Solutions: Business - Identify Broadband at Key Sites

Online Identification of Broadband Services at Key Economic Sites

GOAL: Develop an inventory of the broadband and telecommunication services available at community industrial parks, business parks, and other key business locations to share with regional and state economic development planners.

DESCRIPTION: Research and gather an inventory of the broadband and telecommunication services available at community industrial parks, business parks, and other key business locations. Gathered information could include the highest speeds, technology platform, and number of fiber providers available. If not available, the closest provider and distance should be identified.  All information should be shared with regional and state economic development planners, as well as listed on the area economic development websites (e.g., Chamber of Commerce or Area Development Districts).

According to a 2011 survey of building owners and property managers, broadband access is one of the most important decision factors for commercial real estate siting—after price, parking, and location. Similarly, a national survey found that 77 percent of economic development professionals believe that to attract a new business, a community must have broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps.

 ACTIONS:

Collaborate with commercial building owners, providers, and other stakeholders to develop an inventory of broadband and telecommunications services available at key economic sites.

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:

Economic development organization and chamber of commerce; Community industrial parks and Main Street organizations; Broadband providers

RESOURCES:

National Telecommunication & Information Administration https://www.ntia.doc.gov/category/national-broadband-map