southwest missouri council of governments broadband study findings

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI BROADBAND

STUDY

Regional Technology Planning Team Report

July 2011

RESIDENTIAL STUDY BACKGROUND

Survey mailed May 2011

4000 homes randomly sampled.

493 surveys return/12% response rate

400 returned surveys analyzed

Provides margin of error of ± 5 percentage points

RESIDENTIAL STUDY: WHO RESPONDED ?

County Frequency % of Total

respondents

County pop as % of South

West Region Population

Greene 262 67% 42%

Taney 28 7% 8%

Stone 21 5% 5%

Lawrence 20 5% 6%

Barry 17 4% 6%

Christian 15 4% 12%

Polk 12 3% 5%

Webster 8 2% 6%

Dallas 3 1% 3%

Dade 3 1% 1%

Taney 1 0.3% 8%

NOTE: 2.5% OF RESPONDENTS DID NOT INDICATE THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: WHO RESPONDED ?

RESIDENTIAL STUDY - DEMOGRAPHICS

Education Level

Less than High School 3%

High School graduate 30%

Some College/Associates 18%

College degree 31%

Graduate degree 17%

No Response 1%

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: AGE OF RESPONDENTS

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: INCOME OF RESPONDENTS

Median Income Surveyed HH > Region/ State Median HH Income

(28% did not respond to income question)

County Median Income (Census)

Greene 37,986

Taney 37,319

Stone 37,941

Lawrence 37,149

Barry 36,023

Christian 51,476

Polk 35,652

Webster 39,209

Dallas 33,066

Dade 33,216

Taney 37,319

South West Region 37,851

Missouri 45,149

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: COMPUTER OWNERSHIP

AND INTERNET ACCESS AT HOME

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: WHEN DID HH FIRST OWNED A COMPUTER AND WHEN THEY HAD FIRST

HAD ACCESS TO BB/ HSI AT HOME ?

RESIDENTIAL STUDY – TYPE OF INTERNET SERVICE

Dial-Up

Cable Modem

Satellite

Cellular Broadband

DSL

Other

Don't Know

6%

26%

4%

6%

38%

3%

2%

Type of Internet Service

RESIDENTIAL STUDY – IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND

ACCESS

BUSINESS STUDY BACKGROUND

Online survey available from:

March 2011 to July 2011

46 local businesses responded (as of 7/10)

19% were satellite offices

27% had satellite locations

32 questions about broadband or high-speed

Internet services in the Southwest Missouri

region

BUSINESS STUDY – RESPONSES BY COUNTY

By County:

Greene 37% Taney 7%

Stone 11% Lawrence 4%

Barry 9% Polk 0%

Christian 13% Webster 4%

Dallas 13% Dade 2%

EMPLOYEE BUSINESS SIZE

1 – 4 49%

5 - 25 29%

26 – 100 7%

101 – 500 11%

501 – 750 2%

751 – or more 2%

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

DO YOU HAVE INTERNET SERVICE AT YOUR BUSINESS?

Two businesses report that internet service is unavailable in there area and they would adopt it when is was available. They also noted that they were told it would be years before it would be available.

YES 95%

NO 5%

Do you have internet service at your business?

CURRENT INTERNET PROVIDER

Service established 1990-2011, Mode=2000

TYPES OF INTERNET CONNECTIONS

SPEED OF CONNECTIONS

50% reported not knowing their speed

50% reported the following speeds by

connection type:

Satellite Broadband Users

1 Mbps

Fiber to the Premises Responses

50 Mbps

100 Mbps

GIG E

T-1: 1.5 Mbps

SPEED OF CONNECTIONS

Fixed Wireless Users

250 Kbps

1.5 Mbps

DSL Users

22 Mbps downstream, 3 Mbps upstream

1.5 Mbps (2)

Cable Modem

3 Mbps

Down 3.24 Mbps/up 0.56 Mbps

Mobile Wireless - 1 Mbps

Others: DS-5

BROADBAND SERVICE RATINGSRating of Broadband Services

ServicesVery

SatisfiedSatisfied Dissatisfied

Very

Dissatisfied

Don’t

Know/Not

Applicable

Response

Count

Cost of internet/network

service8% 33% 25% 20% 14% 36

Speed of the on-line

connection14% 44% 22% 20% 0% 36

Billing practices of your

provider14% 60% 6% 3% 17% 35

Reliable access to the

Internet22% 50% 20% 8% 0.0% 36

Training and technical

support8% 61% 17% 3% 11% 36

Customer Service

Representative’s

knowledge when you call

for service

11% 50% 17% 11% 11% 36

Installation technician’s

ability and courteousness 19% 55% 6% 6% 14% 36

SUPPORTED INTERNET APPLICATIONS

IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND AMONG BUSINESSES

How important is a broadband (high-

speed Internet access) connection to the

day to day operations of your business?

