Virginia’s Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Technology
Summer 2008
Region 2000 – Broadband Infrastructure Study Spring 2008
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Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership is a regional collaborative effort comprising of six essential components: Local Government Council, Economic Development Council, Technology Council, Workforce Investment Board, Young Professionals of Central Virginia, and The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research. The overall goal of this organization is to promote the region to national and international companies to create job growth and economic advancement within the region.
The Local Government Council, responsible for this report, works with the four counties, two cities, and four towns within the region to improve regional cooperation and reduce government redundancy. We provide a forum for innovative and creative dialog among these localities to address quality of life issues on a regional prospective.
For more information about Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership, The Local Government Council, or to request more information about this report, please visit our website or contact:
Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership Local Government Council th 828 Main Street, 12 Floor Lynchburg, VA 24504 (434) 845-3491 – Phone (434) 845-3493 – Fax
[email protected] www.region2000.org
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage Summer 2008
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Virginia’s Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage
Summer 2008
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage Summer 2008
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Table of Contents Section I - Introduction Cellular Wireless Internet ..................................................................... 1 Technology........................................................................................... 2 Providers .............................................................................................. 3 Wireless Broadband Service Plans...................................................... 3
Section II – Coverage General Coverage Description............................................................. 8 Alltel Wireless Internet Coverage......................................................... 9 AT&T 3G Coverage ........................................................................... 10 nTelos – Portable Broadband Coverage ***ED-VO***....................... 11 Sprint/Nextel Broadband/3G Network Coverage ............................... 12 Verizon – Broadband and V CAST Coverage ................................... 13
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Section I - Introduction Cellular Wireless Internet Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership compiled the Broadband Infrastructure Study in Spring 2008; this report was an update to a previous study compiled in 2004. Traditional broadband service, such as DSL and wireless, was the focus of the previous study. Recent information has come forward to show that 3G and EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) service provided by cellular companies is being utilized by a growing market within Virginia’s Region 2000. Coverage areas tend to be much wider for these companies than the traditional broadband providers, and this coverage can help fill in broadband gaps presently located within the region. The problem is that the public is generally not aware of these services, so it is important that cell phone providers and local leaders inform residents who do not have access to traditional broadband services.
This supplement to the Broadband Infrastructure Study will solely focus on cell phone providers and the broadband services they provide within Virginia’s Region 2000. Only broadband plans/coverage pertaining to laptop and desktop computers is analyzed; Blackberry, iPhone, and Smart Phones are not listed in this report. As with more traditional broadband providers, each cell phone company offers different plans and service areas for its subscribers. Most residents in the region have access to at least one provider’s wireless technology; however, stipulations do exist. Some rural areas may be too far from a tower, or residents may be located in “dead space” in a valley. Generally, if a resident can receive a cell phone signal they are able to access wireless broadband. Included in this supplement are plans and prices, necessary equipment, and coverage data. All information in this report was attained from provider’s websites; being public knowledge it is acceptable to display this report to the public.
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage Summer 2008
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Technology Three technologies presently exist within Virginia’s Region 2000 to provide users with wireless Internet from cellular companies. These technologies are: •
Wireless – can be transmitted upwards of 10 miles from high-capacity equipment located on tall towers/buildings, or can be transmitted less than 100 feet through small routers in designated hotspots, such as restaurants and shops. Capable of up to 10Mbps (business) near an access point. Security issues, weather, and terrain are concerns of this technology.
•
3G and EV-DO – powerful wireless systems that provide speeds between 144 Kbps and 2Mbps and are great for full-motion video, streaming music, 3D gaming, and faster web browsing. Offer a high degree of mobility with a range of 2-5 miles from a tower. Terrain and tower location can influence signal reception.
Cell phones have been able to access these technologies for years; however, it has only been within the last 2-3 years that wireless cards have been easily available for computers. It is now possible to connect a wireless card to a laptop and drive around Region 2000 and access the Internet via 3G technology even in areas where it has not been available through traditional means. What is also impressive is that many users report faster speeds than DSL, even in rural areas not accustom to broadband coverage.
As with other broadband services within the region, technology will be changing cellular broadband in the future. Companies such as T-Mobile, which does not presently have a nationwide network, will be rolling out service in larger metropolitan areas in 2008. Verizon plans to launch 4G in the next few years, which will increase broadband speeds exponentially for those in the present 3G service area. As more residents in the region begin to use these services it is conceivable that the number of plans will increase while prices decrease.
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Providers Seven cell phone providers have been identified within Virginia’s Region 2000, and of those six offer at least some form of wireless broadband Internet that is accessible from a computer. U.S. Cellular does provide a wireless Internet network; however, according to their customer service department it is only at dial-up speeds. While T-Mobile offers wireless Internet to customers it is only available at approximately 8,500 hotspots in the nation; there is no blanket coverage within the region. On the following page is the list of each provider within the region, along with the address and phone numbers for all stores where customer support is available.
Wireless Broadband Service Plans A number of service plans are available for residents of Region 2000 that offer 3G/EV-DO technology. Most 3G/EV-DO plans are around $60 per month, require a 2-year contract, and offer speeds equal to or above DSL service. The following companies offer specialized services in addition to 3G/EV-DO: •
Alltel – offers access to thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots across the nation; customers can pick plans for 3G/EV-DO, Wi-Fi, or a combination of the technologies.
•
nTelos – offers Portable Broadband, which is a wireless system equal to DSL or cable service and requires no outside antennas or dishes; less expensive than 3G/EV-DO.
In order to access the 3G/EV-DO and wireless services, customers must purchase a wireless card for their laptop and/or desktop computer. This card receives the broadband signal from a tower, allowing customers to access the Internet anywhere they are within range of a tower, including riding down the road. These cards, which usually plug into a USB port, range in price from approximately $80 to $330. Most providers run rebates and discounts on these cards, and in some cases these rebates will cover the entire cost of the wireless card. Plans, pricing, and some wireless cards offered by cellular providers are listed beginning on page six.
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Region 2000 – Cellular Phone Providers
Provider
Alltel
AT&T
nTelos
Sprint/Nextel
Name
Address
Phone Number
City/State/Zip
Alltel Retail Store - Mountview Commons II
3919 Wards Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 237-1729
Alltel Retail Store - Amelon Sq. Shopping Ctr.
