Communities Unlimited’s Blueprint for Connectivity

Why It Matters

By removing technical and financial barriers, Communities Unlimited accelerates broadband rollout in America’s most underserved regions, unlocking growth opportunities and improving quality of life.

Key Takeaways

• Communities Unlimited provides free broadband technical assistance to rural, low‑income areas.
• Their USDA‑funded two‑year planning grants guide data assessment and implementation.
• GIS mapping of water assets prevents costly fiber‑deployment damages in remote towns.
• Ongoing webinars and stakeholder meetings build local capacity and grant‑writing skills.
• Strong ISP‑community relationships now essential for funding compliance and adoption.

Summary

The podcast spotlights Communities Unlimited, a 50‑year‑old nonprofit that now runs a broadband program across seven Southern states. Leveraging USDA technical‑assistance grants, the organization delivers two‑year planning projects that begin with data collection, produce detailed assessments, and then help communities execute recommendations—all at no cost to the towns. Key activities include mapping broadband access, educating local leaders on the economics of rural deployment, and providing on‑call consulting that replaces expensive private firms. A distinctive service is GIS‑based water‑asset mapping, which safeguards underground fiber projects—critical as the program prepares to lay over 52,000 miles of buried fiber in under‑served areas. Examples illustrate the model’s impact: a meeting of just seven residents represented 30 % of a town’s population, and monthly webinars have equipped dozens of officials with grant‑writing skills. The shift toward stronger ISP‑community ties, driven by funding requirements, is reducing deployment friction and improving adoption rates. For rural America, this approach accelerates connectivity, lowers construction risks, and builds local capacity, positioning these communities for broader economic and social benefits.

Original Description

In this episode of Broadband Action recorded at Connected America, we sit down with Catherine Krantz of Communities Unlimited to explore the essential role of technical assistance in closing the digital divide. Catherine dives into the organization’s mission to support communities facing significant broadband challenges, offering a roadmap for those who lack the resources to navigate complex infrastructure projects alone. From initial planning to overcoming technical roadblocks, we discuss how local leadership combined with expert guidance can transform a community’s digital future. Whether you are a small-town official or a local advocate, this conversation highlights the practical steps and collaborative spirit required to ensure no community is left offline.

Communities Unlimited website: https://communitiesu.org

Catherine Krantz email: [e-mail]