Planning & Strategy
Every community is unique. Identifying the intended uses and services needed from the broadband network, and what assets are available to support the initiative, is vitally important to the direction and success of the overall effort. Thus, we focus this first planning step on four key questions that help us assess the scope and nature of the project:
What are the objectives for your initiative?
- Financial
- Economic Development
- Social Impact
What are your internal and community needs regarding telecommunications?
- Data/Voice/Video, other consumer applications
- Community Services/Education/Healthcare/Public Safety
- Automated Utility (Meter) Reading
- Mobile Government Applications/Wireless Access Points
What are the current usage trends and service gap analysis?
- Services available in the market and current usage
- Service provider capabilities and pricing models
- Unmet demand and projected usage
What existing assets and resources are available to support the community broadband network?
- Cash
- Credit Enhancement (Guarantees)
- Right of Way
- Inventory of existing fiber, poles, and/or other telecom assets
- Space in existing facilities to place equipment
- People (Time and Expertise) and/or Construction Equipment
- Bylaws and Regulatory Assistance
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