Very Important 89%

Important 11%

WHY IMPORTANT? – TOP 6 REASONS

Internet is used daily for business communications.

Reliable service and high-speed is essential to day-to-

day business operations.

WOULD IT BE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR BUSINESS IF

BROADBAND WERE ENHANCED?

97% indicated “YES ”, Why? Top three

reasons:

40% said it would increase their productivity

and allow an expansion of their services

25% said faster speeds would save time and

grow their business

10% said broadband would increase

reliability of internet services

COMMERCIAL BROADBAND ENVIRONMENT

COST OF SERVICE

TYPE OF CONTRACT

TOP THREE RESPONSES

Monthly 14%

Annual 22%

2-year contract 18%

3-year contract 7%

No Contract 14%

Don’t Know 25%

ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY 21 Businesses had other comments about broadband service

availability in the region. Some included:

While the option of satellite internet is available, the service quality offered is just not usable at times, especially in the evenings when they choke your speed down so that they can "serve" all their customers. We need cable or DSL in our area. Wireless providers just don't offer the speeds that most people in the area would like to have. If it is at all possible to have Windstream bring their service into our area, that would be the best solution. If that is not possible and the only option is AT&T, they should be forced to finally offer fast (3 mbps or greater) DSL at a fair price in this area. I've been told by an AT&T service tech that they are only spending money on wireless service and not upgrading wired service. Wireless just can't compete with wired service.

ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY

21 Businesses had other comments about broadband service availability in the region. Some included:

AT&T tried to sell DSL to me but it was not available within 5 miles. Need something that is stable, consistent, and fast.

CenturyLink has promised for five years to come on down 1,000 ft to service over 200 homes and three resorts on the lake. Even after receiving Federal funds to do this, most of the money went to Kansas City and St. Louis.

I would like to see more options. I live 3 miles from Springfield and really only have satellite and cellular as broadband options.

Fiber is hard to get. T lines are too expensive. Downtown Springfield has terrible connectivity options.

ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY

Additional comments:

I strongly agree that enhancing broadband availability would be greatly beneficial to our economic development.

I know there are others in the area that need internet service, but cannot afford the price for their children's school and learning. DSL comes within 2-3 miles of homes, but has not continued to expand to reach these homes.

Individuals/individual communities need to provide economic benefits for providers to provide options. With availability of air cards, most people can get service for a very reasonable price even in fringe areas. This shouldn't be another tax to provide to outliers.

Broadband is very limited on availability and cost are way to high for most companies and residents to afford.

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

VARIOUS SECTORS’ BROADBAND NEEDS

INDIVIDUAL SECTOR DATA

Individual Sector Data was collected through Online Sector Surveys from the following groups: Agriculture (24)

Broadband Provider (2)

Business and Professional Services (15)

Economic Development Sector (9)

Energy Sector (7)

Environment Sector (2)

Healthcare Sector (4)

Higher Education Sector (8)

Industrial and Manufacturing (24)

K-12 Education Sector (10)

INDIVIDUAL SECTOR DATA

Library Sector (34)

28 School libraries

3 University or Higher Ed. institution libraries

3 County/Regional libraries

Local Government (15)

Public Safety (35)

Tourism (3)

Workforce Development (6)

Are the right hardware, software and other tools in place

to utilize broadband in your region?Organizational Sectors YES NO

Agriculture 26% 74%

Environment Sector 50% 50%

K-12 Education Sector 50% 50%

Workforce Development 50% 50%

Public Safety 55% 45%

Economic Development Sector 63% 37%

Tourism 67% 33%

Industrial and Manufacturing 69% 31%

Local Government 73% 27%

Energy Sector 75% 25%

Higher Education Sector 83% 17%

Business and Professional Services 90% 10%

Library Sector 90% 10%

Healthcare Sector 100% 0%

APPLICATIONS AND TOOLS

More than 54% in 10 Sectors indicated that the right hardware, software and tools were in place to utilize broadband. However, all sectors commented that although the tools were

there, either broadband wasn’t available or the speed and reliability wasn’t there to utilize them.

