South Dakota has raised the benchmark for providers seeking broadband funding through the state’s ConnectSD broadband program.
Here’s what you need to know about the news.
South Dakota sets the bar high for broadband funding
South Dakota has set a high benchmark for providers applying to the ConnectSD Broadband Development Program to obtain broadband funding.
Advising on the recent development in broadband funding, the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, which administers the ConnectSD Broadband program, said: “The state has made a policy decision to approve and fund broadband projects. fiber that stands the test of time. Other technologies such as copper DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite, while having their place in the ecosystem, are considered temporary “stopgap solutions” or “the only technology option.”
State Governor Kristi Noem launched the ConnectSD broadband program with $5 million in funding when she entered the governor’s office in 2019. It is a public-private partnership aimed at providing broadband to all South Dakota residents.
At the program launch, Governor Noem said, “ConnectSD is investing in South Dakota’s future by bringing broadband access to every South Dakota family.
“We are committed to connecting every corner of South Dakota with high-speed internet access, and this investment will allow us to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of that mission.”
Recently, the program awarded more than $32 million in grants for 13 projects from nine providers. These projects will provide greater coverage in the prairie area of Stanley County, part of the southeast corner of the state, and the Black Hills region.
According to the details, the state also “encourages” service providers seeking rural broadband funding to contribute at least 50% of the funds, unless there are serious circumstances preventing them from doing so.
Additionally, contractors contributing more than 50% of project costs will receive an additional point for each additional percentage point above this limit (50%). Up to 25 additional points in the scoring will be used to determine the winners.
The state also noted the technology used in the projects to secure funding. Technologies must provide at least 250 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream.
Vendor applicants will get an additional five points for deploying technology offering speeds of 250/100 Mbps, an additional 10 points for using technology offering 250/250 Mbps, an additional 15 points for delivering 500/500 Mbps and an additional 20 points for offering symmetrical gigabit speeds. .
Additionally, the state asserted that the project would have to be carried out in an eligible area without 100/20 Mbps service.
According to the news, applicants can apply for this rural broadband funding until 4:00 p.m. CT on December 1, 2023.
South Dakota’s high standards for broadband financing reflect its measures to provide a competitive environment for providers, making them more successful in ensuring all South Dakotans can benefit from the Internet.
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