The Florida Rural Broadband Alliance (FRBA) has partnered with Rapid Systems, Inc., to act as system integrators and operators of the regional networks in exchange for in-kind contributions. This in-kind contribution helps FRBA reach its required grant matching levels for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
Rapid Systems, Inc.
The Florida Rural Broadband Alliance (FRBA) has two partners that have collaborated to ensure that the overall matching funds/in-kind asset contribution thresholds of the grant were met.
Taking the lead in initiating Broadband deployment in the region was the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). Using Local Economic Development funding, the IDA teamed up in 2009 with Rapid Systems, Inc. (Rapid), to design, deploy and operate a fixed wireless Middle Mile network for Hardee County. The Hardee County IDA/Rapid network is designed to the same standards and uses the same architecture and approach as that utilized by the FRBA. The IDA and Rapid have each signed a Memorandum of Understanding, contributing the full use and availability of the network to the FRBA, in the form of a prospective indefeasible right of use agreement, the value of which is $4 million, the equivalent cost of the construction of the IDA/Rapid network.
In return, the IDA achieves the goal of broader economic development opportunities in the region. Having the first portion of the network constructed in advance of the other 5 counties in the region enables an accelerated growth and development model. Additionally, the FRBA will provide the first 3 years of upstream connectivity and capacity for the entire FRBA network.
Rapid, for its contribution in funding and constructing the network, will partner to deploy and operate the entire FRBA network. Rapid has built several fixed wireless Middle Mile and Last Mile networks and owns and operates a similar network in counties to the North and West of the South Central RACEC. Maximum operational and maintenance efficiency will be gained by having the FRBA network operate seamlessly and with complete operational synergy through this arrangement.
FRBA is truly an alliance of governmental, non-profit and for-profit entities seeking to address the problems of these regions relating to limited broadband availability. Working together clearly saves time and money, while improving effectiveness!
Check back for updates as more partners come on board for this life-changing project.