2725 South Amherst Hwy.
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 929-1248
Alltel Retail Store
21039 Timberlake Road
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 832-0371
Alltel Retail Store
18013 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 385-1912
Cellular Communications of Amherst
567 South Main St.
Amherst, VA 24521
(434) 841-6783
AT&T
210 A Simons Run
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 258-8300
AT&T Authorized Retailer
4327 Boonsboro Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 386-6600
AT&T Authorized Retailer
14243 Forest Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24551
(434) 385-1995
Wal-Mart Connection Center
125 Clarion Rd.
Altavista, VA 24517
(434) 309-2245
nTelos - Wards Road
4018 Wards Rd. Suite E
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 401-0004
nTelos - Fort Avenue
5508 Fort Ave. Suite D.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 401-0004
nTelos - Graves Mill Shopping Center
18013 Forest Rd. Suite C
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 401-0004
nTelos - River Ridge Mall
3405 Candler's Mountain Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
---
Sprint Mall Kiosk - River Ridge Mall
3405 Candler's Mountain Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 239-6376
Sprint Store
3920 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 239-8200
Cellcom
20911-C Timberlake Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 832-800
Website
www.alltell.com
www.att.com
www.ntelos.com
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4
Region 2000 – Cellular Phone Providers - Continued
Provider
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
Verizon
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Number
T-Mobile - Wal-Mart #1350
3900 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 832-0304
T-Mobile - RS Sam’s #6458
3912 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 237-2680
T-Mobile - Best Buy #444
4024 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 239-9885
T-Mobile - Target #1275
4028 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 239-6163
T-Mobile - Wal-Mart #2565
197 Madison Heights Sq.
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 846-9650
T-Mobile - Wal-Mart #1399
1126 E. Lynchburg/Salem Tpk.
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-6176
Total Communications (Cellular Express)
3405 Candler's Mountain Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 455-0270
U.S. Cellular
3911 Wards Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 832-0808
Total Communications (Cellular Express)
17898 Forest Rd.
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 455-0346
B&H Computers
163 Madison Heights Square
Madison Heights, VA 24572
(434) 847-4712
D.J. Wireless, LLC
21664A Timberlake Rd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434) 237-5985
D.J. Electronics Plus, LLC
1128 E. Lynchburg Salem Tpk.
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-9704
Cellular Now
Hwy 460 W, P.O. Box 447
Appomattox, VA 24522
(434) 352-7526
B&H Computers
105 Clarion Rd.
Altavista, VA 24517
(434) 369-9154
Glenwood Esso & Oil Co., Inc.
2074 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy.
Huddleston, VA 24014
(540) 297-5297
Guthrie's True Value Hardware
102 Main St.
Brookneal, VA 24528
(434) 376-3126
D.J. Wireless, LLC
14600 Moneta Rd.
Moneta, VA 24121
(540) 296-0586
Valley View
4801 Valley View Blvd. NW, St. A
Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 562-4836
Website
www.t-mobile.com
Circuit City - Roanoke
1898 Valley View Blvd. NW
Roanoke, VA 24010
(540) 563-5198
Smith Mountain Lake Communications
13699 Booker T. Washington Hwy
Moneta, VA 24121
(540) 721-5298
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www.uscellular.com
www.verizon.com
5
Service Plans, Equipment, and Pricing Provider
Alltel
Price1
Plans
Contract Term
$59.99
Huawei EC228
$219.99
3.1 Mbps
2-year
$99.99
Huawei EC360
$269.99
2.4 Mbps
2-year
Wireless Internet/Wi-Fi Bundle
$69.98
UTStarcom UM150
$219.99
3.1 Mbps
2-year
$9.99
KPC680 ExpressCard
$239.99
2.4 Mbps
2-year
AT&T USBConnect 881
$249.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
Sierra Wireless AirCard 881
$299.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
Option GT Max 3.6 Express
$199.99
3G
2-year
5
Pay-As-You-Go Monthly
Sprint/Nextel
Speed4
Extended Wireless Internet
5
nTelos
Price3
National Wireless Internet
Unlimited Wi-Fi
AT&T
Equipment2
Some of these computer cards are free due to rebates, sales, etc.
$19.99
DataConnect
$60.00
Sierra Wireless Aircard 875
$149.99
3G
2-year
Portable Broadband
$34.95
Portable Broadband Modem
---
1.5 Mbps
2-year
EVDO (REV-A)
$49.99
Aircard
$99.99
1.3 Mbps
2-Year
Compass 597 by Sierra
$249.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
Ovation U727 by Novatel
$299.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
Aircard 595 by Sierra
$269.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
AirCard 597E ExpressCard
$329.99
1.4 Mbps
2-year
Mobile Broadband Connection Plan
$59.99
1
Per month.
2
Only some equipment is listed; more options may be available upon request.
3
One-time fees, which may be offset by savings and rebates.
4
Up to this speed; depending on terrain and distance speed may be impacted.
5
Alltel is partnered with thousands of wireless hotspots in airports, restaurants, etc. across the nation.
6
A monthly contract is available for $44.95 per month (setup fee of $49.95 still applies).
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage Summer 2008
Comments
6
6
AT&T has a number of laptop cards that are compatible with the 3G network. Most are free due to promotional events. $49.95 Set-up fee for portable broadband. Other aircards available upon request
All cards are EV-DO compatible. There are rebates associated with these cards.
6
Service Plans, Equipment, and Pricing - Continued Provider
T-Mobile
Plans
Price1
Hotspot
U.S. Cellular
$19.99
---
Equipment2 Wireless card (sold separately)
---
---
Price3
Speed4
Contract Term
Comments
---
---
---
Service available at over 8,500 hotspots in the nation, mostly in airports, Starbucks, etc.
---
---
---
Does not offer wireless Internet at broadband speeds, only at dialup speeds (40-50 Kbps)
5 GB per month
$59.99
Wireless UM 150 USB
$79.99
4G
2-year
50 MB per month
$39.99
Wireless KPC680
$99.99
EV-DO
2-year
Wireless Aircard 595
$149.99
REV-A
2-year
Wireless USB727 Modem
$199.99
REV-A
2-year
Verizon
1
Per month.
2
Only some equipment is listed; more options may be available upon request.
3
One-time fees, which may be offset by savings and rebates.
4
Up to this speed; depending on terrain and distance speed may be impacted.
5
Alltel is partnered with thousands of wireless hotspots in airports, restaurants, etc. across the nation.
6
A monthly contract is available for $44.95 per month (setup fee of $49.95 still applies).
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Prices on equipment are reduced because of rebates. Plans are up to 1.4 Mbps. Stores located in Moneta; the closest outside of there are in Roanoke.
7
Section II – Coverage Data General Coverage Description 3G/EV-DO technology has a much broader coverage area in Region 2000 than any other technology except satellite service. The cities of Lynchburg and Bedford are completely covered by most cellular providers, as are the major highway corridors throughout the region (U.S. 460, 29, 501, and 221). As with other types of broadband technology, some of the “fringe” areas of the region may lack coverage. According to the maps provided, coverage may be most sporadic in the following areas: •
Mountainous areas of far northwestern Amherst County
•
Northeastern and southern Appomattox County
•
Southeastern and western Campbell County.
Generally speaking, wherever you can receive a cell phone signal you will be able to access 3G/EV-DO. Due to the region’s rolling to mountainous topography, “dead spots” may occur in some areas; therefore, it is possible to live within an identified coverage zone and still lack coverage. Cellular coverage has increased dramatically in the past five years, and this expansion will continue into the future. One major change that is likely to occur within the next few years is the merger of Alltel and Verizon; this may increase coverage and options throughout the region. Additionally, cell phone providers are constantly adding towers and expanding services and upgrading to newer technology.
The following pages contain coverage maps for each of the region’s five major cellular broadband providers. Maps were copied from the provider’s websites and are as close and descriptive as possible. Region 2000 will place these data into more detailed, thorough maps in the future. Unlike maps in the Broadband Infrastructure Study, these maps are available online; therefore, it is acceptable to display these maps where the general public may view.
