Vermont - A Unique Telecom Opportunity

Vermont represents a complete package for service providers:

Small state-manageable

Embodies all types of terrain - perfect test bed

Support of Governor, Lt. Governor, Washington DC delegation, State Legislature

One-stop-shopping with new Vermont Telecommunications Authority

Vermont Telecommunications Authority can assist in:

Creating collaborative relationships with State agencies, local communities and service providers

Making all state property available to assist in communications build-out

Offering bonding capability to assist the build-out in unserved areas

State access to long-term patient capital that reduces the capital required by service providers to get to revenue in new locations and speeds the return on their own capital

State AAA bond rating should help acquire capital in today's market

List of properties offered by Vermonters for carrier use - easier land acquisition

Applying for RUS (Dept of Agriculture) loans and grants

Simplified Wireless Permitting:

Forward-thinking "network permitting" process that gives providers the option of permitting an entire network with one state-issued permit instead of multiple local zoning permits

Specified timeframes to receive a decision on the network permit

Not "anything goes," but allows infrastructure developers to move expeditiously though the permit process and create showcases of coverage and responsible development

Pending Legislation 2008:

Pole Attachments

Simplified process, pre-published terms and conditions for attachment to electric and gas facilities, assured "reasonable" rates

Other projects:

Pilot satellite project

Regional fiber rings