Broadband Data Collection Must Be Thorough and Transparent

Broadband data collection needs to be more thorough and more transparent than currently existing models, a range of academic experts, builders of telecommunications infrastructure, and a key senator said last week. Speaking at conference hosted last Thursday by the Benton Foundation, and at a technology and communications gathering on Wednesday, these officials highlighted the importance of fine granularity, of including robust measures of broadband speeds and technologies, and greater comprehensiveness than has been typical within this field. At the Computer and Communications Industry Association's annual gathering with legislators, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) said: "We have to make sure that broadband [calculation] is done in a comprehensive and systematic manner that hasn't been done in the past." At the Benton Foundation event, "Urban and Rural Examples of the 'Best in Breed': Setting a High Standard for Broadband Stimulus Funding," a range of city technology officials and private sector officials also addressed the key ingredient of broadband data. "A major part of this discussion is, what is unserved and what is underserved," said Bill Schrier, chief technology officer of the city of Seattle. Understanding what is and isn't service can only be done with solid analytical capabilities, and Schrier demonstrated a map in which Seattle demographic capabilities were mapped against particular broadband applications.