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Alltel Wireless Internet Coverage
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Supplement – 3G/EV-DO Coverage Summer 2008
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AT&T 3G Coverage
Coverage No Coverage
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nTelos – Portable Broadband Coverage and EV-DO
EV-DO COVERAGE
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Sprint/Nextel Broadband/3G Network Coverage
Sprint Mobile Broadband Network Mobile Broadband roaming – limited access to some services. Nationwide Sprint Network Data roaming – limited access to some services. No Coverage
Sprint Mobile Broadband Network No Coverage
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Verizon – Broadband and V CAST Coverage
Broadband and V CAST Enhanced Services Extended Enhanced Services No Coverage
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Available Broadband Technologies Carrier Technology Broadband over Powerline
Cable
DSL
Description
Physical Medium
Uses existing electrical infrastructure to deliver broadband speeds using special modems.
Ordinary power lines.
Special cable and cable line required.
Special modem and adapter card may be required.
Estimated Bandwidth (Residential)
Comments
100 Kbps – Upstream
Still emerging technology, limited availability.
1 Mbps – Downstream
Significantly lower deployment costs than some other technologies.
Coaxial cable, telephone lines for some upstream requests.
384 Kbps – Upstream
Must have existing cable access.
1 Gig – Downstream
Cost of bringing coverage to an area can be prohibitive.
Twisted pair (used as a digital, broadband medium).
200 Kbps – Upstream
Does not interfere with normal telephone use.
768 Kbps – Downstream
Bandwidth is dedicated, not shared, but is affected by distance. Limited availability.
Fiber
Satellite
Wi-MAXX
Wireless
3G/EV-DO
2 Mbps – Upstream
Super high speed.
5 Mbps – Downstream
High costs in establishing network and connections.
Information travels at extremely long distances, uses a transmitter, regenerator, and receiver.
Fiber-optic lines (strands of fine glass).
Computer sends request for information to an ISP; data returned to high speed satellite to dish, which is sent into a decoder box.
Airwaves, requires outside antenna/satellite dish.
768 Kbps – Upstream
Bandwidth not shared.
2 Mbps – Downstream
Slower speeds than other technologies, with a higher price.
Access gained by connection to highspeed network via wireless transmitter/receiver
Airwaves, outside antenna
2 Mbps – Upstream
Licensed-spectrum service, faster than traditional wireless.
4 Mbps – Downstream
Limited availability.
Access gained by connection to highspeed network via wireless transmitter/receiver.
Airwaves, outside antenna.
500 Kbps – Upstream
Can be used for high speed data.
2.5 Mbps – Downstream
Distance, terrain, weather can hamper the signal.
Growing technology that uses cell phone towers to transmit mobile and fixed wireless WAN.
Airwaves, requires a wireless card for a computer.
1 Mbps – Upstream
Evolving technology; does not require line of sight.
4 Mbps - Downstream
Limited range from towers.
*Speeds vary depending on business needs.
Broadband Providers by Community* County
Community Elon
Forks of Buffalo
Madison Heights
Amherst
Monroe
Pleasantview
Riverville
Town of Amherst
Bent Creek Red House
Spout Spring
Provider Verizon
DSL
nTelos
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
Alltel
3G/EV-DO
Comcast
Cable
Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
B2X Online, Kinex, nTelos, Pure
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Comcast
Cable
Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
Kinex, nTelos
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
nTelos
Wireless
Alltel, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
GNS Networks3
Wireless
Alltel
3G/EV-DO
Comcast
Cable
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
Kinex
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
GNS Networks3
Wireless
Alltel
3G/EV-DO
No Coverage Identified
N/A
Jet Broadband
Cable
Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos 3
Appomattox Town of Appomattox
Town of Pamplin
Vera
Technology
Fiber1
GNS Networks
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
Jet Broadband
Cable
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
BridgeMAXX, GNS Networks
Wi-MAXX, Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
Jet Broadband
Cable
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Broadband over Powerline2
Broadband Providers by Community* County
Community Big Island
City of Bedford
Forest
Goode
Bedford
Huddleston
Moneta
Montvale
Stewartsville
Thaxton
Provider
Technology
Alltel, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
nTelos, Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
B2X Online, Kinex, nTelos, PureA
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Verizon
DSL
B2X Online, Kinex
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
B2X Online
Wireless
Alltel, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Jet Broadband
Fiber1
B2X Online Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon
Wireless
Comcast
Cable
nTelos Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon
Fiber1
Verizon
DSL
B2X Online Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon
Wireless
Comcast
Cable
Verizon Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel, Verizon
DSL
3G/EV-DO
3G/EV-DO
3G/EV-DO
3G/EV-DO
Broadband Providers by Community* County
Community
Concord
Evington
Gladys Leesville Lynch Station
Campbell Rustburg
Timberlake
Town of Altavista
Town of Brookneal
Lynchburg
City of Lynchburg
Provider
Technology
Jet Broadband
Cable
Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
GNS Networks3
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Verizon
DSL
B2X Online, Pure
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Embarq
DSL
Alltel, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Alltel, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Embarq
DSL
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
Embarq
DSL
Jet Broadband
Fiber1
B2X Online, Pure
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Jet Broadband
Cable
nTelos, Verizon
DSL
Jet Broadband, nTelos
Fiber1
B2X Online, Pure, nTelos
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Comcast
Cable
Embarq
DSL
Comcast, nTelos, Jet Broadband
Fiber1
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
Embarq
DSL
Applewood, Pure
Wireless
Alltel
3G/EV-DO
Comcast
Cable
nTelos, Verizon
DSL
Comcast, nTelos, Jet Broadband
Fiber1
B2X Online, nTelos, Pure
Wireless
Alltel, AT&T, nTelos, Sprint/Nextel
3G/EV-DO
*As made available by broadband providers - service may not be available throughout these communities. Satellite service is available for all localities within Region 2000 with a clear view of the Southern sky. 1 2
Fiber service is generally for business purposes only and not for private residences. Broadband over Powerline may not presently be available in these communities, but the goal is to introduce the technology throughout CVEC's network in the coming years.
3
Planned expansion of GNS Networks in the near future.