3 Sectors (K-12, Environmental and Workforce Development) were split 50/50, specifying: Computers need updating and more bandwidth is needed

Internet access is unavailable when they travel the region

74% of respondents from the Agricultural Sector reported that the right tools are not in place to utilize broadband. Specifically stating that broadband is unavailable in their area

and what is available is unaffordable.

Does your current organization processes and procedures encourage

the use of broadband?

Organizational Sectors YES NO


Tourism 100% 0%







Agriculture 86% 14%






USE OF BROADBAND

More than 57% in 14 Sectors indicated that their current processes and procedures encouraged the use of broadband.

Again, most stated that although their organization or service encouraged broadband use, there was either no broadband available or the speed to support the use wasn’t there.

The Workforce Development Sector was split 50/50, indicating:

Training programs lacked broadband use due to unavailability.

USE OF BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY-TRAININGAre people in your organization properly trained to use broadband technology

effectively?



Agriculture 55% 45%




Tourism 67% 33%









USE OF BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY-TRAINING

More than 54% in 14 Sectors indicated that people in their organization were properly trained to use broadband technology effectively. Specifying:

More bandwidth as well as availability is needed before further training is offered

Proper training and educational opportunities would be benefits of enhanced broadband in the region.

The Workforce Development Sector was split 50/50, indicating specifically:

Training programs lacked broadband–based training because of the lack of availability throughout the region.

Need low cost broadband at various locations in the region as well as more availability.

BROADBAND ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY-

MINIMUM STANDARDSDoes your organization's broadband access and availability meet minimum

standards for effective applications?



Agriculture 15% 85%




Tourism 67% 33%









MINIMUM STANDARDS

More than 66% in 8 Sectors indicated that their organization’s broadband access and availability met minimum standards for effective applications. Specifying: Broadband is available but below optimum levels

They had broadband but their networks could not handle the volume of users. Hence, they need more bandwidth.

K-12 respondents were split 50/50, specifying: More bandwidth was needed for heavy use applications and

periods

Remote locations needed enhanced broadband

High costs were inhibiting access to high levels of broadband

Current connections were at 1.5 Mbps which is slow by modern standards


MINIMUM STANDARDS

Less than 47% in 4 Sectors (Public Safety, Economic Development, Workforce Development and Agricultural) indicated that their broadband meets minimum standards . Specifying: Lack of access to Broadband in many areas (rural)

Costs are very high for necessary DSL or satellite service.

Our County does not have E-911

There is no broadband outside the cities

Our service is unreliable

Our vehicles are deficient concerning mobile broadband

We do not have broadband out in the field

Not enough bandwidth available on current systems. Last mile infrastructure is spotty at best and virtually non-existent throughout large portions of the region.

IS BROADBAND COST PROHIBITIVE?Is broadband technology cost prohibitive?

Organizational Sectors YES NO Don't

Know

Higher Education Sector 50% 33% 17%

K-12 Education Sector 50% 17% 33%

Business and Professional Services 45% 33% 22%

Energy Sector 33% 67% 0%

Agriculture 33% 19% 48%

Public Safety 30% 15% 55%

Industrial and Manufacturing 25% 25% 50%

Workforce Development 25% 0% 75%

Local Government 17% 33% 50%

Economic Development Sector 13% 37% 50%

Library Sector 13% 35% 52%

Tourism 0% 100% 0%

Healthcare Sector 0% 100% 0%

Environment Sector 0% 0% 100%

COST

Less than 50% in 12 Sectors indicated that broadband cost is prohibitive. They specified though:

Higher bandwidth at lower cost is needed

Competition is needed to keep pricing down

50% of K-12 and Higher Education Sector respondents indicated that broadband cost is prohibitive. Specifying:

Broadband costs have been going up even though service has been the same for ten years.

