Areas of Expertise

Fiber Network Engineering and Design
Market Research
Financial Modelling & Analysis
Broadband System Implementation
Service Provider Partnership Selection
Broadband System Valuation/Sale

Areas of Expertise

Uptown has established a strong track record as a consulting advisor to numerous municipal broadband systems across a full range of functional expertise cover planning, business case development, financial analysis, market research and analysis, business operations, system design, technical planning, and system implementation.
  • Spanish Fork Community Network – $7.5M in bond financing
  • Alameda Power and Telecom – $33M in debt refinancing
  • Sallisaw Municipal Authority – $6.9M in original financing
  • City of Wilson, NC – $28M in original financing
  • Tullahoma Utilities Board – $18M  in original financing
  • Salisbury, NC – $33M in original financing
  • Clarksville Department of Electricity – $17.5M in additional financing
  • Concord Municipal Light Plant – $4.5M town meeting authorization to borrow for smart grid network
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $27M in financing for FTTH upgrade of existing system
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $873K  in grant funding for wireless and FTTH rural broadband expansion project
  • City of Longmont, CO – $45M in original financing
  • City of Beverly Hills, CA – $35M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Fort Collins, CO – $150M in original financing
  • City of Hillsboro, OR – $70M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Glenwood Springs, CO – $9M in original financing

Feasibility Studies

Uptown has completed over 50 broadband feasibility studies since 1999, which gives us a unique understanding what it takes to build a first-rate study.  As a result of these studies, Uptown business case financials have been used as the supporting financial analysis and justification to secure $480M in public funding for municipal broadband networks across 15 projects:

  • Spanish Fork Community Network – $7.5M in bond financing
  • Alameda Power and Telecom – $33M in debt refinancing
  • Sallisaw Municipal Authority – $6.9M in original financing
  • City of Wilson, NC – $28M in original financing
  • Tullahoma Utilities Board – $18M  in original financing
  • Salisbury, NC – $33M in original financing
  • Clarksville Department of Electricity – $17.5M in additional financing
  • Concord Municipal Light Plant – $4.5M town meeting authorization to borrow for smart grid network
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $27M in financing for FTTH upgrade of existing system
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $873K  in grant funding for wireless and FTTH rural broadband expansion project
  • City of Longmont, CO – $45M in original financing
  • City of Beverly Hills, CA – $35M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Fort Collins, CO – $150M in original financing
  • City of Hillsboro, OR – $70M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Glenwood Springs, CO – $9M in original financing

Uptown has been developing broadband architectures and designing FTTP networks since 1999.  This experience spans the evolution of FTTP technology from the early days of active Ethernet to the current gigabit passive optical network (GPON and NG-PON2) standards.  Design approaches are tailored to the needs of the given client and application.  From backbone middle mile to end user last mile, we have the experience required to address each client’s unique requirements.

Uptown staff has completed/are completing designs for 13 fiber networks since 2006:

  • 100 mile / 7,400 passing FTTP system for Concord Municipal Light Plant
  • 200 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for Cedar Falls Utilities
  • 100 mile / 6,500 passing FTTP system for the City of Dover, Ohio
  • 300 mile / 24,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Wilson, NC
  • 100 mile SCADA / middle mile backbone for Delta Montrose Electric Association
  • 450 mile / 39,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Longmont
  • 1,000 mile / 7,500 passing FTTP system for San Luis Valley REC (work in process)
  • 100 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Beverly Hills, CA
  • 400 mile / 10,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Estes Park, CO
  • 150 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Glenwood Springs, CO
  • 300 miles SCADA / middle mile backbone for Poudre Valley REA
  • Multiple greenfield subdivision FTTP infrastructure designs for the City of Hillsboro, OR
  • 38 mile / 2,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Mountain Village, CO

Uptown Services and its subcontractor partners are fully qualified to perform all proposed research tactics outlined in the RFP. This includes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies covering surveys, depth interviews (referred to as discussion groups in the RFP), and focus groups.