Broadband Service Providers - Contact Information Services Provided
Phone Number
Website
Applewood Communications
Wireless
(434) 376-5529
www.brookneal.com
B2X Online
Wireless
(434) 389-7924
www.b2xonline.com
BridgeMAXX (Digital Bridge)
WiMAX
1-800-979-3797
www.bridgemaxx.com
Broadband Over Powerline
(434) 263-8336
www.forcvec.com/bplcoop
Comcast
Cable, Fiber
1-800-266-2278
www.comcast.com
Embarq
DSL
1-866-304-6820
www.embarq.com
GNS Networks
Wireless
(434) 993-3709
www.gnsnetworks.com
HughesNet
Satellite
1-888-892-2434
www.nationwidesatellite.com
Cable, Fiber
1-877-743-8538
www.jetbroadband.com
Wireless
(434) 392-4804
www.kinex.net
Cable, DSL, Fiber, Wireless
1-877-468-3567
www.ntelos.com
Fiber, Wireless
1-866-517-0033
www.pure.net
Satellite
1-800-4STARBAND
www.starband.com
Verizon
DSL
1-888-587-7333
www.verizon.com
WildBlue
Satellite
1-866-945-3258
www.wildblue.com
Company
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative
Jet Broadband Kinex Networking Solutions nTelos Pure Internet, Inc. Starband (By Spacenet)
Broadband Service Providers - Estimated Bandwidth and Pricing* Company Applewood Communications
Technology Provided Wireless
Number of Service Plans
Available Bandwidth Range (Upstream/Downstream)
Price Range of Service Plans
Installation Fees
Varies
2 Mbps / 2 Mbps – Both
$29.95 - Both
$250
One – Residential
1 Mbps / 1 Mbps – Residential
$42.50 – Residential
$120 – Residential
One – Business
1.5 Mbps / 1.4 Mbps – Business
$100.00 – Business
$200 – Business
Wi-MAXX
Two – Residential
2-3 Mbps / 500 Kbps – Residential
$28.99 - $43.99 – Both
None
Broadband over Powerline
One – Residential
Cable
Two – Residential
6-8 Mbps / 384-768 Kbps – Residential
$42.95 - $59.95 – Residential
N/A – Residential
Three – Business
4-8 Mbps / 384 Kbps-1Mbps – Business
$59.95 - $160.00 – Business
$250 – Business
Varies
Varies
Varies
Varies
Five – Residential
768 Kbps-10 Mbps / 384-896 Kbps – Residential
$24.95 - $64.95 – Residential
$15 – Residential
Five – Business
768 Kbps-10 Mbps / 128-896 Kbps – Business
$19.95 - $119.95 – Business
$150 – Business
Two – Both
256 Kbps-2 Mbps / 257 Kbps-3 Mbps - Both
$34.95 - $84.95 – Both
$295 – Both
Three – Residential
700 Kbps-1.5 Mbps / 128-200 Kbps – Residential
$79.99 - $99.99 – Residential
$399.98 – Residential
Two – Business
1.5-2 – Kbps / 300-500 Kbps – Business
$119.99 - $199.99 – Business
$699.98 – Business
Two – Residential
3.1-5.1 Mbps / 384-640 Kbps – Residential
$39.95 - $59.95 – Residential
$49.95 – Residential
Three – Business
760 Kbps-5.1 Mbps / 512 Kbps-2 Mbps – Business
$34.95 - $99.95 – Business
$100.00 – Business
Varies
Varies – Business
Varies
Varies
One – Residential
512 Kbps / 512 Kbps – Residential
N/A – Residential
N/A – Residential
Two – Business
768 Kbps-3 Mbps / 768 Kbps-3 Mbps – Business
N/A – Business
N/A – Business
Cable
One – Both
1 Gig / 1 Gig – Both
$39.99 – Both
None – Both
DSL
Two – Both
1.5-3 Mbps / 512-768 Kbps – Both
$29.95 - $34.95 – Both
Waved – Both
Fiber
Varies – Business
Varies – Business
$693 - $10,000 – Business
Varies – Business
Wireless
One – Residential
T1-T1 – Residential
$34.95 – Residential
None – Residential
Wireless
Two – Residential
768 Kbps-1.5 Mbps / 769 Kbps – Both
$49.99 - $79.95 – Residential
Varies – Residential
$59.99 - $79.95 – Business
Varies – Business
B2X Online Wireless BridgeMAXX (Digital Bridge) Central Virginia Electric Cooperative Comcast
Fiber Embarq
$29.95 – Residential 256 Kbps / N/A – Both
One – Business
$50 $69.00 – Business
DSL GNS Networks
Wireless
HughesNet Satellite Jet Broadband
Cable
Fiber Kinex Networking Solutions nTelos
Pure Internet, Inc.
Wireless
Two – Business
Starband (by Spacenet)
Fiber
Varies – Business
Varies - Business
Varies – Business
Varies – Business
Satellite
Four – Business
1-1.5 Mbps / 128-256 Kbps – Business
$69.99 - $109.99 – Business
$299.99 - $499.99 – Business
Two – Residential
768 Kbps-3 Mbps / 128-768 Kbps – Residential
$17.99 - $29.99 – Residential
Varies – Residential
Four – Business
3-7.1 Mbps / 768 Kbps – Business
$17.99 - $39.99 – Business
Varies – Business
Three – Both
512 Kbps-1.5 Mbps / 128-256 Kbps – Both
$49.95 - $79.95 – Both
$179.95 - Both
Verizon* DSL WildBlue
Satellite
* Pricing and bandwidth data provided by broadband service providers - contact your local provider for specific price and bandwidth plans.
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
Conducted by the Region 2000 Technology Council
May 2004
Sponsored by:
-iR2K Broadband Study (Draft Report) R2KTC
By: Bill Guzek Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
Table of Contents Table of Contents......................................................................................................... ii Table of Figures .......................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................... v Executive Summary ...................................................................................................viii 1. Project Goals and Scope .........................................................................................1 2. Problem Statement – The need for speed…............................................................2 3. Approach / Methods Employed ................................................................................5 4. Broadband Internet Technologies ............................................................................6 5. Region 2000 Broadband Service Providers ...........................................................11 6. Service Areas.........................................................................................................15 7. Regional Internet Service Providers.......................................................................16 8. Region 2000 External Connectivity ........................................................................24 9. Local Government Meetings ..................................................................................33 10. Business Survey ..................................................................................................35 11. Analysis of Coverage .vs. Demand ......................................................................42 12. Broadband Policy Efforts in other Communities...................................................43 13. Grant Opportunities and Resources.....................................................................45 14. Conclusions and Recommendations...................................................................49 Appendix A - Coverage Maps Provided by Region and Technology..........................52 Appendix B - Glossary of Terms ................................................................................54 Appendix C - Survey Forms .......................................................................................60 Appendix D - References Cited..................................................................................68
-iiR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Table of Figures Fig. 1 - Bandwidth Requirements of Some Applications ..................................................2 Fig. 2 – Illustration of relative speed for various connectivity options ..............................3 Fig 3. Cable Internet System Architecture .......................................................................8 Fig 4. Illustration of several types of Internet connections ..............................................9 Fig 5. Ntelos Wireless Internet Service Area (Fall 04) ..................................................12 Fig 6. Possible future Area served by CVEC broadband over power lines ...................14 Fig 7. Contact information for Regional Broadband Internet service providers..............17 Fig 8. Broadband Internet providers in Region 2000 by Technology Offerings.............18 Fig 9. Broadband Availability and Residential Pricing...................................................20 Fig 10. Broadband Availability and Business Pricing ....................................................23 Fig 11. Statewide connectivity of Verizon (Bell Atlantic) and Sprint (GTE) CO’s ..........26 Fig 12. Overview of Net.Work.Virginia Network Diagram .............................................28 Fig 13. Overview of COVANET Network Diagram........................................................28 Fig 14. Appomattox County eCorridors Plan ................................................................29 Fig 15. Campbell County eCorridors Plan .....................................................................30 Fig 16. Bedford County eCorridors Plan .......................................................................30 Fig 17. Overview of eCorridors Southside and Southwest Fiber Design ......................31 Fig 18. Bandwidth per student in Regional High Schools .............................................34 Fig 19. Bandwidth per Student in Regional Middle Schools .........................................34 Fig 20. Breakdown of Connection types by region ......................................................38 Fig 21 - Internet impact on business Cost Centers........................................................42 Fig A.1.1 Region 2000 Overview – ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones ...........................................................................................52 Fig. A.1.2 Region 2000 Overview – Fiber Service .........................................................52 Fig. A.1.3 Region 2000 Overview – DSL Service ..........................................................52 Fig. A.1.4 Region 2000 Overview – Wireless ISP’s .......................................................52 Fig. A.1.5 Region 2000 Overview – Cable Service........................................................52 Fig. A.1.6 Region 2000 BTA License regions for LMDS Service ...................................52 Fig A.2.1 Amherst Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback.....................................................................52 Fig A.2.2 Amherst –Fiber...............................................................................................52 Fig A.2.3 Amherst – DSL ...............................................................................................52 Fig A.2.4 Amherst – WISP.............................................................................................52 Fig A.2.5 Amherst – Cable Service................................................................................52 Fig A.3.1 Appomattox -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback.....................................................................52 Fig A.3.2 Appomattox – Fiber ........................................................................................52 Fig A.3.3 Appomattox – DSL .........................................................................................52 -iiiR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Fig A.3.4 Appomattox – WISP .......................................................................................52 Fig A.3.5 Appomattox – Cable Service ..........................................................................52 Fig A.4.1 Bedford -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback ........................................................................................52 Fig A.4.2 Bedford – Fiber...............................................................................................52 Fig A.4.3 Bedford – DSL................................................................................................52 Fig A.4.4 Bedford – WISP..............................................................................................52 Fig A.4.5 Bedford – Cable Service ................................................................................52 Fig A.5.1 Bedford City -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback.....................................................................52 Fig A.5.2 Bedford City – Fiber .......................................................................................52 Fig A.5.3 Bedford City – DSL.........................................................................................53 Fig A.5.4 Bedford City – WISP ......................................................................................53 Fig A.5.5 Bedford City – Cable Service .........................................................................53 Fig A.6.1 Campbell Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback.....................................................................53 Fig A.6.2 Campbell – Fiber ............................................................................................53 Fig A.6.3 Campbell – DSL .............................................................................................53 Fig A.6.4 Campbell – WISP ...........................................................................................53 Fig A.6.5 Campbell – Cable Service..............................................................................53 Fig A.7.1 Lynchburg Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback.....................................................................53 Fig A.7.2 Lynchburg – Fiber ..........................................................................................53 Fig A.7.3 Lynchburg – DSL............................................................................................53 Fig A.7.4 Lynchburg – WISP .........................................................................................53 Fig A.7.5 Lynchburg – Cable Service ............................................................................53
-ivR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Acknowledgements The Region 2000 Technology Council would like to acknowledge the Region 2000 Economic Development partnership and the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology for their sponsorship of this work. Special Thanks goes to Lee Cobb of Region 2000 and to Dave Burtis at CIT who helped procure the funding for this project. The R2KTC Broadband Committee oversaw the work. This group of volunteers participated in the planning and review meetings that drove the scope and direction of this work. Special thanks go to the participants in the Broadband Committee that included: Anne Blair Travis Brown Scott Burger Dave Burtis Chris Chartrand Lee Cobb Britain Crooker Mike Davidson Gil Dinkins Bill Douglass Mike Goetz Bill Guzek Barbara Hartley Chris Judd Joe Kent Andrew Newton Dan Overstreet Dick Penoza Keith Polarek Dave Ramsburg David Scott Mark Sisson Craig Szczutkowski Mark Varah Robert Vaughan Kevin Warman Jonathan Whitt
Campbell County Netwave Internet Versar Inc. Center for Innovative Technology GE Capital Region 2000 EDP Fifth Order Technologies Campbell County Commlink Technologies Applied Technology Resources City of Lynchburg IPT Consulting Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce HT Communications Adelphia Business Solutions nTelos HT Communications Liberty University Innovative Wireless Technologies Adelphia Business Solutions McBratney Sisson Advertising Fifth Order Technologies Nesbe Cable CRT Staffing Region 2000 Technology Council
The following Chambers of Commerce also played a key role in helping to send out the 3300 business surveys and help arrange the town meetings that were held around the region: -vR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Amherst County Chamber of Commerce Bedford Chamber of Commerce Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Altavista Chamber of Commerce Appomattox Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center The following economic development officials were instrumental in helping to set the direction for the study as well as help arrange the meetings with the local government officials. John Spencer – Appomattox County Dennis Jarvis – Amherst County Elizabeth Berry-Mosley – Bedford City Sue Montgomery – Bedford County Mike Davidson – Campbell County Ed Miller – Lynchburg City Special thanks to Victor Clark at Central Litho for printing the 3300 business surveys that were distributed. We also gratefully acknowledge the following companies for the information that they provided in support of this project: NESBE Cable Adelphia Business Solutions Adelphia Cable, Roanoke Office Verizon Netwave Internet NTelos Project Director
Project Sponsors:
May 2004 -viR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
Disclaimer All of the information in this report was believed to be accurate (to the extent that the providers would release the data) at the time of release. It is intended to be guideline and offer some insight to the technology, variety, and availability of services in Region 2000. Economic development officials should contact the providers at the time of need for the latest information about service areas, capabilities, and costs for the most accurate information. Pricing of business service is complex and involves many variables. The survey data was based on a limited sampling of the members of the region’s chambers of commerce and was not intended to be a statistically representative sample but rather in indicative sample. 3300 surveys were distributed and 164 returned for a return rate of about 5%. Some regions had much better returns than others; this is shown in the data reported.
-viiR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Executive Summary There is a growing realization that the availability of broadband technologies is critical to the regional economy. Broadband is an accelerator of economic development. It has a pervasive impact that comes from both direct and indirect sources. At the request of the Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership, the Region 2000 Technology Council undertook this study of the Broadband Internet infrastructure in the Region 2000 area. The study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the Internet infrastructure in the region as well as the demand side of Internet usage in business, industry and government. The study did not specifically address residential use or deployment of Broadband Internet capability; however, the coverage information applies to residential use as well. The mapping gives a quite complete description of the availability of Internet services regardless of use by businesses or households. Findings •
Confirmation of the perception that there is a great disparity in high-speed access to the Internet between rural and populated areas of the region. The “digital divide” in the region has more to do with the population density rather than socio-economic divisions. High speed Internet service still costs substantially higher than cut-rate dial up services and this will likely create somewhat of a divide based on socioeconomic differences.
•
From some of the town meetings and surveys it appears that many businesses do not know about the availability of high speed internet in the area or have an idea of the impact it could have on their business. Once they switch to a high-speed service they wonder why they did not do it earlier. Part of the business survey that was conducted attempts to understand how local businesses are using the Internet.
•
Businesses in the Lynchburg area have many options for high-speed access to the Internet and appear to be adopting the technology. Businesses in Lynchburg indicated a higher usage of DSL than Dial-up for Internet access. Areas outside of the core Lynchburg area and especially in rural areas were found to have no or limited access to broadband capability and limited Internet connectivity by dial-up.
