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW

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