Please note: The Broadband Construction Grant program application process is now closed.
Background
In January 2022, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) invited applicants to apply for financing for broadband projects of Eligible Providers that are part of a Universal Service Plan. Eligible Providers had to achieve speeds of at least 100/100 Mbps symmetrical at all on-grid underserved and unserved locations within their Universal Service Plan.
Who were Eligible Providers?
Eligible Providers were the following:
- Communications Union Districts (CUDs). Click here to learn more about CUDs.
- Small communications carrier; and/or
- Internet Service Providers (ISP) working in conjunction with a Communications Union District to expand broadband service to unserved and underserved locations as part of a plan to achieve universal broadband coverage in the district.
- Note: Under Act 71, municipalities are not considered eligible applicants but are encouraged to actively work with a provider to apply for funding.
What are eligible locations?
Eligible Locations are locations without a reliable, wireline connection of at least 25/3 Mbps are considered underserved and eligible for the program. Click here to see map of eligible locations. Last updated on 11/30/22.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
VCBB requested and received frequently asked questions about the Broadband Construction funding opportunity before issuing the Request for Applications (RFA). Click here to read the FAQ.
Competitive Granting Process - Request for Applications (RFA)
The RFA was announced in January 2022 about the available grant funding. The RFA outlined the project, how applications would be evaluated, and the timing of the submission and evaluation process. Grantees were awarded grants on a rolling basis.
Awardees of the Broadband Construction Grant Program
Click here to see VCBB Broadband Construction Program Funding Dashboard (formerly VCBB Act 71 Grant Funding)
List of Grant Awardees (listed alphabetically)
| Name of Awardee | Grant amount |
|---|---|
| CVFiber Communications Union District | $23,867,785.00 |
| DVFiber Communications Union District | $27,384,399.00 |
| ECFiber Communications Union District | $16,068,787.00 |
| Lamoille FiberNet Communications Union District | $16,806,072.00 |
| Maple Broadband Communications Union District | $16,241,753.00 |
| NEK Broadband Communications Union District | $47,658,003.00 |
| Otter Creek Communications Union District | $9,914,502.00 |
| Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) and Maple Broadband | $9,000,000.00 |
| SoVT-Southern Vermont Communications Union District | $9,009,085.00 |
| Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT) of Non-CUD Towns | $8,592,073.00 |
Other Information:
Outside Plan Design Standards for All Projects