Nevada to Map Broadband Coverage with GIS

05 August 2009, 8:35pm

Redlands, California — August 5, 2009 — The State of Nevada is taking proactive steps to maximize broadband availability to Nevadans in its decision to use geographic information system (GIS) technology to create detailed maps of state broadband coverage. The maps will be created by Connected Nation, a nonprofit organization, using ESRI GIS software, and will provide a platform for prioritizing new broadband projects in the state.

Nevada recently named Connected Nation as its designated eligible entity under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. With the goal of increasing broadband access, Connected Nation will assist the Nevada Broadband Task Force, appointed by Nevada governor Jim Gibbons, with mapping that supports broadband stimulus grant applications. A statewide map identifying rural and remote areas that can be targeted for infrastructure grant funding is already available.

"My administration is committed to improving the availability of quality broadband service for all Nevadans," said Governor Gibbons. "To accomplish that goal, Nevada must be proactive in taking the steps necessary to ensure that we maximize the amount of broadband stimulus funding awarded to the state and its providers. Connected Nation's extensive experience working with other states to increase broadband availability and use will be a great asset to the Nevada Broadband Task Force as it works to achieve its objectives."

Connected Nation has worked with Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and—most recently—Texas to promote access to and use of high-speed Internet connections. The first step in its approach is to create a complete picture of a state's gaps in broadband coverage by way of intelligent map products that combine broadband service provider data with detailed, street-level maps and local demographics. Analysis using ESRI ArcGIS technology identifies optimum areas for development potential at the street, household, and census block levels.

ESRI's Web-enabled ArcGIS Server makes it possible to share these maps on the Internet with interactive capabilities, which gives service providers, businesses, and consumers a way to access the information and verify or challenge the reported coverage areas. Connected Nation also offers a toll-free telephone hotline for consumers without Internet access.

Public and private entities are competing for more than $7 billion in federal stimulus funds that will be dispersed as grants and loans to build and expand broadband infrastructure, public computing centers, and sustainable broadband adoption programs. Federal funds are also available for states to create and maintain GIS broadband maps. Having served as the archetype for the Broadband Data Improvement Act state initiative grant program, Connected Nation's proven procedures are seamlessly aligned with the goals and guidelines of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

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