Fiber Utility Network (FUN) has made an announcement naming Vantage Point Solutions as the engineering firm of record for the statewide effort to create a middle mile network for broadband services.
"The Fiber Utility Network has spent countless hours conceptualizing how to lower costs and improve backbone capabilities needed by broadband providers in Alabama, particularly those in rural areas, with access to the Internet in a visionary way,” said FUN Chairman and Central Alabama Electric Cooperative President/CEO Tom Stackhouse. "
The selection of an engineering and design firm is a key decision that will make this vision a reality. Vantage Point Solutions has done extensive work in the state and was the clear winner of a competitive process to select this important middle-mile implementation partner."
According to a press release from FUN the firm will plan out designs for network equipment, evaluating existing fiber, designing new fiber builds, implementing new equipment huts and providing operational and project management support.
“The vision for Fiber Utility Network is a game changer for Alabama,” says Chad Glanzer, President of Vantage Point Solutions and one of the engineers overseeing the project.
“We’re pleased to be named the engineering firm of record and have enjoyed working with coalition members as initial plans have taken shape. Our team is looking forward to helping bring this great project to life for Alabama’s broadband providers.”
In 2022 Kay Ivey announced an allocation of $82,450,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It is expected that the project will enhance the quality and availability of broadband, especially in rural areas.
“Without Gov. Ivey and her providing us with a generous ARPA grant, our vision as a coalition would have been delayed and progress to Alabama’s rural counties stalled for an unforeseen amount of time,” said Stackhouse.
“We are thankful for her shared vision for a connected Alabama and for making statewide broadband access a key focus of her administration.”
FUN is made up of the following cooperatives:
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Covington Electric Cooperative, Cooperative Connection LLC (a subsdiary of Cullman Electric Cooperative), JWEMC Communications LLC (a subsidiary of Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Cooperative), North Alabama Electric Cooperative, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.
FUN is currently working to activate its existing fiber segments of the network by 2024. The next phase will be complete 500 miles of new fiber by 2026.
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