Frequently Asked Questions
BRIDGE
Q: What is Broadband?
A: Broadband is essentially High-Speed Internet Access that can take many forms, such as Cable Modems, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Wireless Broadband (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax), Satellite, etc. High-Speed is generally defined as at least 200 Kbps in either direction.
Q: What is at Stake?
A: Technology is quickly changing the way we live and do business. Broadband infrastructure is a cornerstone of job creation and regional competitiveness in today's global economy and is often the foundation to spur new application services that can stimulate the local economy and job creation. Broadband supports the lifestyles of the 21st Century, and rural communities must chart a course for delivery of needed Broadband Communications Infrastructure.
Q: How Can Bridge Help Rural Communities?
A: The BRIDGE Fund provides a competitive financing program to support deployment of High Speed Broadband in rural areas of Georgia. Based on need, funding is available to cover all or a portion of the costs for technical assistance. Funding is available to support both single county and multi-county broadband projects
Q: What are the Phases of Funding?
A: Phase 1 Feasibility Study & Business Case for single- or multi-county Broadband Network (80% OGA Grant; 20% Counties) Phase 2 Implementation for single- or multi-county Broadband Network (80% to 85% OGA Grant; 15% to 20% Counties or other matching partner)
Q: What are the Funding Milestones?
A: Applications for OneGeorgia funds are received continuously. Application awards are typically made and announced through OneGeorgia Board meetings. These meetings occur approximately quarterly. Upon pre-application receipt and review, OneGeorgia may issue a Pre-Agreement Cost Approval letter to the applicant. This letter lets the Applicant incur costs against a future award, but does NOT guarantee reimbursement until the award is made.
Q: Will You Show an Actual Project Timeline Example?
A: Example of a Multi County project (dates may not apply): May ‘08: Phase 1 Feasibility Study pre-application approved June ’08 : Ph 1 Application approved and grant funded December ‘08: 5 County Feasibility Study complete, Ph 2 Network Implementation pre-application approved January ’09: Ph 2 application approved and grant funded January ‘10: 5 County regional broadband fiber / wireless backbone network complete May ’11: 5 County residential / small business network complete
Q: Please Detail the Match Requirement
A: Any outside funds can (but not necessarily will) be counted as a match by the counties: Agricultural grants Range Fuels’ contribution Federal homeland security funds E-Rate (Universal Service) educational funds