Abstract

Broadband Demand Aggregation: Planning Broadband in Rural Northern California
Track: Telecommunications and Location-Based Services
Author(s): Steven Steinberg, Rebecca Degagne, Michael Gough

Using GIS tools we examine opportunities to provide broadband service to residents of four rural counties in northern California, Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity Counties. The project combines community and business demand via quantitative and qualitative, survey-based data in conjunction with characterization and mapping of the existing broadband infrastructure (that either serves or runs through this region). This process explores a variety of broadband delivery options (DSL, cable, wireless, etc.) in context of the physical and environmental challenges of the rural north coast of California. This presentation includes a discussion of the steps to develop alternative scenarios (technology, construction and connections) for building broadband infrastructures that meet the adopted criteria and taking into account potential interfaces with broadband infrastructure in adjacent counties. Furthermore, we outline a process for selecting a recommended alternative for broadband service in each community based on infrastructure and demand considerations.

Steven Steinberg
Institute for Spatial Analysis
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata , California 95521
United States
Phone: 707-826-3202
E-mail: gis@humboldt.edu

Rebecca Degagne
Institute for Spatial Analysis
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata , California 95521
United States
Phone: 707-826-5417
E-mail: r.degagne@gmail.com

Michael Gough
Institute for Spatial Analysis
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata , California 95521
United States
Phone: 707-826-3442
E-mail: gis@mikegough.net