Build Broadband the Right Way — From the Ground Up
The Rural Arizona Broadband Support Network (RABSN), led by Ackerman Consulting Group with partners Watkins Public Affairs and Breaking Point Solutions, helps rural, tribal, and underserved communities across Arizona access the funding, tools, and support they need to plan and build broadband infrastructure through the USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Program. underserved areas of Arizona.
Download the Readiness ChecklistWhat Is the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program?
How the BTA Program Helps Arizona Communities Prepare to Win Broadband Funding
Planning broadband is complex. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and momentum.
The USDA’s Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program helps communities plan before they build. It covers expert support for engineering, mapping, budgeting, permitting, and grant prep. This means your project is community-led, funding-ready, and built to last.
In Arizona, the program is delivered through the Rural Arizona Broadband Support Network (RABSN), a team that helps local leaders walk through every step of the process, spot gaps, and get ready to apply for state or federal dollars.
Free support is available to eligible partners in Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Greenlee, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, Yuma, and Tribal Lands.
The Rural Arizona Broadband Support Network (RABSN)
The Rural Arizona Broadband Support Network is led by Ackerman Consulting Group. Our team brings decades of broadband planning, engineering and grant experience supporting rural and tribal communities across Arizona and throughout the country.
As a USDA BTA provider, ACG was awarded $1 million to support communities across Arizona. We have helped secure more than $200 million in broadband infrastructure funding in the state and more than $3 billion nationwide.
RABSN support includes:
- Feasibility and engineering assessments built for rural terrain and local conditions
- Route planning and GIS-driven cost modeling using local and FCC data
- Broadband funding strategy and full grant application development
- Financial modeling and long-term sustainability planning
- Environmental compliance and permitting pathways
- Community broadband planning and cybersecurity readiness
- Templates, workshops and one-on-one advising at no cost
Our role is to make sure your project is ready for funding, ready for construction and positioned to serve your community for the long term.
Why Funding Readiness Matters
Most broadband dollars go to communities that are ready on Day One — mapped, budgeted, and backed by partners.
With RABSN, you’ll:
- Avoid common disqualifiers like outdated maps or missing permits
- Strengthen your pitch with verified data, financial models, and grant-ready documentation
- Move faster when funding windows open — and avoid being left behind
What’s changing:
Deadlines are tighter. Dollars are limited. The bar is higher. Funders want to see clear plans and proven readiness before they even read your application.
Who Should Reach Out
Feeling stuck? Unsure if your project is viable? We help you assess, clarify, and move forward. RABSN supports:
- Internet service providers expanding into rural or tribal areas
- Tribal governments preparing broadband applications
- Counties and community leaders exploring feasibility or funding
Free Resource – Broadband Readiness Checklist
Is Your Community Ready for Broadband Funding?
Use our free checklist to assess your project’s readiness for broadband funding.