•
At least 3 independent options for high-speed Internet access via fiber are available in Lynchburg and into businesses and parks along Route 29 and -viii-
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Route 460 corridors. Availability is highly dependent on demand and willingness to pay for the bandwidth. •
There is an issue with a lack of competition for last mile connectivity for T1, fractional T1’s, leased lines, and DSL. Nearly all of the last mile connectivity comes through the local ILEC and the Wire Centers they control. Although backbone connectivity may come from other third parties; most companies will still have to go through either Verizon or Sprint (in Altavista & Brookneal) to get connected.
•
Most of the local governments have plans to use the Internet to provide better access to government services, forms, and information. However some applications like GIS and access to large documents require the constituents to have broadband Internet service to access or make use of these services.
•
The eCorridors project is being implemented in Southside VA to bring gigabit Ethernet capability to communities in the area. Three out of four Region 2000 counties (Campbell, Bedford and Appomattox) were included in the design for a fiber backbone for the area. Discussions were held and ongoing with the Virginia Tech eCorridors team about having them do a similar design for Amherst County so that the complete Region 2000 area would be covered if an effort to execute this plan were made.
•
Nearly all of the cable service in the region has or will soon be converted to 2way Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) systems allowing high-speed Internet access. The only exception is around the Smith Mountain Lake area.
•
This effort already has positive impact on the region. The airport now has free wireless Internet access courtesy of Nesbe Cable as a result of this study. Other areas around the region will soon follow. A new project to inform people and promote wireless hot spots in key areas around the region will soon be launched by the R2KTC as a spin-off of this study.
•
The state mandate that Standards of Learning tests (SOL’s) will all become computer-based could be a growing issue. School systems will have to have the internal and external network capacity to download SOL tests from administration computers, and relay information back to them. Schools which only have a T1 connection back to the administration HQ will find it increasingly difficult since this connection is used both for the school systems intranet as well as school internet traffic. Performance issues may become a major problem. School systems will have to take this into account in their planning and budgets.
-ixR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Recommendations Ø Promote the awareness of broadband connectivity in the area. This can be done by promoting broadband connectivity on the Region 2000 and R2KTC websites and having R2KTC members speak to the topic at Chamber of Commerce meetings and other business gatherings in the region. Many companies apparently still spend hours waiting for documents and e-mail to download over the phone line. This effort should also benefit the IT service companies in the region that can help small businesses set up their systems for high speed internet. The Regional Commission or other regional authority should undertake a series of Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) to raise the level of broadband awareness in the region. For example, a PSA could show local businesses how they can improve their operations, and in some cases lower communication and labor costs, by using broadband Internet services. Ø Promote an effort to get Region 2000 more involved with the projects such as the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative that are working to bring the next level of internet connectivity to the region. Actively engage the political representation in the area to help make this happen. Ø Initiate an effort to provide adequate and equal Internet access to all schools and libraries within Region 2000. We should look at a way to provide high speed (10MB or better) connections to all schools and libraries in the region. Ø Investigate ways to aggregate demand in the region and provide bandwidth at a cost that can make it commercially viable to offer high bandwidth connection to small and medium size businesses in underserved areas. This could be done in partnership with regional carriers capable of supplying Tier 1 connectivity and then selling the bandwidth to providers in rural areas at a reduced rate so that they can make a business case to provide service in the rural areas. It appears that wireless or Internet over power line will be the best choice to reach rural areas of Region 2000. Ø Put in place an effort to maintain a GIS database of regional Internet connectivity and get regular updates from area providers on expansions of existing service or new service that is offered. Collection of this information could be mandated if necessary as well as paid for by changes to the permit or franchise regulations. Ø Information on the regions right-of-ways should be collected as well to facilitate the introduction of new providers to the area.
-xR2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 1. Project Goals and Scope The purpose of this project was to provide the economic development departments in the region with an assessment of the high-speed Internet capability available in the Region 2000 area. Region 200 is the area consisting of the 4 counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell and the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford. The primary goal of this project was to discover who are the Internet providers in the region, what do they have to offer and where they offer it. The goal is to make this information easily available to the ED officials in the area so that they can quickly respond to potential prospects and to existing businesses looking to expand. This study will serve two purposes. First is to identify and catalog the broadband resources in the region with an emphasis on discovering the region’s strengths and weakness in this area. Those broadband resources will be a combination of fiber, wireless, cable, and digital subscriber line providers. The second is to suggest solutions to the problem areas as well as how the region should proceed to implement the suggested solutions. This information is critical to the region’s economic developers. Project goals The project seeks to provide answers to the following questions: • Where is fiber and last-mile broadband access currently available? • Who are our current broadband providers (will include all technologies), what services do they offer, to whom is it offered, and what are the costs? • What are the steps to hook up to fiber and what are the costs? • What is the state of redundancy in the region? • Where are the Internet Service Provider’s Points of Presence (POP’s) located in relation to the region’s Industrial Parks? • Who is currently using broadband in the region? • What are the differences between the carriers? • Would businesses use broadband if it was available and what would they be willing to pay? (Focus on Commercial & Industrial Development) • Who could provide broadband to underserved communities within the region in the short term (1 to 2 years) and in the long term (3-5 years)? (What would the technologies be that deliver the service) • What does having broadband availability mean to individuals, businesses, and local government? • What can broadband do for communities in terms of quality of life, economic development, healthcare, and education? • In targeted areas (heavy commercial and industrial) not served by fiber or wireless, what must be done to get service? • Where should existing broadband service be upgraded and why? -1R2K Broadband Study (Draft Report) R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 2. Problem Statement – The need for speed… Access to the Internet and the interconnection of businesses, partners and communities has become an area of increasingly close attention. Communities have realized that the availability of high-speed Internet service is as valuable as any of the other utilities like water, electricity, workforce, and land. High-speed Internet service has become an important utility for communities seeking to bring in new or grow existing businesses. Broadband is an accelerator of economic development. They are finding that they need to do this not only to remain competitive and catch up but also to keep up as other communities continue to raise the bar for service speed and availability. New applications like Telemedicine, Voice over IP, Video on demand and network gaming will keep driving the demand for higher speed network connections. As use of the Internet increases so will the sophistication of the applications and the demand for bandwidth. The table below lists some of these applications and the bandwidth required to implement them at a minimum usable rate and the desired ideal bandwidth needed for full realization of the capability. Application
Minimum Bandwidth
Ideal Bandwidth
Teleworking Videoconferencing E-Learning Telemedicine Video Telephony Near video on demand Movies on Demand Audio on Demand Telegaming Home Shopping Electronic Newspapers Digital Television
110 kbps 110 kbps 110 kbps 110 kbps 70 kbps 1 Mbps 1 Mbps 110 kbps 40 kbps 40 kbps 40 Kbps 1 Mbps
1.5 - 7 Mbps 800 kbps 1.5 - 7 Mbps 1.5 -100 Mbps 200 kbps 1.5 - 7 Mbps 1.5 - 7 Mbps 700 kbps 1.5 - 7 Mbps 1.5 - 7 Mbps 2 Mbps 7 Mbps 1
Fig. 1 - Bandwidth Requirements of Some Applications
One of the key things to notice is that for half of these applications dial-up is no longer an adequate technology based on the minimum bandwidth needs. Satellite, Cable, DSL and a T1 connection only meet the low end of the ideal bandwidth needed for nearly all of the applications. Applications such as these will continue to drive a demand for higher data speeds.