Schools have limited funds for expanding bandwidth to their remote campuses

Expanding bandwidth requires lengthy contracts which universities and educational institutions are reluctant to commit to

How important is it that broadband service availability and

adoption issues be addressed in the region?Organizational Sectors Very

Important

Important Somewhat

Important

Not at all

Important

Don't

Know

Healthcare Sector 100% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Tourism 100% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Environment Sector 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%

Economic Development Sector 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%

K-12 Education Sector 50% 50% 0% 0% 0%

Workforce Development 50% 50% 0% 0% 0%

Library Sector 71% 25% 4% 0% 0%

Agriculture 86% 5% 5% 4% 0%

Public Safety 59% 30% 7% 0% 4%

Higher Education Sector 66% 17% 0% 17% 0%

Local Government 58% 25% 17% 0% 0%

Industrial and Manufacturing 67% 8% 25% 0% 0%

Business and Professional

Services

34% 33% 22% 0% 11%

Energy Sector 50% 0% 50% 0% 0%

IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING BROADBAND

SERVICE AVAILABILITY AND ADOPTION

100% of respondents in 6 Sectors indicated that addressing broadband service availability and adoption issues in the region is Important (total of very Important and important). Reasons included: Healthcare clinics depend on this service

We use the internet for every part of tourism

Our students need broadband for learning, research and educational opportunities

Access to information via the internet is the life blood of our economy

Broadband provides the ability to effectively communicate with other professionals, industries and businesses



6 other Sectors rated the importance of addressing broadband service availability and adoption issues in the region between 75% and 99% Important (Very Important/Important). Reasons include:

Increased bandwidth is needed to reach and teach more students

Internet access is expected by incoming students

It is an imperative investment for prosperous economic development

The demand for more access to online and mobile services is increasing



Libraries must be on the cutting edge of technology

Providing access to citizens is a number one priority

Broadband is a service that we can no longer do without.

Communicating with the public in regards to emergency services is a number one priority

For rural areas to be successful we need broadband service available


ISSUES

2 Sectors (Business and Professional and Energy Sector) rated the importance of addressing broadband service availability and adoption issues in the region between 50% and 75% Important (Very Important/Important). Reasons include: As a utility company we have the network we need to

serve the public, but customers are deficient in bandwidth especially in rural areas to access our services.

A business can’t function if the internet drops out every time it rains and floods the phone lines

The business community needs improved downloading ability

KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Internet, network services and broadband have a

variety of uses in the agricultural arena, including:

Obtaining market trends/up-to-date market information

Electronic communication and data file sharing

Buying and selling supplies and equipment

Watching livestock auctions through streaming video

Monitoring weather

Disseminating information for improved herd health

and product production

KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Problems created by the lack of broadband availability, include: Rural residents are significantly disadvantaged by the lack

of broadband access

Agr-business workers are not getting proper training

Access to broadband is important for a variety of reasons, including: Rural areas would have more educational and occupational

opportunities

Better able to compete in the global economy

Helping children keep up with other countries/access to education

Improving the success of farms

Keeping the rural communities and the agricultural industry economically viable

KEY ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECTOR

USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND

Internet, network services and broadband have a

variety of uses, including: Marketing, communications, taking orders, research,

contracts, customer service, etc.

Business to Supplier, Business to Consumer, Business to Government

Video on Demand, sending data files, VoIP, 24/7 access

Problems created by the lack of broadband service, capacity or availability include: Slow speeds hinder operations

Sharing of project information is compromised

The unreliability of connections, especially wireless with Missouri weather

KEY ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECTOR


Broadband is important for a variety of reasons, including:

Access to information via the internet is the life blood of businesses

Enables effective communications with professionals

Enables submittal of project information to industrial prospects

We need it to keep up with what people demand and need

Access is essential when connecting companies with prospective employees

KEY ASPECTS OF ENERGY SECTOR USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Internet, network services and broadband

have a variety of uses, including:

Online credit checks of new members and bill

payments through the internet.

Network services are important for disaster

recovery and communications with substations.

For Customer Information System and Accounting

services.

KEY ASPECTS OF ENERGY SECTOR USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Broadband is important for a variety of

reasons, including:

Real-time connection to field equipment

Troubleshoot power quality problems as they occur

Fiber-to-the-home can be used for real time pricing

and use information by consumers which heightens

energy efficiency

We could use hard line communications for

information backhaul.

KEY ASPECTS OF TOURISM SECTOR USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Key uses of efficient and reliable broadband services include: Website – marketing, Internet files, email

Internet-based Sales, Marketing and Business communications across properties

Press relations, customer service, communications, etc.