This project will require the broad insight of a consultant team that has conducted substantial market research and has developed a detailed understanding of the “demand side” of municipal broadband.  We bring that experience to this and every project.  Uptown has completed 48 comprehensive market research studies within the municipal utility broadband sector since 2003.  The total sample size of these studies is over 29,000 households or small businesses.  This robust library of research enables us to benchmark survey results and helps ensure that market demand projections/revenues used in the business case are reasonable. From all of our research studies, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the consumer-side dynamics that influence the revenue potential of any broadband venture.  While specifics will vary by market, the key themes do not.

In addition to quantitative surveys, Uptown has completed qualitative research in the form of both depth interviews and focus groups. These various methodologies give us a broad range of research tools to fully evaluate any local community for broadband potential.

Uptown has developed a proprietary Full Service Network Business Model (FSN Model) to conduct all financial analysis as required by the client.  The FSN Model was developed by Uptown to evaluate the financial risks and benefits of offering voice, video and data services to multiple market segments (residential and commercial) over a broadband network.  With over 240 inputs and 1,200 rows of output data, this tool accounts for all variables that determine revenue, expense, and capital costs. Uptown’s financial model is fully adaptable to generate various scenario analyses and has the embedded logic to self-identify the most sensitive variables that drive financial risk. Inputs can be changed on the fly and outcomes can be presented in back-back fashion. Uptown is conservative using its financial input estimates, and uses tangible input sources such as recent bids (from its implementation projects), vendor quotes/budgetary pricing sourced specifically for the Authority’s study, and actual municipal FTTP system metrics (via Uptown’s client base). Our financial modeling covers all applicable capital costs, operating expenses, and revenues to operate an FTTP system as either a wholesaler or retailer, via the following model inputs:

  • Capital investment required (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Additional assets required (alignment with Asset Inventory)
  • Potential Services (aligned with assessment and identifying strategic impact and cash flows)
  • Operations & Maintenance (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Repair
  • Customer Service
  • Installation
  • Marketing
  • SG&A (personnel, professional services, supplies, etc.)
  • Financials (Net Income, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow) over twenty (20) years

The FSN Model output includes the following model outputs:

  • Revenue Projections
  • Operating Expenditures
  • Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
  • Capital Expenditures
  • Peak Funding Requirements
  • Net Present Value of Cash Flows
  • Return on Investment (ROI)
  • Annual cash flows
  • Working Capital Requirements

Uptown has significant experience in implementing broadband systems.  The firm has extensive experience (nearly 80 years combined) in managing broadband operations as employees of incumbent operators and as consultants assisting clients as they launch new FTTP systems.  We have been involved in all aspects of creating and launching a broadband organization for 8 FTTP deployments over the last 20 years. In our role in providing implementation support, Uptown can provide the organizational support needed to “stand up” a new broadband start-up enterprise while minimizing disruptive demand upon client staff. Prior clients have found this role to be effective in completing the numerous start-up tasks prior to and during incremental staffing increases.

To date, Uptown has been the implementation consultant for Sallisaw, OK (2005); Morristown, TN (2006); Pulaski, TN (2007); Tullahoma, TN (2008); Wilson, NC (2008), Longmont, CO (2014), Hillsboro, OR (2020), and Glenwood Springs, CO (2021). These systems are successful and are ‘case study’ systems referenced by the FTTH Council and Broadband Communities.  Uptown is currently assisting its 9th implementation client, Beverly Hills, CA.

In addition to the feasibility studies that include a business planning component mentioned above, Uptown has completed a number of client projects with existing broadband systems who are in need of strategic analysis and business plan support, either to devise a plan to improve financial performance, or in other cases, to develop a business plan to expand an existing fiber system (typically middle-mile) into a full last-mile build out. 

