—Mark Freeman, Manager of Network Operations, Cullman Electric Cooperative
The journey to becoming a Broadband Service Provider can feel overwhelming.
That's why we created Broadband Academy, an online curriculum that guides you through the five stages of building a successful broadband business.
You don’t need to be a Calix customer to access Broadband Academy.
Follow the steps below and learn how to build, sell, and manage internet services.
In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of building a broadband business, including the five stages, key considerations, and where to start. Students will also learn how broadband works and the types of connectivity that are commonly used today. After completing this course, students will be ready to dive deeper into each stage of building a broadband business.
In this course, students will learn about government and private funding for new broadband businesses. After completing this course, students will understand which options could work for their business and how to start finding funding programs and/or partners.
In this course, students will learn about designing a broadband network and some of the key factors that should be considered in the design stage, such as the subscriber, the service area, and the technology. Students will also learn how the design of the access network, middle mile infrastructure, and subscriber home network affects the online experience. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to confidently work with network designers and engineers.
In this course, students will learn about the construction of the outside plant, being all the physical components used outdoors to transfer the internet signal. Students will also learn the importance of finding the right construction contractor to work with and why the community should be kept informed throughout the build. After completing this course, students will be able to effectively monitor the build and help ensure the construction stages stay on track.
In this course, students will learn what it takes to successfully operate a broadband business, including the staff needed and management processes that should be followed. Students will also learn about common operating challenges and the importance of customer service. After completing this course, students will be ready to provide quality service and support to their subscribers.
Learn marketing strategies and tactics that you and your team can use to sell internet services and create rich subscriber experiences while offering solutions that squarely map to their individual needs. Take your passion for marketing, technology, and the customer to the next level.
Become a digital leader and provide life-changing connectivity.
In this course, students will learn about specific considerations that tribes should be aware of when planning to build broadband infrastructure and operate a broadband business. This includes methods of owning and operating a broadband network, funding for tribes’ broadband projects, permit requirements for broadband infrastructure projects, and tips for running a for-profit business. After completing this course, students will be ready to begin working on broadband projects for tribes.
How to Prepare Your Broadband Services for Future
Generations
Methods of Owning and Operating a Broadband
Network
Funding for Tribes: Eligibility and Availability
Managing Broadband Funding: Best Practices and
Obligations
Permit Requirements for Broadband Infrastructure
Deployments
How to Run a For-Profit Broadband Business
In this course, students will learn about specific considerations that electric cooperatives should be aware of when planning to build broadband infrastructure and operate a broadband business. This includes methods of owning and operating a broadband network, advantages and disadvantages of partnering with third-party entities, how broadband infrastructure can improve your electric operations, and tips for running a competitive business. After completing this course, students will be ready to begin working on broadband projects for electric cooperatives.
Why Electric Co-ops are Uniquely Positioned to Provide
Broadband Services
Options for Owning and Operating a Broadband
Network
How Broadband Infrastructure Can Help Improve Your
Electric Operations
Running a Competitive Broadband Business
The Importance of Data Insights