Mapping Broadband Availability
Stratsoft has been mapping and modeling broadband build-out for over 10 years. In that time we have originated distinctive data, mapping systems, analysis software, modeling tools and methods that together provide an efficient system for supporting finely balanced infrastructure investment decisions. Highlights of our approach include;
- Granular Data definitions — BB mapping data is defined at the street level to represent BB availability at locations where people live and work instead of large area zones that are of insufficient specificity to set policy.
- Efficient Data Gathering — Instead of requiring Broadband Service Providers (BBSPs) to share their proprietary information Stratsoft methods involve the creation of a new BB availability data-set that is gathered from the BBSP using a software tool specifically designed for this purpose.
- Cross-check and corroboration of data — In both real time at the moment of data submission and in further detail post-submission, Stratsoft has developed algorithms that cross-check the BB availability records against other data-sets. This dramatically improves data integrity behind the BB availability Maps.
- Real-time Broadband Map Generation — Stratsoft methods and software systems allow BB Maps to be produced at any time during the data collection and cross-checking process.
- Broadband Data exploration tools — Stratsoft has specific software tools that enable efficient examination of BB availability data that can link to economic cost/benefit models for exploration of served/under-served regions with the economic detail to justify BB build-out.
- On-going update and maintenance — Stratsoft methods are designed for maintenance and update so that we can Build, Operate and Transfer the system to those authorities wishing to map and track broadband availability across any region of the US.
Build-Out Modeling
Economic cost/benefit models depend on reliable data and valid assumptions. Our models have transparent audit trails to data sources and clear articulation of key assumptions. We design our models for transfer to the client so that anyone with moderate spreadsheet skills can independently change assumptions, chart results, and undertake “what if” sensitivity analysis. Our clients can then easily share the model internally and with third parties as required.
Stratsoft has experienced statisticians and econometric modelers that can undertake more sophisticated quantitative analysis, including geo-economic analysis, and can clearly explain the results. Our research staff can gather reliable cost and market data to supplement and validate assumptions.
Relevant experience for Broadband Mapping projects includes;
Mapping Cable Plant
For many cable companies Stratsoft has mapped broadband plant across multi-state regions where its clients hold cable franchises. This mapping has involved both the interpretation and conversion of plant maps into GIS format as well as originating methods to derive the location of cable according to the cable company procedures for building its network. These techniques have been developed for new business development initiatives as well as for Call Center agents seeking real time methods to determine the proximity of a customer premises to the nearest cable plant point.
Mapping Telecommunications Infrastructure.
Stratsoft has developed national data-sets and mapped the location and characteristics of both wireline and wireless telecommunications infrastructure across large portions of the US. This has usually been as part of larger projects that include the economic cost/benefit analysis of wireless backhaul, network designs and deployment plans for new wireless and wireline technologies as well as the expansion and enhancement of existing communications networks.
Planning Public Safety Networks.
For both municipalities and for bidders responding to RFPs, Stratsoft has developed plans for unifying wireline and wireless networks to provide new broadband functionality to Public Safety First Responders. This has required careful electronic inventory development of all facilities as well as coverage, quality and capacity calculations to produce cost effective network designs to assess bids, and to make bids, to build public safety grade networks.
Broadband Plant Build Plans.
Stratsoft has built deployment planning maps, economic models, and undertaken extensive scenario analysis of nationwide broadband network deployments for fixed wireless backhaul, cable plant extension to serve new customer sets, new technology roll-outs and next generation wireless deployments.
Software Tools Development.
A common result of our work is a request by the client that our analysis and data systems be made into decision-support tools that can be passed over to the client for their continued internal use. Stratsoft designs and develops the tool, trains and hands over the system to the client and maintains support for this tool as required.
Business Planning and Investment Submissions.
In most projects Stratsoft builds sophisticated economic models to enable its clients to make large scale and finely balanced investment decisions. Stratsoft has a specific method for building these models in a way that enables easy sharing with third parties. In nearly every case these models are used by Stratsoft clients to describe the investment opportunity with management boards, third party investors, strategic partners and with our clients’ strategic customers. Stratsoft has recently built models for the national deployment of wireless backhaul, national home-to-home wireless networks, the deployment of cable broadband to small and medium businesses, and WiMax backhaul deployment costing.
Other Infrastructure Planning.
Stratsoft’s first project was an international examination of Telemedicine opportunities that resulted in strategic investment in five separate Telemedicine ventures for which we undertook the investment analysis and business support. Stratsoft has also worked in Education facility expansion, Oil terminal distribution and relocation, delivery logistics, Call Centers and other geographically based business initiatives.
Prizes
Stratsoft was awarded “Best Technical Marketing” prize for its broadband mapping methods applied in the cable industry at the annual CTAM industry conference in 2005.
Stratsoft makes frequent presentations at trade shows, industry forums, and analyst conferences as an expert on the deployment of communications infrastructure. Its research and analysis has been used in public company shareholder meetings, IPO investment documents and road shows, and by a range of institutional investors.