1
Source: Canadian Broadband Task Force, per http://www.lonestarbroadband.org/ -2-
R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study A few of the myriad of applications that will drive the need for more bandwidth are highlighted below: Telemedicine Telemedicine refers not only to making remote diagnosis of patients conditions via voice video and data but of also the impact of doctors to connect to hospitals, patients to get access to information or purchase drugs and medical supplies online. Broadband technology is allowing doctors to view and send medical images quickly and securely. This can be especially helpful in rural areas but is also a valuable time saver in urban areas. It would allow a doctor to review medical information while away from the office and to respond to a critical case. Having patients go to local rural medical centers and still receive treatment from specialists located in urban hospitals could reduce transportation costs and discomfort. Electronic monitoring of patients may allow medical facilities to work closely with assisted-living facilities. Using remote video families could even monitor and communicate with their loved ones in assisted living facilities. One might consider how long it would take to transfer a typical set of eight x-rays to a doctor’s office cross country (about 8 Gigabytes) based on the chart in Figure 2.
Fig. 2 – Illustration of relative speed for various connectivity options
Teleworking Teleworking is not just working from home, but the ability to work from remote locations or while traveling. It is the concept of a virtual office, and can save companies significant amounts of time and expense. It allows people more time working and less time spent commuting to/from work. This is true for rural remote areas as well as for congested urban areas. It can reduce the amount of travel -3R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study needed to attend face-to-face meetings, allow employees to collaborate on projects, and maximize the efficiency of scarce professional resources. E-Government Government is basically a service business serving the citizens of the community. E-government facilitated by broadband allows more convenient interaction with government. Phone calls and visits to government offices can be replaced with electronic self-service interfaces. These can also be made accessible on a 24-hour basis helping those that work long hours or night shifts as well as elderly and other people with mobility problems. Examples of such services are fining for financial aide, applying for licenses, permits, and other government programs. Broadband can help governments save money by better managing task flow and also automating internal processes as well. It can save money on mailing, printing and handling costs. Agriculture Broadband can provide several benefits to the agricultural sector. It can play an important role in bringing the farmers and their markets together more quickly and efficiently. Studies in Canada suggest it can reduce the cost of bringing calves to market from CA$11 a head to CA$4 a head. Services such as Agri ImaGIS networks are transmitting satellite imagery by wireless broadband to farmers, soil scientists and conservationists. The images provide weather and soil condition information. The USDA is working to make its programs accessible via the Internet to save farmers time and effort in obtaining and submitting forms and reports. The 2002 Farm Bill stated that the RUS should provide loans and loan guarantees for broadband services in eligible rural areas. Distance Learning Distance learning is one of the most heavily promoted applications of broadband. There are major initiatives at the community college level to convert more of the courses to be available in an on-line format. Broadband enables students from any geographic location to take advantage of educational institutions. It allows them to see and interact with professors in real time. Locally it was used to teach a Spanish class at the Altavista Center from the main campus that would have otherwise been canceled due to low enrollment. By combining those students remotely with the main CVCC campus it was able to run. The Center for Advanced Engineering uses broadband technology extensively to bring graduate level technical education for engineers and MBA students from UVA, ODU and VT to the CAE site on the CVCC campus. Public Safety Broadband technology can serve several public safety roles. Remote monitoring of critical infrastructure, borders, and airports has become increasingly important since September 11, 2001. With a wireless broadband connection, large data -4R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study and image files can be quickly transferred allowing rapid distribution of photographs, building plans, and fingerprints. Video information and reports can make mobile units and first responders more effective. It will allow command centers to receive full motion videos from mobile units to help them make more effective decisions and provide remote backup. Teleconferencing and using voice over IP or Radio-over-IP technology with other agencies in times of natural or manmade disasters help relieve interoperability issues between them. The Telecommunications Industry Association and European Telecommunications Standards Institute have created project MESA2 (Mobility for Emergency and Safety Applications) to develop standards for public-safety oriented broadband communications. Tourism Tourism can be enhanced by using broadband to allow visitors to get a flavor of the region by taking virtual tours enhanced by online videos, web cams and interactive websites. Tourism agencies can put small snippets of tours of key historic landmarks online while an audio track entices them to come and visit in person to see more. Major sporting and social events can also be web cast or archived for playback later to accommodate differences in time zones for those that cannot view them in real-time. With broadband, the tourist web sites can be linked into other related sites like live hotel reservations, a tourist center help desk or ticket sales agents allowing a potential visitor to talk to a live person right from their PC.
3. Approach / Methods Employed The project was carried out by the Region 2000 Technology Council at the request by the Region2000 Economic Development Partnership. A Broadband Study Group was formed to work out a statement of work and deliverables. The committee selected the project leader and met on several occasions to get updates at each phase and to make recommendations based on the information gathered. Execution of the project was accomplished in three main phases. The first phase was to collect the data from the service providers that serve the region. Service providers were asked to provide detailed information about the coverage area they served. This data was then overlaid on a map of the region. Each distribution technology and provider is identified as a layer in the Geographic Information System (GIS). These layers collectively illustrate the total access to broadband Internet capability in the region. 2
See http://www.projectmesa.org -5-
R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Data from the providers was collected including contact information, types of service offered, speed of each type and the cost of using and installing the service. Exact figures on this were not always easy to obtain. Where possible face-to-face meetings were arranged with company representatives. Several of the area providers also participated in the Broadband Study Group and the Technology Council encouraged their active participation. The second phase was designed to answer the questions of who needed broadband Internet service? Where did they need it? What did they need it for and how did they justify the cost? A survey was developed, based on surveys done in other communities and on the CSPP (Community Systems Policy Project) assessment that was completed in the region in 2002. In partnership with all of the chambers of commerce in the region, the surveys were sent out in the monthly mailings to chamber members as well or in special mailings to the chamber’s membership. As part of the second phase, meetings were also held with local government IT, school and economic development leaders. The purpose of these meetings was to gather information on the network capabilities of the local governments and their initiatives to make local government electronically accessible. By talking to this diverse group of people we could get a good idea of the breadth of capabilities that the government had as well as what was needed by constituents of the government to interact with it. Finally in the third phase data supplied by the providers was mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to graphically illustrate the availability of different types of service and how industrial sites, economic corridors and The results of the business surveys were also plotted to pinpoint areas of the region where there was demand but was insufficient service. All of this data and information was presented to the broadband committee for them to generate a list of recommendations for future actions. The result of which is this final report.
4. Broadband Internet Technologies Broadband Internet connectivity is delivered by a variety of technologies. Different technologies are suited to different uses and the technology choice usually is determined by the capacity needed or the geographic availability of the service. The technologies found in Region 2000 are described in the sections below as background information.