These clients may be interested in improving operating performance, expanding into additional services, expanding their system footprint, or requiring a detailed understanding of long-term financing needs and options.  In this case, Uptown brings substantial industry benchmarking data and former operating experience to evaluate the options available to the client and identify performance areas that can be improved.  Some example projects involving business planning are:

  • Cedar Falls Utilities:  Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into voice services, deploying wireless services in an adjacent rural service area and upgrading current system to FTTH.
  • Riviera Utilities:  Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into Internet and voice services.  Also evaluated potential system sale valuation.
  • Clarksville Department of Electricity: Created a 5-year business plan and identified incremental funding requirements which were subsequently approved.
  • Chelan County PUD: Completed financial analysis and benchmarking of operating performance and recommended operational improvements.  Explored a number of financial strategies and identified the most viable go-forward plan which was subsequently approved.
  • Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations: Completed financial analysis and product and technical strategy review of their existing broadband system.
  • Bristol Virginia Utilities: Assisted with their transition from QAM to IP video architecture for their existing broadband system and assisted with video product strategy.
  • Columbia Power & Water Systems:  Completed a 5 Year Strategic Plan for their existing broadband system in 2013. In 2020 we completed a second business planning project to develop a 3-year plan.
  • City of Morganton, NC: Completed a 3 Year Strategic Plan in 2015 for their existing broadband system. Identified 5 tactical changes to their business that resulted in a reversal of operating cash flow from decline to growth. In 2020, was again retained and completed an update to their 3 Year Plan for 2021-2023.

We have worked with the following classes of service providers as part of our support role on both planning projects and implementation engagements:

  • Private-Sector Internet Service Providers: We have completed projects to both informally solicit (through online meetings) and evaluate interest in pursuing partnership opportunities on behalf of our clients, with a particular focus on doing so under a grant-eligible project definition. We are currently engaged in two projects where Uptown has developed a formal RFP process to be used to solicit service provider proposal under a wholesale Public-Private Partnership model.
  • Municipal Operating Partners:We have evaluated, and our clients have implemented, what we refer to as the “Own and Operate with an Operating Partner” business model. This involves a public sector entity that is going to construct a broadband system entering into a 5+ year agreement with an existing service provider (typically another municipal provider that is relatively local to the new provider to essentially outsource specific functions. This approach reduces the initial staffing demand and leverages the existing assets and expertise of the operating partner.
  • Wholesale Voice Providers:We have conducted vendor selection processes and written RFPs to select a wholesale voice provider. This work also includes the detailed onboarding process to launch voice services
  • Tier 1 and 2 Transport Providers: We have negotiated transport circuit leases and fiber IRU trades with transport providers such as United and Zayo. This work has also included negotiating the leasing of fiber laterals to these providers (e.g. to provide service to a cellular tower).
  • Bandwidth Providers:We have completed numerous negotiations for Direct Internet Access (DIA) or leasing of bandwidth-only at major POP locations with providers such as Hurricane Electric and Cogent.

For municipals that own broadband systems, Uptown has experience with facilitating the sale of these systems. Our approach involves employing various valuation methodologies to identify the likely range of transaction value. For clients electing to proceed after valuation has been determined, we have developed RFPs for clients to obtain system acquisition proposals. Uptown then assists clients in performing due diligence and ultimately negotiate terms with the prospective acquirer.

Uptown has completed over 50 broadband feasibility studies since 1999, which gives us a unique understanding what it takes to build a first-rate study.  As a result of these studies, Uptown business case financials have been used as the supporting financial analysis and justification to secure $480M in public funding for municipal broadband networks across 15 projects:

  • Spanish Fork Community Network – $7.5M in bond financing
  • Alameda Power and Telecom – $33M in debt refinancing
  • Sallisaw Municipal Authority – $6.9M in original financing
  • City of Wilson, NC – $28M in original financing
  • Tullahoma Utilities Board – $18M  in original financing
  • Salisbury, NC – $33M in original financing
  • Clarksville Department of Electricity – $17.5M in additional financing
  • Concord Municipal Light Plant – $4.5M town meeting authorization to borrow for smart grid network
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $27M in financing for FTTH upgrade of existing system
  • Cedar Falls Utilities – $873K  in grant funding for wireless and FTTH rural broadband expansion project
  • City of Longmont, CO – $45M in original financing
  • City of Beverly Hills, CA – $35M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Fort Collins, CO – $150M in original financing
  • City of Hillsboro, OR – $70M in equity funding via General Fund
  • City of Glenwood Springs, CO – $9M in original financing

Uptown has been developing broadband architectures and designing FTTP networks since 1999.  This experience spans the evolution of FTTP technology from the early days of active Ethernet to the current gigabit passive optical network (GPON and NG-PON2) standards.  Design approaches are tailored to the needs of the given client and application.  From backbone middle mile to end user last mile, we have the experience required to address each client’s unique requirements.

