Unassigned 2.5GHz Spectrum On March 21, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an updated Public Notice, FCC 22-24, in which the FCC announced the procedures, deadlines, minimum opening bid amounts and the adopted inventory for the upcoming unassigned 2.5GHz spectrum auction, Auction 108, which is scheduled to begin on July 29, 2022. Important Dates … Read more
The national discussion on the future of USF continues, and Vantage Point continues to advocate for viable, accountable, sustainable solutions. In reply comments filed March 17, 2022, Larry Thompson, PE, Jeff Smith, Doug Eidahl, JD, and Mikaela Burma, JD again reiterated that the job of meeting the universal service obligation does not have an expiration … Read more
Vantage Point encourages all providers to be diligent in the challenge phase of ReConnect 3, as there may be need to “play defense” to prevent awarding funds for areas already served. The application period for ReConnect 3 closed on March 9; and USDA has already begun releasing Public Notices of applications received. After each Public … Read more
Staff members honored for expertise, dedication, and service to others at annual meeting last month Toby Lutter, Data Network Specialist, received the prestigious Silver Dollar Award for his work on server infrastructure and backup strategies, as well as internal SQL database improvements. In his nomination, it was noted that “Toby’s opinions and expertise have gotten … Read more
“The job of meeting the Universal Service obligation does not have an expiration date.” In the discussion on the future of USF, Vantage Point is – as always – taking the long view. Last week Larry Thompson, PE, Jeff Smith, Doug Eidahl, JD, and Mikaela Burma, JD submitted comments on the matter of WC Docket … Read more
Fiber for your Members, Fiber for your Future NRECA’s TechAdvantage is back, and Vantage Point Solutions is looking forward to catching up with Electric Cooperatives across the county while we gather in Nashville. Here are key areas Vantage Point is focused on ahead of TechAdvantage: Broadband, but Make it Make Sense From “we’re thinking of … Read more
All carriers offering voice services must certify training and treatment of CPNI data CPNI Certifications are due annually by March 1, and Vantage Point’s Consulting team is available with flexible solutions to help all impacted carriers. All telecommunications carriers offering voice services, regardless of technology, are subject to the FCC Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) … Read more
Permitting, Funding, Workforce, and Line Dancing. Vantage Point’s ready for it all. The Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO is back, and Vantage Point Solutions is pleased to sponsor this great event. Here are key areas Vantage Point is focused on ahead of RTIME: Permitting Vantage Point’s Nathan Weber, PE joins NTCA’s Brian Ford to … Read more
Summit will be held May 23-25 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Co-op Broadband Executive Summit will return in 2022, slated to be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee May 23-25 of 2022. The Summit, known as CBES, is an intimate bi-annual roundtable of electric co-op executives engaged in deploying broadband. “CBES grew out of a request from a … Read more
Vantage Point joins industry consortium for February 1 event Electric Cooperatives, Municipal Governments, and other organizations considering broadband deployments are encouraged to attend Plan it. Build it. Connect it! a one-day symposium detailing the steps to a broadband deployment. The Symposium, which will feature expert panels and hands-on demonstrations, will be held February 1 in … Read more
In-house team further streamlines construction permitting and compliance processes for construction projects. Proceeding to construction just got easier: Vantage Point Solutions is pleased to announce the addition of in-house Environmental and Cultural Resource services, further streamlining construction project management in the face of increasing permitting requirements. “Construction projects across the country are facing increased environmental … Read more
Vantage Point congratulates Russell Elliott for his new role at Siskiyou Telephone, where he will succeed Jim Lowers as CEO. We are pleased to have assisted Siskiyou with their search for this top executive and proudly share the full announcement below. For more information about Vantage Point’s Executive Placement services, click here. Siskiyou Telephone Announces … Read more
Published February 2021 In the recent auction, RDOF funds were awarded to fixed wireless technologies at the Gig tier. But can fixed wireless technology deliver Gigabit performance in Rural America? Vantage Point CEO Larry Thompson authored a widely renowned whitepaper examining that exact question. This whitepaper was submitted to the FCC as part of the … Read more
Protecting Aerial Fiber In the opening days of hunting season, we received several questions about how to protect aerial fiber from shotgun pellets. Eric Rajchel, PE shares three options in the video below. Additional Information For more information on this issue or if you would like VPS guidance, please contact these members of the Vantage … Read more
Fiber Supply Constraints: Be Prepared Over the last year, fiber lead times have been increasing as broadband deployments ramp up nationwide. VPS anticipates these lead times increasing even further as many federal and state grant and support programs come to fruition. Additionally, there are more yet-to-be-announced funding programs on the horizon that will further exacerbate … Read more
The Vantage Point family was stunned to learn of Tim Owens’ sudden passing. Truthfully, it has taken several days to even collect our thoughts. It is so hard to believe he is gone. We are pained. We are reeling. We are grieving. Tim cast a long shadow. His many accomplishments and accolades were well-deserved; beyond … Read more
