A reliable, affordable Internet connection has become an essential public good for communities fighting to keep pace with the ever-changing economic, social and environmental landscape; community owned broadband networks spur economic development, increase digital equity and income equality, advance research, encourage innovation and create new growth opportunities — all alongside generating local tax revenue and lowering the price of Internet access.
In every single state, some portion of the population does not have access to broadband, and some residents have no Internet access at all. Even with significant federal and state subsidies in recent decades, incumbent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have failed to provide equitable and affordable broadband access.
End-to-End Community Broadband Program
The Neighborly Networks Accelerator will guide communities through a beginning-to-end program. Admission to the program is free and will include:
- Tools to map, multiply and accelerate community engagement, including demand aggregation technology and marketing collateral to build a grassroots movement
- Education sessions with leading experts who will share best practices for generating local support, working with civic leaders, overcoming legislative barriers, and designing, building and maintaining a network
- Access to industry partners, including ISPs, network engineers, network builders, local utilities and advocacy groups at a local and national level
Neighborly financing at a competitive, below industry rate cost, and access to the global Neighborly Capital Network
Communities wishing to participate in the program are advised to look at the company's principles for open access networks and apply here to join the Accelerator by September 28, 2018. Successful applicants will be announced in November.
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