Portland, ME - VETRO FiberMap and CostQuest Associates (CQA) announced today the release of a jointly developed analysis tool for broadband providers to assess their potential for participating in the FCC’s forthcoming CAF II Reverse Auction.

The VETRO FiberMap powered interactive map found at www.caf2map.com provides reference data published by the FCC supplemented by cost estimates from CostQuest’s renowned modeling engine.  This free service allows potential auction participants and other interested parties to quickly and conveniently perform a preliminary assessment of the auction eligible census blocks and their containing census block groups anywhere in the U.S.

FCC published data presented includes the eligible geographies, published location counts in the target blocks, and the expected annual reserve price available for each bidding unit block group.  CostQuest modeled data include high level CapEx and OpEx range-estimates for the block groups to provide a quick screening look at select costs to build and operate a broadband network in the areas.

Multiple search and select methods provided include point and click, search by telephone company name or SAC code, and freeform drawing.

“We are excited to be able to offer up some of our network cost modeling in the hopes of making this auction accessible and efficient for applicants,” says Jim Stegman, CEO of CostQuest. “The screening of these geographic areas for feasibility can be a big challenge.  And while this mapping tool is merely a step in that direction we feel that it will provide valuable and convenient orientation for the auction applicant pool.”

“Broadband mapping at the engineering level is our business,” said Will Mitchell, CEO of VETRO FiberMap. “Partnering with CostQuest represents a major expansion of our ability to offer up business case analysis coupled with network design and engineering tools in our platform for a truly unique value proposition. Telcos and ISPs can load in their existing network mapping and evaluate new build scenarios in the context of these auction targeted blocks.”

According to the FCC, The Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) program is part of its effort to reform and modernize its Universal Service support programs. The forthcoming CAF II reverse auction will use competitive bidding to support the deployment of networks providing both voice and broadband service, in hopes of expanding broadband availability to millions of unserved Americans. The Commission adopted a $2.15 billion total budget for the CAF Phase II auction which is scheduled to occur in Summer of 2018.

To learn more about the CAF II Opportunity Analysis Tool please visit www.caf2map.com.

About VETRO FiberMap

VETRO FiberMap is a product of NBT Solutions, LLC, founded by experienced GIS mapping professionals who have long provided innovative technology and services to telecommunications customers nationwide.  Our VETRO FiberMap Solution is the direct result of seeing and solving challenges faced by small to mid-sized ISPs and communities who need to plan, design, inventory, and grow their broadband networks.

About CostQuest Associates

CostQuest Associates is a leader in designing, developing and implementing economic models for the telecommunications industry.  CQA provides information systems and services that deliver comprehensive solutions to complicated telecommunications business challenges.

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