We use the internet for almost every part of what we do.

Additional comments about broadband in the region. There should be a focus on small business applications

Access and affordability are critical

The DSL service provider keeps saying "it's getting closer", but I can't see the growth into our neighborhood. We are faster than dial-up (using Hughes.net), but not what it could be.

KEY ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SECTOR USE OF

INTERNET AND BROADBAND

Key uses of efficient and reliable broadband services include: Web searches of alternative technology

Practices to reduce waste and conserve energy

Speed is very important to conduct efficient searches and download large documents

World Wide Web searches, e-mail data storage and backup mapping

Additional comments about broadband in the region. Improvement could be made with better mobile access and

cheaper rates, especially for not-for-profits

Most of the services available outside the major urban areas are priced too high

KEY ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING


Key uses of efficient and reliable broadband services include: Voice Over IP phone service, contact with customers and

vendors

Internet access to new technology, suppliers. E-commerce, business-to business communications

Provide data to customers

Update and purchase software

Tracking products and services

Insurance verification

Accounting and payroll functions

Vendor orders

Data security, remote access, etc. are daily occurrences.



Additional comments about broadband in the region.

We need the capacity/capability to keep up with our competition in more urban areas.

Great idea as long as the cost is not so high that it is not an option for all users in this area

We need the best available technology in order to be competitive

It would be nice if there were more options available. We currently use Windstream/Nuvox. We did get pricing from AT&T and City Utilities for the fiber option they offer. Neither was very close in price to the T1 option from Windstream

I believe it is key to attracting up and coming businesses to the area. Without it, a business may well decide it just would not work to open a business in southwest Missouri. It certainly has, and continues to, hamper us in building our business.



Additional comments about broadband in the

region.

It makes it possible to communicate with

individuals in other regions of the country to

better market our products and services. It

is the vehicle for our advertising efforts.

Most companies are willing to pay the cost

of high-speed Internet service.

KEY ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE USE OF INTERNET AND

BROADBAND

Internet, network services and broadband have

a variety of uses in healthcare, including:

Radiology services

Secure transfer of health information

Telemedicine

Medical education, training and research

Allowing clinics to use base applications from the

main hospital facility

KEY ASPECTS OF K-12 EDUCATION USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

10 school districts responded

Key uses of efficient and reliable broadband

services, include:

Student Information System, educational

resources, research tools, State testing,

educational programming (ex. accelerated reading),

student, parent and staff communication

Internet research for student presentations,

student records, email and other communications

with other educational institutions


AND BROADBAND

Problems with broadband availability and affordability, include:

There are many educational resources that we are unable to use in the classrooms due to bandwidth restrictions.

Because of our limited bandwidth, we can have only two teachers using video or downloading at a time.

During end of course testing, we have to shut down all internet use in order to allow bandwidth for testing.

Several of our teachers would like to use brainpop, but with our current connection, if one person is using any significant amount of bandwidth, even downloading updates; almost everyone else comes to a "screeching halt."


AND BROADBAND


We just need more providers in our area to lower bandwidth cost. Our District is relying more and more heavily on internet resources.

School books are wonderful tools for teaching students, but there are changes everyday that can be followed live if we have the resources.

Our teachers have to work hard to recreate something that is probable already available on the internet.

KEY ASPECTS OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL USE OF


There is a great and growing use of broadband and internet in Higher Educational services, including:

Classroom instruction enhancements

Curriculum development

Student study and research

On-line course delivery

Real-time usage of video conferencing technologies to enable education to/from our sites

Daily business operations of the University

Running on-line courses and on-line testing.

Running business applications, student email and social media



Importance of broadband availability and accessibility. Specifically: We continue to experience significant growth at all

campuses and education centers. The only way to keep pace is through online instruction.

Students and faculty require fast and stable broadband connections to develop and participate in online classes using “state of the art” instruction techniques and simulations.

Most agree that the cost can be expensive, but E-rate funding makes it manageable for the schools. However, many students and staff do not have access to affordable broadband which needs to be addressed.



Additional comments about broadband in the region

Internet access is expected by incoming students.

Distance learning requires reliable broadband access.

Educational institutions must continue to grow to reach and teach more students and bandwidth is the way to do it.

Distance Learning is a critical component of our University's long range plan and we are investing considerable funding to be able to provide instruction using this delivery method.

