from growing their digital economy ecosystem to its full potential . In order to address this , CORI and RISI work with communities to guide them through the entire process of building fiber broadband networks . Alex Kelley has worked for CORI and RISI for several years . As the current Head of Broadband Consulting for RISI , he plays a lead role in the planning stages for building new fiber broadband networks in rural communities . Kelley says that fiber broadband deployment is a complex and nuanced process with multiple factors . He adds that clear understanding of logistical specifics is essential at every stage . “ Before we can start working with any community on creating a broadband infrastructure plan , we have to have a very granular and precise understanding of where the specific gaps in broadband are , ideally on a road-by-road or house-by-house level . The cost of any broadband project is largely dependent on how much fiber has to be strung to create the infrastructure network , so correctly identifying areas of need is incredibly important .”
After areas of potential need are identified , Kelley and his team then create financial analysis models and cost projections based on a number of factors , such as geographical specifics and the conditions of the labor market . Following the cost assessment , they strategize a path towards execution based on the money needed to complete the project . If there are cost gaps that need to be addressed in order to bring the necessary broadband infrastructure into reality , plans are then devised to help generate funds . In towns where state and federal grant funds are readily available , Kelley helps communities reach out to government organizations to secure funding . In places without such government grant programs , Kelley works with community leaders to devise strategies for applying for private grants and then helps to broker partnerships with
internet service providers ( once funds are secured ). “ After we make the plan and secure the money , the objective then shifts to the actual brass tacks of the build itself ,” notes Kelley . “ You have to get permits and agreements in place , you have to find the necessary materials , you have to find contractors who are up to the task of building the infrastructure , and you need to find skilled workers who are able to maintain it . It ’ s a complicated process that can take two years or more from start to finish , but the end result more than pays off in terms of how it helps the communities that we work with grow their digital economies .”
According to CORI ’ S Communications Director , Rebekah Collinsworth , CORI ’ s vision for the future of rural America is evident through the stories of the people and communities from across the country who are challenging pervasive rural narratives and creating new economic models and opportunities for local residents . “ Every time I hear the story of someone from a rural town or small city who is able to take advantage of the resources that we bring to their community , it brings an enormous smile to my face . I ’ m lucky to get to work with people who really care about the future of their hometowns and the country as a whole . At the end of the day , building strong digital ecosystems comes down to a matter of equity . There is no reason that you should have to move to an urban environment to be professionally successful , and I think the work that we ’ re doing here at CORI is really helping to shift that narrative and change the way that people view digital economies and rural entrepreneurship .”
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