THE MICHIGAN MOONSHOT PATHFINDER PROGRAM
The process of early-stage broadband planning can be complex. From data collection to grant application, or RFP creation to feasibility studies, communities face endless decisions in network pathfinding. The Pathfinder Program guides participants through the foundational steps of local broadband expansion.
Participation in this program can be funded through a Michigan Moonshot Community Grant. Learn more here.
GETTING STARTED
EDUCATION
Michigan Moonshot Broadband Framework
This crowdsourced framework will serve as a community network primer and the basis for planning your community’s roadmap. Contained within, you’ll find overviews on policy and technology, community success stories, links to myriad resources and planning tools from national broadband leaders, and a detailed plan for building a regional network.
Michigan Moonshot Educational Series
The Michigan Moonshot team has collaborated with national subject matter experts to provide this ongoing webinar series.
JUMPSTART
Michigan Broadband Jumpstart
Michigan Broadband Jumpstart (MBJ) is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals and communities understand how to begin formally prioritizing broadband expansion. Jumpstart will provide insight into how to get started, including information and connections designed to bring together a team of community members and leaders that will play a vital role from beginning to completion of the broadband expansion.
GUIDANCE
Pathfinder Consulting
During this consultation with the Michigan Broadband Alliance and Michigan Broadband Cooperative, our experts will work with your organization to explore the breadth of planning, building and running a community network.
MOVING FORWARD - BROADBAND PLANNING
STEP ONE: DATA COLLECTION
Michigan Moonshot Citizen Scientist Data Collection
The Michigan Moonshot’s citizen science approach provides open source, user driven, unbiased and accurate connectivity and resident sentiment data which can be used by local planning groups to support broadband planning efforts and grant applications.
STEP TWO: GRANT RESEARCH
The Grants Office works hand in hand with your community to identify suitable grant opportunities and provide guidance on the application process.
The Merit Quarterly Report provides detailed updates on the state and federal grant landscape.
STEP THREE: RFP PROMOTION
The Merit team will distribute all RFPs generated by your community to a suite of vendors that offer services across the breadth of planning, building and running a community network.
STEP FOUR: FEASIBILITY AND PRE-ENGINEERING
Building upon the information learned through the Data Collection process – these planning steps are needed to inform decision making related to network construction, investment and ownership models. Feasibility studies explore the viability of a community network in consideration of project scope, technological solutions and potential consumer market. Pre-Engineering efforts will determine the challenges, goals and overall direction of the project.
This effort is supported by Merit, philanthropic organizations and private partners.
For more information, call (734) 527-5785 or email [email protected]
ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR BROADBAND EXPANSION JOURNEY?
The Pathfinder Program is a collaboration of nonprofit trail guides with experience helping Michigan communities increase access to high-speed Internet. If your community has established a broadband task force or working group, and is ready to take action, fill out the form below. One of our consultants will reach out to you to discuss next steps.