KEY ASPECTS OF LIBRARY SECTOR USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Key uses of the Internet and other network services. Accessing on-line databases and subscription services for

research and homework purposes

Accessing Internet for shared group projects, such as Google Docs

Uploading of video/audio files to Internet carriers for group projects such as using VoiceThreads for book talks, book reports, etc.

Access to library databases and other e-resources (e.g. for e-journal subscriptions & e-journal portal).

The library management program is web-based. We must have efficient and reliable service to check in or check out materials.

The library catalog is also web-based.

Many research skills are taught on the computer.


AND BROADBAND


Without adequate broadband, library patrons cannot adequately search the Internet. This leaves rural patrons at a serious disadvantage in receiving information.

Patrons fill out job applications and scholarship applications via the Internet. Students apply for college, vocational school, etc.

Fast, reliable broadband would enable students and staff to utilize research and local programs.


AND BROADBAND


region.

It should be available everywhere at an affordable

cost.

I live in the District where I teach, and Internet

access varies greatly across our District. Some

students have access to high-speed Internet, while

others are still using dial-up or have no access at

home.

We had few options for home broadband when we

relocated here.

KEY ASPECTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT USE OF


Key uses of the Internet and other network services

Mobile computing, research, communication (web-page, social media), electronic permitting and bill paying, as well as having all documents electronically accessible to our customers.

Law Enforcement: Use of State database (MULES); warrant checks; mapping & dispatch; jail administration

Courts Administration: Access to State Courts database (OSCA); scheduling of hearings, etc.

Elections: Access to Statewide voter registration database



Key uses of the Internet and other network services

Road Department: Access to County Geographic Information System (GIS)

Emergency Management: Access to County GIS

Assessment: Maintenance of County GIS

All Departments: County website maintenance; e-mail; basic research, etc.


Communicating with citizens in the event of an emergency is essential.

Cost savings by centralizing efforts - as opposed to each department pursuing needs individually.



Some City facilities in the outlying areas have limited access to broadband. If those locations had improved access to broadband services we would be able to provide better phone system capabilities, computer system access and disaster recovery options for them.


We partnered with City Utilities of Springfield and Greene County to submit an application for the Google Fiber for Communities project last year. We also have several colleges and universities in the region that have great need for improved broadband access. These partners would assist with deployment of broadband in the Southwest Missouri area in any way we can.

KEY ASPECTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Key uses of the Internet and other network services: Transmission of records and public safety information

Use of Emergency Management tools

Access important public safety data (i.e., MULES)

Getting up-to-date weather and storm information

Use of mobile data terminals

Broadband is important for a variety of reasons, including: Provides faster, accurate response to emergencies

Allows access to emergency information remotely

Allows the sharing of critical information among mutual aid responding units

KEY ASPECTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF INTERNET

AND BROADBAND

Additional comments about broadband in the region and its importance. Available and enhanced broadband serves the general

public while assisting other agencies

Broadband connections makes tasks easier, faster and safer.

County-wide data programs require a reliable service to make it operate efficiently and properly

We need reliable broadband service in the area that is affordable

Broadband inaccessibility in this region is a problem

Security and interoperability are two very important items to consider when setting up a Public Safety network.

The coverage in the City is good but as you move out into the county the coverage drops.

KEY ASPECTS OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND

Key uses of Broadband, the Internet and other network services:

Client support: order taking, vendor pricing, inventory queries, contracts, etc.

Data research

Marketing and advertising

Website design


Enables placement of and connection to remote services

Allows for working from home (telecommuting)

Allows support services to businesses nationwide, as well as internationally

KEY ASPECTS OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND


region and its importance.

Only have Satellite access north of Collins

If our Satellite goes out because of the weather, our

business shuts down.

Broadband is spotty especially in Nixa

Broadband is critical to enhancing businesses in

our region.

The business community needs improved download

speeds.

KEY ASPECTS OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT USE OF


Key uses of the Internet, network services and broadband include:

Access to internet-based Case Management System for career research and job search activities.

Access to on-line training services


Residents and businesses in remote areas are not able to access on-line training or job search sites because of lack of access to broadband

Broadband technology training is lacking in rural areas because of lack of availability.