Uptown staff has completed/are completing designs for 13 fiber networks since 2006:

  • 100 mile / 7,400 passing FTTP system for Concord Municipal Light Plant
  • 200 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for Cedar Falls Utilities
  • 100 mile / 6,500 passing FTTP system for the City of Dover, Ohio
  • 300 mile / 24,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Wilson, NC
  • 100 mile SCADA / middle mile backbone for Delta Montrose Electric Association
  • 450 mile / 39,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Longmont
  • 1,000 mile / 7,500 passing FTTP system for San Luis Valley REC (work in process)
  • 100 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Beverly Hills, CA
  • 400 mile / 10,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Estes Park, CO
  • 150 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Glenwood Springs, CO
  • 300 miles SCADA / middle mile backbone for Poudre Valley REA
  • Multiple greenfield subdivision FTTP infrastructure designs for the City of Hillsboro, OR
  • 38 mile / 2,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Mountain Village, CO

Uptown Services and its subcontractor partners are fully qualified to perform all proposed research tactics outlined in the RFP. This includes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies covering surveys, depth interviews (referred to as discussion groups in the RFP), and focus groups.

This project will require the broad insight of a consultant team that has conducted substantial market research and has developed a detailed understanding of the “demand side” of municipal broadband.  We bring that experience to this and every project.  Uptown has completed 48 comprehensive market research studies within the municipal utility broadband sector since 2003.  The total sample size of these studies is over 29,000 households or small businesses.  This robust library of research enables us to benchmark survey results and helps ensure that market demand projections/revenues used in the business case are reasonable. From all of our research studies, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the consumer-side dynamics that influence the revenue potential of any broadband venture.  While specifics will vary by market, the key themes do not.

In addition to quantitative surveys, Uptown has completed qualitative research in the form of both depth interviews and focus groups. These various methodologies give us a broad range of research tools to fully evaluate any local community for broadband potential.

Uptown has developed a proprietary Full Service Network Business Model (FSN Model) to conduct all financial analysis as required by the client.  The FSN Model was developed by Uptown to evaluate the financial risks and benefits of offering voice, video and data services to multiple market segments (residential and commercial) over a broadband network.  With over 240 inputs and 1,200 rows of output data, this tool accounts for all variables that determine revenue, expense, and capital costs. Uptown’s financial model is fully adaptable to generate various scenario analyses and has the embedded logic to self-identify the most sensitive variables that drive financial risk. Inputs can be changed on the fly and outcomes can be presented in back-back fashion. Uptown is conservative using its financial input estimates, and uses tangible input sources such as recent bids (from its implementation projects), vendor quotes/budgetary pricing sourced specifically for the Authority’s study, and actual municipal FTTP system metrics (via Uptown’s client base). Our financial modeling covers all applicable capital costs, operating expenses, and revenues to operate an FTTP system as either a wholesaler or retailer, via the following model inputs:

  • Capital investment required (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Additional assets required (alignment with Asset Inventory)
  • Potential Services (aligned with assessment and identifying strategic impact and cash flows)
  • Operations & Maintenance (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Repair
  • Customer Service
  • Installation
  • Marketing
  • SG&A (personnel, professional services, supplies, etc.)
  • Financials (Net Income, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow) over twenty (20) years

The FSN Model output includes the following model outputs:

  • Revenue Projections
  • Operating Expenditures
  • Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
  • Capital Expenditures
  • Peak Funding Requirements
  • Net Present Value of Cash Flows
  • Return on Investment (ROI)
  • Annual cash flows
  • Working Capital Requirements

Uptown has significant experience in implementing broadband systems.  The firm has extensive experience (nearly 80 years combined) in managing broadband operations as employees of incumbent operators and as consultants assisting clients as they launch new FTTP systems.  We have been involved in all aspects of creating and launching a broadband organization for 8 FTTP deployments over the last 20 years. In our role in providing implementation support, Uptown can provide the organizational support needed to “stand up” a new broadband start-up enterprise while minimizing disruptive demand upon client staff. Prior clients have found this role to be effective in completing the numerous start-up tasks prior to and during incremental staffing increases.

