FarrPoint, the Edinburgh-headquartered connectivity specialist, has announced the opening of its second overseas office following a new partnership with US consultancy firm, Vernonburg Group.

The two companies are set to combine their expertise and resources to create a “one-stop-shop” of support services, helping US state and territorial governments deliver affordable high-speed broadband to their citizens.

The Scots business has opened its new office in Boston, Massachusetts. Services on offer will include programme design, connectivity mapping, procurement exercises, and deployment assurance. This will leverage funding across multiple broadband programmes, including the Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) programme.

Founded in 2006, FarrPoint first expanded overseas with the opening of a Canadian office and subsidiary in early 2020. The firm is currently advising UK and Canadian governments on broadband and infrastructure programmes, including the UK’s nationwide Project Gigabit investment.

Vernonburg Group advises governments, internet service providers, connectivity hardware and solution providers, and non-profits on various aspects of closing the digital divide. This includes digital equity programme design and implementation, large-scale project feasibilities, broadband mapping and economic modelling, and more.

Dr Andrew Muir, CEO and founder of FarrPoint, said: “Improved digital connectivity is vital to support growing economic activity and sustain communities, and that’s equally true on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Our extensive experience in the UK and Canada stands us in good stead to support the US market. We’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the selection of broadband suppliers through major procurement programmes, together with the deployment management that follows.

“Signing a contract is not the end of the job and both grant holders and supplier recipients need to be prepared for the challenges of rollout.

“Our knowledge and experience of these stages will help US states and territories meet these challenges ahead. Partnering with Vernonburg Group will allow us to deliver our breadth of experience to new US clients.”

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Paul Garnett, CEO and founder of Vernonburg Group, commented: “Affordable high-speed internet connectivity is now essential to everyday life.

“Unprecedented funding for broadband has created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring affordable high-speed connectivity to every unserved and underserved household in the United States, as well as programs that increase adoption of digital services.

“With this funding, universal and affordable high-speed connectivity can be achieved.

“We are excited to partner with FarrPoint and leverage our combined expertise to help state and territorial governments get the most out of available broadband funds.”

The last time DIGIT covered FarrPoint was last month, following the publication of its Digital Connectivity Readiness Index (DCRI). The Index revealed that, in the UK, Scotland is lagging behind England and Northern Ireland in terms of connectivity preparedness.