THE BROADBAND PROVIDERS

2 Broadband Providers (Lake View Broadband Wireless and SpringNet) completed a survey

They both agreed that the issue of broadband availability and adoption was very important and ranked it first and third respectively

They both indicated that they have had problems gaining access to public rights-of-way or easements to expand or augment their system to provide broadband infrastructure or services.

They agree that changes are needed to existing statutes that could help facilitate expansion of broadband services or infrastructure

Topography is also an obstacle when looking to expand broadband

THE BROADBAND PROVIDERS

Key contributors to service provision and expansion include:

Capital funding

Human resources

Location of towers and equipment

Better end user equipment

Importance of broadband availability and adoption include:

It has been suggested that the next "phase" of manufacturing will be the manufacturing of IT services and applications. For Missouri to be "at the table," provisions for the development of data centers and broadband availability are critical ingredients to that recipe. How much of our State resources are spent chasing traditional manufacturing? We need to be looking to the future and not in the rear view mirror.

The need is vey important to allow households and businesses to assist in lower fuel costs to end travel, and to deliver service at a fast speed with precision timing .

MORE INDIVIDUAL SECTOR DATA NEEDED

Community and Social Services

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI BROADBAND RTPT

STRATEGIC PLANNING

BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING

Will identify strategies, and related directions, initiatives, goals and objectives, that can be employed by interested parties within the region.

It is a large scale, high-level planning exercise

It provides specific guideposts and pathways to better help the region build long term broadband sustainability

Addresses both availability (supply) and adoption (demand) within the region.

85

BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

The Strategic Planning process is split into four (4) phases:

Phase 1 (Completed Today): Needs Assessment and Existing Information Review – A detailed understanding of the current broadband climate and the current and future broadband-related needs in the region.

Phase 2 (Beginning Today): How to move from the current broadband environment to the one needed within the region.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC)analysis will be performed.

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SWOC ANALYSIS

The definitions of the four (4) SWOC elements are as follows:

Strengths – Broadband-related systems, practices, processes, and resources that are highly valued by the region.

Weaknesses – Areas that need improvement; reasons why stakeholders are not able to wholeheartedly embrace broadband; and, areas that tend to compromise the achievement of high levels of availability and adoption.

Opportunities – Favorable situations/circumstances not yet taken advantage of that may positively impact the development and acceptance of broadband.

Challenges – Present and future situations/circumstances that may negatively impact broadband development and acceptance as perceived by the region.

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SWOC ANALYSIS

Phase 2: cont’d

The analysis should cover a wide range of issues

including those centered on:

residential, business and institutional broadband availability

and adoption,

whether available bandwidth(s) are sufficient for current as well

as near and long term needs and applications,

potential upgrade and expansion possibilities,

reliability of existing networks,

related matters.

Providers are asked during Phase 2 to present their

ideas on possibilities for advancing the broadband

environment.

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SWOC ANALYSIS

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SWOC ANALYSIS

The definitions of the four (4) SWOC elements are as follows:

Strengths – Broadband-related systems, practices, processes, and resources that are highly valued by the region.

Weaknesses – Areas that need improvement; reasons why stakeholders are not able to wholeheartedly embrace broadband; and, areas that tend to compromise the achievement of high levels of availability and adoption.

Opportunities – Favorable situations/circumstances not yet taken advantage of that may positively impact the development and acceptance of broadband.

Challenges – Present and future situations/circumstances that may negatively impact broadband development and acceptance as perceived by the region.

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BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PURPOSE

AND PROCESS

Phase 3: Findings Review and Initial Strategic Plan Element Development – The RTPT will review the initial findings, priorities, potential strategic directions and actions, timelines and resources needed related to those potential directions.

In this phase, a number of potential strategic directions and initiatives will be identified, reviewed, discussed, and then incorporated into the initial draft of the Strategic Plan.

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BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PURPOSE

AND PROCESS

Phase 4: Drafting and Finalization of the Strategic

Plan by the RTPT.

The Strategic Plan will consist of :

1. Introduction and Regional Overview

2. Purpose Statement

3 Detailed SWOC Findings and Analysis

4. Strategic Direction(s)

Short, medium and long term goals and objectives to boost broadband

adoption and availability.

Action Items and Implementation Plan

5. Financial, human and organizational resource considerations

6. Timelines and benchmarks for measuring progress

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Additional Discussion

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SOUTHWEST MISSOURI BROADBAND PLANNING

PROJECT!

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