Our industry experience Our capabilities Our clients Client case studies Developing broadband infrastructure with the Michigan Broadband Development Authority (MBDA) Our Client’s Challenge In 2001, Michigan lagged most US states in terms of telecom investment and broadband penetration. Our client, a quasi-governmental agency, was formed to spur broadband rollout and adoption in Michigan. The Authority’s challenge was to act as a traditional bank in the very non-traditional world of broadband by making low cost loans to accelerate infrastructure deployment, while at the same time working to spur demand for broadband services. Mercator Partners’ Action In formulating a cohesive strategy for the Authority, Mercator Partners: benchmarked similar initiatives in the US and around the world identified areas in the state lagging most in broadband defined the kinds of projects the Authority would need to pursue to deliver maximum results We also developed a complete, streamlined underwriting process for the Authority, which balanced typical financial and technology due diligence with the potential public good of a target loan. We continue to support the Authority in the underwriting process for a large volume of projects covering the entire broadband spectrum, from DSL cable, and fixed wireless access to long-haul fiber. The Results In 2003, largely as a result of the MBDA’s actions, Michigan was ranked as the top state in the US in terms of broadband strategy and regulations. "The state of Michigan, commonly associated with traditional industry sectors, notably automobiles, has begun to position itself as a high-tech state“ – TechNet, 2003