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CCRPC broadband map shows roughly 2,000 under‑ or unserved households; staff urge tailored, small‑neighborhood solutions
Summary
CCRPC staff shared a broadband coverage map showing about 2,000 households classified as unserved or underserved across Chittenden County and told the PAC that state funds administered by the Vermont Community Broadband Board, rather than a county Communications Union District, are the likeliest route to funding small‑pocket solutions.
Regina Mahony shared a CCRPC broadband map with Planning Advisory Committee members on Sept. 8 showing approximately 2,000 households in Chittenden County classified as unserved or underserved. The households are concentrated in many small residential pockets, staff said, which will require tailored technical and funding approaches rather than a single large buildout.
Staff said CCRPC has been coordinating with the Vermont Department of Public Service, the Vermont Community Broadband Board (including Christine Hallquist and Rob Fish referenced by staff), and local internet service providers to identify feasible approaches for each pocket. Mahony said the Vermont Community Broadband Board will administer state funds and that small providers in the region can apply directly for those grants. CCRPC staff added that larger incumbent providers discussed in the meeting (identified as Comcast and Consolidated in the conversation) are not eligible for some of the available upgrade funds.
The committee noted municipal American Rescue Plan Act funds can be used for broadband projects, but staff cautioned that municipalities with extensive water and sewer infrastructure serving most residents may find it difficult to justify ARPA spending on small‑pocket broadband projects that benefit a small share of town households.
Staff described next steps as coordination with the Community Broadband Board, statewide stakeholders and town officials to identify funding applications and technical solutions appropriate to each neighborhood pocket.