To date, Uptown has been the implementation consultant for Sallisaw, OK (2005); Morristown, TN (2006); Pulaski, TN (2007); Tullahoma, TN (2008); Wilson, NC (2008), Longmont, CO (2014), Hillsboro, OR (2020), and Glenwood Springs, CO (2021). These systems are successful and are ‘case study’ systems referenced by the FTTH Council and Broadband Communities.  Uptown is currently assisting its 9th implementation client, Beverly Hills, CA.

In addition to the feasibility studies that include a business planning component mentioned above, Uptown has completed a number of client projects with existing broadband systems who are in need of strategic analysis and business plan support, either to devise a plan to improve financial performance, or in other cases, to develop a business plan to expand an existing fiber system (typically middle-mile) into a full last-mile build out. 

These clients may be interested in improving operating performance, expanding into additional services, expanding their system footprint, or requiring a detailed understanding of long-term financing needs and options.  In this case, Uptown brings substantial industry benchmarking data and former operating experience to evaluate the options available to the client and identify performance areas that can be improved.  Some example projects involving business planning are:

  • Cedar Falls Utilities:  Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into voice services, deploying wireless services in an adjacent rural service area and upgrading current system to FTTH.
  • Riviera Utilities:  Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into Internet and voice services.  Also evaluated potential system sale valuation.
  • Clarksville Department of Electricity: Created a 5-year business plan and identified incremental funding requirements which were subsequently approved.
  • Chelan County PUD: Completed financial analysis and benchmarking of operating performance and recommended operational improvements.  Explored a number of financial strategies and identified the most viable go-forward plan which was subsequently approved.
  • Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations: Completed financial analysis and product and technical strategy review of their existing broadband system.
  • Bristol Virginia Utilities: Assisted with their transition from QAM to IP video architecture for their existing broadband system and assisted with video product strategy.
  • Columbia Power & Water Systems:  Completed a 5 Year Strategic Plan for their existing broadband system in 2013. In 2020 we completed a second business planning project to develop a 3-year plan.
  • City of Morganton, NC: Completed a 3 Year Strategic Plan in 2015 for their existing broadband system. Identified 5 tactical changes to their business that resulted in a reversal of operating cash flow from decline to growth. In 2020, was again retained and completed an update to their 3 Year Plan for 2021-2023.

We have worked with the following classes of service providers as part of our support role on both planning projects and implementation engagements:

  • Private-Sector Internet Service Providers: We have completed projects to both informally solicit (through online meetings) and evaluate interest in pursuing partnership opportunities on behalf of our clients, with a particular focus on doing so under a grant-eligible project definition. We are currently engaged in two projects where Uptown has developed a formal RFP process to be used to solicit service provider proposal under a wholesale Public-Private Partnership model.
  • Municipal Operating Partners:We have evaluated, and our clients have implemented, what we refer to as the “Own and Operate with an Operating Partner” business model. This involves a public sector entity that is going to construct a broadband system entering into a 5+ year agreement with an existing service provider (typically another municipal provider that is relatively local to the new provider to essentially outsource specific functions. This approach reduces the initial staffing demand and leverages the existing assets and expertise of the operating partner.
  • Wholesale Voice Providers:We have conducted vendor selection processes and written RFPs to select a wholesale voice provider. This work also includes the detailed onboarding process to launch voice services
  • Tier 1 and 2 Transport Providers: We have negotiated transport circuit leases and fiber IRU trades with transport providers such as United and Zayo. This work has also included negotiating the leasing of fiber laterals to these providers (e.g. to provide service to a cellular tower).
  • Bandwidth Providers:We have completed numerous negotiations for Direct Internet Access (DIA) or leasing of bandwidth-only at major POP locations with providers such as Hurricane Electric and Cogent.

For municipals that own broadband systems, Uptown has experience with facilitating the sale of these systems. Our approach involves employing various valuation methodologies to identify the likely range of transaction value. For clients electing to proceed after valuation has been determined, we have developed RFPs for clients to obtain system acquisition proposals. Uptown then assists clients in performing due diligence and ultimately negotiate terms with the prospective acquirer.

