Determine existing broadband services

Determining “which” service providers offer broadband in the community is the first step toward mapping where services are available. Answering the “which” question is a much simpler task than documenting “where” but both are necessary steps in strategic broadband planning. In order to know which areas to target for build-out, you must first have a clear understanding of where “holes” exist in the current broadband landscape. Anecdotal information is a good start, but without quantifiable, demonstrable “proof” of where service is needed, it will be difficult for decision makers “buy-in” on the process and commit the necessary resources.

Step One: Document Providers in your Area

Assembling a provider list can be accomplished rather easily by gathering data from a number of sources including:

Data collected on demand aggregation surveys
Marketing materials/advertisements being distributed in the area
Local telephone and cable providers
Permitting, rights of way access, and zoning records (especially useful when trying to identify wireless/cellular carriers)
Aggregator services (such as, but not limited to:)
Vendor websites – many providers offer an online determination of service availability using an address and/or phone number.
Consult state advocacy groups for cable and telecommunications industries (http://www.vcta.com/ and http://www.vtia.org/ respectively)

Once you have assembled the list of providers, the bigger challenge of determining “where” services are available should begin.

Step Two: Determining Service Availability

Before beginning the process, it is recommended that planners:

Work with the local GIS person to find out what base maps are available (either at the local level or through state resources).
Inquire as to what infrastructure information is available to be mapped (be sure to check at the Planning District and Regional level as well) - the ability to pinpoint towers, schools, first responder locations, existing telecommunication resources (central offices, remote terminals, Points-of-Presence (POPs), hospitals, schools, and municipally owned buildings can dramatically influence planning and minimize cost.
Finally, ask the GIS person to provide specific guidance on the type/format of data that is necessary to facilitate mapping. While the answers may seem logical, it best to seek advise up-front and not needlessly delay the process by having to re-collect or clarify data elements.

Once the base has been established, mapping of services can begin.

Unless providers in the area are willing to share their data (which usually isn’t the case) it will be necessary to assemble the data from a variety of sources in order to complete the picture. Sources of service data include:

The mapping section of the Broadband Roundtable website. Through the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), providers are making aggregated service availability data available to communities in the Commonwealth. Additionally, CIT has worked with DigitalBridge Services to obtain baseline vertical infrastructure data for the Commonwealth.
Results of community demand aggregation study
Testing – typing sample phone numbers into provider websites to check availability and recording the results
Individual surveys – students and volunteers can provide invaluable assistance in polling residents and businesses on their broadband “status”
Provider sites (especially for wireless/cellular services) often offer a “coverage map” that depicts where services are generally available. While not an “authoritative” source, these sites can provide guidance and general information.

Once the data has been collected in the prescribed format and mapped, you will have an invaluable network planning “tool” as well as a great visual aid to help “sell” the need for a community-led broadband initiative.