Introduction and Background
The data collection step involves acquiring the data necessary for broadband planning . This includes not only broadband coverage data , but also a community profile containing background data regarding the demographic , economic , and social characteristics of the region . Such data are generally available from federal sources such as the U . S . Census Bureau and from state sources such as the Department of Economic Opportunity . GIS data are available from the Florida Geographic Data Library ( www . fgdl . org ), and from local jurisdictions , various state agencies , and federal sources .
Table 4 outlines the basic data necessary for broadband demand planning , where to find it , and how it will be utilized .
3 . Needs Analysis a . Gap identification i . Current gaps ii . Future gaps
The Needs Analysis identifies gaps between broadband supply and demand — in other words , areas within a community or region where the current broadband availability does not meet current needs , or is anticipated not to meet future needs . The information collected in the Needs Analysis should be analyzed to determine where broadband infrastructure will be required within the planning period ( 10 years is suggested ). Geographic areas of need can be identified using the following parameters :
• Projected population growth
• Projected employment growth
• Future land use ( land-use-based broadband demand model )
• Known locations with current or predicted future broadband deficiencies
• Broadband adoption ( use ) data
22