We use a strategic, data-backed approach to plan, optimize, enhance, and future-proof broadband networks for long-term success.Whether planning a new network or optimizing an existing system, Uptown Services ensures a strategic, data-driven path to broadband success.

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Neil Shaw, Principal
Dave Stockton, Principal
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Fiber Network Engineering and Design

Since 1999, Uptown has been at the forefront of broadband architecture and FTTP network design, evolving alongside industry advancements—from the early days of active Ethernet to today’s cutting-edge gigabit passive optical network (GPON and NG-PON2) standards. Our design strategies are customized to meet the unique needs of each client and application, whether for backbone middle-mile infrastructure or last-mile connectivity.

With a deep understanding of fiber network implementation, Uptown has successfully designed—or is currently designing—13 fiber networks since 2006, delivering innovative and scalable solutions for our clients.

  • 100 mile / 7,400 passing FTTP system for Concord Municipal Light Plant
  • 200 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for Cedar Falls Utilities
  • 100 mile / 6,500 passing FTTP system for the City of Dover, Ohio
  • 300 mile / 24,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Wilson, NC
  • 100 mile SCADA / middle mile backbone for Delta Montrose Electric Association
  • 450 mile / 39,000 passing FTTP system for the City of Longmont
  • 1,000 mile / 7,500 passing FTTP system for San Luis Valley REC (work in process)
  • 100 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Beverly Hills, CA
  • 400 mile / 10,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Estes Park, CO
  • 150 mile / 15,000 passing FTTP system for City of Glenwood Springs, CO
  • 300 miles SCADA / middle mile backbone for Poudre Valley REA
  • Multiple greenfield subdivision FTTP infrastructure designs for the City of Hillsboro, OR
  • 38 mile / 2,000 passing FTTP system for Town of Mountain Village, CO

Market Research

Uptown Services, along with our subcontractor partners, is fully equipped to execute all proposed research methodologies outlined in the RFP. This includes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, such as surveys, in-depth interviews (referred to as discussion groups in the RFP), and focus groups.

This project requires the expertise of a seasoned consulting team with extensive market research experience and a deep understanding of the demand side of municipal broadband. Uptown brings this expertise to every project. Since 2003, we have completed 48 comprehensive market research studies within the municipal utility broadband sector, surveying more than 29,000 households and small businesses. This extensive research library allows us to benchmark survey results and validate market demand projections—ensuring that revenue forecasts used in the business case are realistic and data-driven.

Through our research, we have developed a nuanced understanding of the consumer-side dynamics that shape broadband adoption and revenue potential. While each market has its own unique characteristics, the key demand trends remain consistent.

Beyond quantitative surveys, Uptown has conducted extensive qualitative research through in-depth interviews and focus groups. This diverse set of research tools enables us to thoroughly assess the broadband potential of any local community and deliver insights that drive successful network planning.

Financial Modelling & Analysis

  • Capital investment required (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Additional assets required (alignment with Asset Inventory)
  • Potential Services (aligned with assessment and identifying strategic impact and cash flows)
  • Operations & Maintenance (amount, timeframe, responsible party, etc.)
  • Repair
  • Customer Service
  • Installation
  • Marketing
  • SG&A (personnel, professional services, supplies, etc.)
  • Financials (Net Income, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow) over twenty (20) years

The FSN Model output includes the following model outputs:

  • Revenue Projections
  • Operating Expenditures
  • Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA)
  • Capital Expenditures
  • Peak Funding Requirements
  • Net Present Value of Cash Flows
  • Return on Investment (ROI)
  • Annual cash flows
  • Working Capital Requirements

Broadband System Implementation

Uptown brings extensive experience in broadband system implementation, with nearly 80 years of combined expertise in managing broadband operations—both as employees of incumbent providers and as consultants supporting new FTTP system launches. Over the past 20 years, we have played a critical role in the creation and deployment of eight FTTP networks, providing hands-on support in every aspect of building and launching broadband organizations.

