Briefing Abstract
The mapping of broadband availability is an integral part of the Broadband Stimulus package within the ARRA program. Thus, each of the state has been tasked with developing its own broadband mapping solution; and these data will eventually be integrated into a national broadband map. A total of $350 M has been allotted to this endeavor. Such a mapping solution has a number of objectives:
- It will assist the FCC in developing a national broadband strategy
- It can support the NTIA and RUS in making decisions regarding grant applications by informing the agencies of current gaps in broadband coverage
- It will help to assess the economic impact of broadband deployment incentives.
As spelled out in the NTIA rules for funding of broadband mapping this will be a challenging undertaking:
- Availability data at the address level
- Average revenue per user (ARPU)
- Speed · Infrastructure
- Where wireless is used, the type of spectrum must be specified
- Ability to be sustained and updated.
Part of the challenge in this effort is that broadband providers are not obligated to cooperate with these activities and, in fact, to the extent they do participate their inputs may be called into question since they may have motives for keeping others from initiating broadband development projects in their franchise areas. This webinar will discuss the challenges associated with broadband mapping and will examine various ways of addressing the data challenges outlined above. This webinar should be of particular interest to those who have assumed responsibility for broadband mapping projects in various states.
Speaker Profile
Dr. Goodstadt is an independent consultant and analyst with more than 25 years of experience in analysis and evaluation of voice, video, broadband data and wireless services, including WiMAX and WiFi applications, automated metering and broadband over powerline carrier (BPL). He was formerly a partner at Arthur D. Little and a principal at A.T. Kearney in their telecommunications practices.
He has an extensive background in advanced metering infrastructure and utility cost
justification efforts through his experience as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Market Research at Itron, Inc. While at Itron, he led the company s efforts to educate state public utility/public service commissions on automated metering issues and to serve as an expert witness in metering unbundling proceedings.
Dr. Goodstadt received his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Temple University. He has held academic positions at the University of Maryland, the State University of New York and at Temple University. |