Broadband + Telecommunications

ICF International helps communities, governments, and businesses leverage broadband infrastructure to meet community development goals and to improve the quality of life.

ICF understands that the end goal of broadband is not the network itself—it is the possibilities that come from providing citizens and businesses with access to the services that ride over the network. Communities use broadband technology over fiber, wireline, and wireless infrastructure to communicate, find information, buy goods and services, deliver social services, and ensure first responder and 911 connectivity.

ICF helps communities and businesses harness the power of broadband technology, creating sustainable economic development strategies that support new job creation, social services, existing businesses, education, healthcare, safety networks, and global competitiveness. ICF helps clients:

Leverage broadband technology to stimulate economic development and job creation
Support public safety broadband wireless planning to improve interoperability between municipal, state, and private networks, including State Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) planning
Assess Universal Service Fund (USF) programs to maximize eligibility and participation
Adopt telehealth and distance learning products and best practices
Measure spectrum utilization, wireless network coverage, and broadband capacity for local service areas
Create sustainable community broadband, education, and telemedicine ecosystems leveraging multiple broadband networks and providers (if necessary)

With in-house specialists in areas such as community planning, health and education, geospatial analysis, and environmental compliance, ICF is a comprehensive resource for the diverse challenges that arise during project implementation. Our extensive experience working in the industry enables us to bring practical tips, tools, and a real-world perspective to our clients’ broadband needs during the planning process; to offer creative solutions to obstacles in the field; and to minimize project risks.

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To learn more or to be contacted by an ICF broadband expert, please email broadband@icfi.com.

Broadband feasibility and sustainability—ICF performs market analysis, service definition, strategic reviews, pricing, demographics, and business case development for communities, regions, and businesses.
Universal Service Fund (USF) assessments and plans—ICF helps stakeholders understand the complex rules of all four federal USF programs to maximize eligibility and participation in each fund.
Technology planning and evaluation—ICF evaluates and recommends alternative broadband access architectures and solutions based on clients' unique needs and goals, including network and capacity-building analysis, broadband speeds, access coverage, and geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial applications.
Economic development—ICF delivers planning, technical assistance, and training to enhance the utility of broadband technology to build capacity in community programs.

USDA/Rural Utility Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP)
ICF International supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) with the oversight of post-award project implementation for more than $3.5B in awards made under the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP).
Broadband Training and Technical Assistance
ICF International is supporting the EdLab Group, which is providing services to the State of Idaho/LinkIDAHO and the State of Wyoming/LinkWYOMING, under the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) program. The projects will serve as a catalyst for increased access to and use of broadband to better serve residents of Idaho and Wyoming.
State Universal Service Fund Assessment
ICF International performed Universal Service Fund (USF) assessments for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) and the West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for broadband deployment and sustainability.
Broadband Feasibility Study in the Cherokee Nation
ICF International prepared and administered a market survey of broadband feasibility for the Cherokee Nation. This survey process encompassed a locally and culturally relevant networking approach to acquire various levels of broadband and demographic data.
Broadband Expansion Project for the University of Arkansas
The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) included a 900-mile network expansion to connect to 23 colleges in the state of Arkansas. To comply with grant requirements, an environmental assessment (EA) was needed in an extremely short turnaround time.
Sustainable Broadband Infrastructure Plan for the City of Gustavus, Alaska
ICF International developed a sustainable broadband infrastructure plan for the City of Gustavus, Alaska, in December 2012. A critical component of this plan was the community assessment, which included a broadband survey of residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAIs).