Insights > Case Study
Supporting New Hampshire’s BEAD Planning
When the State of New Hampshire set out to prepare the planning documents required for the federal BEAD program, they partnered with Mission Broadband, ProInfoNet’s broadband consulting team, to navigate the complex process and ensure a strong submission.
ABOUT THE CUSTOMER
The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the state agency responsible for driving economic development and broadband expansion efforts across New Hampshire.
REGION
New Hampshire
COMPANY SIZE
State Government
INDUSTRY
Public Sector Broadband
KEY SERVICES
In a nutshell
1 The Challenge
New Hampshire needed an experienced broadband consulting partner to help develop the required BEAD planning documents, including the Five-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposals, and Final Proposal. The state faced complex requirements, shifting federal guidance, and a need for coordinated input from local stakeholders.
2 The Solution
Mission Broadband, ProInfoNet’s broadband consulting team, worked alongside state leaders to create a detailed work plan, analyze GIS mapping data, and document a transparent challenge process for providers and eligible entities. When NTIA issued new BEAD restructuring policy guidance, Mission Broadband helped New Hampshire update its plan to stay compliant and ensure on-time submission.
3 The Outcome
The State of New Hampshire successfully completed and submitted all BEAD planning documents, which are now pending final NTIA approval. The comprehensive planning process provided a clear roadmap for broadband expansion and positioned the state to move forward confidently into program implementation.
Challenges
Meeting Tight Deadlines
The State of New Hampshire faced tight submission deadlines for the BEAD program. Mission Broadband helped develop a structured work plan to organize tasks, milestones, and communication cadence so the project could progress efficiently from the start.
Understanding NTIA Requirements
The BEAD planning process involved a large number of technical and procedural requirements. Mission Broadband worked closely with BEA to interpret these guidelines, ensuring that each document reflected accurate data, addressed funding history, and met federal expectations.
Adapting to a Changing regulatory Landscape
As NTIA released the new BEAD Restructuring Policy Guidance, the state needed to revise portions of its plan to remain compliant. Mission Broadband supported this process by updating documentation and coordinating revisions to keep all submissions aligned with the latest requirements.
Coordinating Stakeholder Engagement
Developing the BEAD plans required meaningful input from service providers, community leaders, and residents. Mission Broadband worked alongside the state to facilitate outreach and gather feedback from stakeholders across New Hampshire.
Solutions
Work Plan Development
Mission Broadband worked closely with BEA to develop a detailed work plan that defined project goals and timelines. This structure created clear expectations and kept the process moving efficiently from start to finish.
Comprehensive Data Analysis
To ensure each plan reflected accurate information, Mission Broadband analyzed state and federal broadband data, including GIS mapping and prior funding allocations. This analysis provided the foundation for identifying unserved and underserved locations.
Challenge Process Documentation
Mission Broadband helped the state document their challenge process, ensuring it met NTIA requirements and provided a structured path for service providers and eligible entities to submit feedback during the BEAD planning phase.
Streamlined Collaboration and Documentation
A dedicated SharePoint environment was created to manage document storage, version control, and real-time collaboration. This centralized system simplified review cycles and ensured that all project materials were consistent and accessible to team members.
Results
Comprehensive Planning Completed
The State of New Hampshire successfully completed and submitted its Five-Year Action Plan, Initial Proposals, and Final Proposal. Each document met NTIA standards and reflected a unified, data-driven strategy for broadband expansion.
Accurate & Actionable Broadband Data
Through detailed mapping and data validation, the state gained a clear understanding of service gaps and investment priorities, laying the groundwork for future broadband deployment.
Prepared for Program Implementation
With BEAD planning now finalized and pending NTIA approval, New Hampshire is positioned to launch its next phase: distributing funds and delivering reliable broadband access to communities statewide.
Read More Coverage on This Project