Our implementation services help streamline the start-up process, ensuring a seamless launch while minimizing the burden on client staff. By providing the necessary organizational structure and expertise, we enable municipalities to efficiently complete the many pre-launch and early operational tasks required for a successful rollout. Clients have consistently found this approach instrumental in navigating the complexities of broadband deployment while managing incremental staffing increases.

Uptown has served as the lead implementation consultant for several successful FTTP projects, including Sallisaw, OK (2005); Morristown, TN (2006); Pulaski, TN (2007); Tullahoma, TN (2008); Wilson, NC (2008); Longmont, CO (2014); Hillsboro, OR (2020); and Glenwood Springs, CO (2021). These systems have been recognized as industry case studies by the FTTH Council and Broadband Communities for their success and impact.

Currently, Uptown is assisting its ninth implementation client, Beverly Hills, CA, in launching its municipal broadband system.

    • Cedar Falls Utilities: Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into voice services, deploying wireless services in an adjacent rural service area and upgrading current system to FTTH.
    • Riviera Utilities: Evaluated the ability and financial impact of expanding this HFC system into Internet and voice services.  Also evaluated potential system sale valuation.
    • Clarksville Department of Electricity: Created a 5-year business plan and identified incremental funding requirements which were subsequently approved.
    • Chelan County PUD: Completed financial analysis and benchmarking of operating performance and recommended operational improvements.  Explored a number of financial strategies and identified the most viable go-forward plan which was subsequently approved.
    • Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations: Completed financial analysis and product and technical strategy review of their existing broadband system.
    • Bristol Virginia Utilities: Assisted with their transition from QAM to IP video architecture for their existing broadband system and assisted with video product strategy.
    • Columbia Power & Water Systems  Completed a 5 Year Strategic Plan for their existing broadband system in 2013. In 2020 we completed a second business planning project to develop a 3-year plan.
    • City of Morganton, NC: Completed a 3 Year Strategic Plan in 2015 for their existing broadband system. Identified 5 tactical changes to their business that resulted in a reversal of operating cash flow from decline to growth. In 2020, was again retained and completed an update to their 3 Year Plan for 2021-2023.

Service Provider Partnership Selection

As part of our support in both planning and implementation projects, we have collaborated with a wide range of service providers, including:

  • Private-Sector Internet Service Providers: We have completed projects to both informally solicit (through online meetings) and evaluate interest in pursuing partnership opportunities on behalf of our clients, with a particular focus on doing so under a grant-eligible project definition. We are currently engaged in two projects where Uptown has developed a formal RFP process to be used to solicit service provider proposal under a wholesale Public-Private Partnership model.
  • Municipal Operating Partners: We have evaluated, and our clients have implemented, what we refer to as the “Own and Operate with an Operating Partner” business model. This involves a public sector entity that is going to construct a broadband system entering into a 5+ year agreement with an existing service provider (typically another municipal provider that is relatively local to the new provider to essentially outsource specific functions. This approach reduces the initial staffing demand and leverages the existing assets and expertise of the operating partner.
  • Wholesale Voice Providers: We have conducted vendor selection processes and written RFPs to select a wholesale voice provider. This work also includes the detailed onboarding process to launch voice services
  • Tier 1 and 2 Transport Providers: We have negotiated transport circuit leases and fiber IRU trades with transport providers such as United and Zayo. This work has also included negotiating the leasing of fiber laterals to these providers (e.g. providing service to a cellular tower).
  • Bandwidth Providers: We have completed numerous negotiations for Direct Internet Access (DIA) or leasing of bandwidth-only at major POP locations with providers such as Hurricane Electric and Cogent.

Broadband System Valuation/Sale

For municipalities considering the sale of their broadband systems, Uptown offers extensive experience in valuation and transaction facilitation. Our structured approach begins with comprehensive valuation analysis, utilizing multiple methodologies to determine a realistic and competitive transaction range.

For clients who choose to move forward, we develop targeted RFPs to solicit acquisition proposals from potential buyers. Throughout the process, Uptown provides expert guidance, assisting with due diligence, buyer evaluation, and negotiations to help secure favorable terms and maximize the system’s value.

Our expertise ensures municipalities receive data-driven insights, strategic guidance, and hands-on support throughout the valuation and sale process.