DSL xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) allows high speed connectivity over standard telephone lines. The advantage is that no additional wires need to be run to the customer. Download speeds are typically 500 Kb/s. Most users of Verizon’s DSL -6R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
Copyright 2004 IPT Consulting
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study modems in the region appear to be getting about 768Kbps. DSL sends a modulated signal over the regular copper wiring going into and office or business. DSL signals and telephone signals can coexist on the same wire; usually no rewiring is needed to receive DSL. Some types of DSL use a filter to help provide better separation of voice and data signals. ADSL is similar to Cable Internet in that it is asymmetric; the download speed is faster than the upload speed.
Wireless Internet Typical wireless Internet service is a point to multipoint system. That is, there is one tower that simultaneously broadcasts and receives signals from a number of base stations at fixed locations. In many cases these systems operate in the unlicensed band at 2.4Ghz or 5.2 GHz. They may also operate at other licensed frequencies as well. The systems at these frequencies usually have to operate as Line-of-sight systems; this means that there has to be a direct visual path from the tower to the customer site. Some wireless ISP’s have started to introduce systems that operate in the 900Mhz band. These can be used in non-line-of sight situations; however the drawback of this flexibility is typically lower data rates. The service providers are commonly referred to as WISP’s, for Wireless Internet Service Provider. Most commercial services use one or more of three wireless technologies, LMDS, MMDS, or Unlicensed (802.11a,b,e g).
Cable Modem Cable modem service is a method of providing broadband Internet access over a Cable System Hybrid Fiber Coax network. Basically the system uses Fiber optic lines to get into a neighborhood and then converts the fiber signals to a system of copper coaxial cable that distributes the signal into the houses in the neighborhood. A cable system using the DOCSIS 1.0 system enables a standard 6 MHz TV channel to distribute up to 27 Mbps of shared bandwidth to between 200 and 2000 users. Customers of the cable system typically get 1mb/s service or better depending on the number of simultaneous users on the system. In response to recent competition from DSL suppliers, some cable companies are increasing their customer bandwidth up to 3Mbs but keeping the price the same. Cable systems are asymmetric, that is, the download (downstream) speed is higher than the upload speed (upstream). Cable systems typically set the upstream speed to 256Kbps. The following figure shows the basic architecture of a cable Internet system.
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Fig 3. Cable Internet System Architecture
Fiber Fiber optic systems convert data streams into coded laser light that is transmitted through glass fibers to a receiving unit. Because of its higher bandwidth and higher cost, fiber optic cable has typically been used to provide high-speed connections to businesses. Residential last mile systems known as FTTH (fiber to the home) and FTTC (fiber to the curb) refer to bringing high-speed bandwidth to the home. In nearly all cases in the region fiber is used to provide high bandwidth connections to businesses or government organizations. There are currently no known deployments of FTTH in Region 2000. A few fiber carriers do however operate and have local connections available in the region. A fiber cable typically contains several strands of fiber. Typically when the fiber is deployed providers will only use a portion of the total fibers in the cable. The fiber that is not “lit up” with a laser is referred to as “dark fiber”. The dark fiber is used as spares for damaged fibers or to provide future additional capacity. Fiber is usually deployed where DS-3 or better bandwidth is needed. Most providers will describe the data handling capacity of their fiber as OC-1, OC-3, OC-12, up to OC-192 and by the number of strands a fiber link has.
Frame Relay Frame relay or leased lines refers to the use of data circuits from a service provider. The providers (carrier) usually sell the service as switched virtual circuits between two or more sites. When you link your sites with frame relay you basically create a virtual private network (VPN). A carrier programs virtual circuits into the network between your sites and charges for a specific level of service.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study The service can range from 56kbps up to T-3 speeds (45Mbps) A leased line is usually required between your site and the carriers frame-relay access point. A frame relay access device is a router type device that is installed at the customer’s site. It connects over the leased line to an edge switch on the carrier’s frame-relay network, which is usually the nearest wire center. A connection is set up electronically each time a request to send data occurs. Permanent virtual circuits can also be created for the customer as preprogrammed connections as a path through the network. It does not need to be set up or torn down for each session.
DSL Fiber/ Frame-Relay
LMDS
WISP
Fig 4. Illustration of several types of Internet connections3
Satellite Satellite Internet is available nearly country wide except in a few areas where there is no good exposure to the (usually southern) sky. In many rural areas of the region it is currently the only choice for a broadband internet connection. The 3
Ref: Dragonwave whitepaper DWI-PAP-002 www.dragonwave.com with edits -9-
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study satellite hub is connected to the internet and transmits this to the satellite, the satellite acts as a repeater and retransmits the data stream to the customers receiver. The received signal is converted back to a standard Ethernet signal by a Satellite Internet Modem. The receiving dish is about 2-3 feet wide, slightly larger than a satellite TV dish. Directway and Starband are the leading providers of satellite service in the area. Typically a user can expect data rates of about 400-700 kbps download and 50-100 kbps upload. Service must be installed by a licensed technician and the initial cost is usually high compared to cable or DSL. Satellite systems can be subject to poor performance in heavy rain, snow and fog due to rain fade. Satellite Internet systems also have some latency because of the distance the signal has to travel. This is not a problem for web surfing, e-mail, and basic web applications. The connection is less suitable for interactive uses such as online gaming, VoIP, or other latency sensitive applications. Several companies offer combined satellite Internet and TV service.
Broadband over Power-Line - BPL A relatively new technology being deployed is the use of power lines to distribute Internet data. The power company connects the Internet switchgear at the local substation. The Internet data travels over the power lines to houses and businesses it supplies power to. A special power line modem is used to extract the Internet signals from the power line and safely feed these into the home or business network. The technology is based on the industry HomePlug standard. The technology is advertised as capable of delivering up to 500 kbps over standard power lines. One advantage is that nearly any power outlet in the house can be used to plug into the service (Commercial buildings may have some restriction due to power conditioning equipment). Residential and commercial services are being initiated in several pilot locations. Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is running trials of the service and could offer service in Amherst and Appomattox counties in the near future.
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5. Region 2000 Broadband Service Providers Survey of Regional Providers The following sections list providers in Region 2000 and information about their service areas and upcoming plans. Adelphia Cable Adelphia cable provides TV, digital TV and Internet service. The Internet service is sold as their Powerlink service. They serve western Bedford County the city of Lynchburg, Areas of Amherst County near Lynchburg including Madison Heights and the town of Amherst. All of these areas are believed to have 2-way cable modem service capable of providing Internet service with cable modems. Adelphia also has one-way cable service on the north side of Smith Mountain Lake that is not equipped for cable Internet service. Adelphia Cable will soon be renamed as part of the restructuring of the Adelphia company. Adelphia Business Solutions Adelphia Business Systems provides high-speed Internet service over fiber service provides. They have an extensive redundant fiber loop system within the city of Lynchburg. Their long haul connections are north to Adelphia offers T1 up to OC-12 service. They have recently reactivated a sales office in downtown Lynchburg. Adelphia offers Internet service bundled with voice services as well. Adelphia Business Solutions will also soon be changing its name as part of Adelphia’s business restructuring. Adelphia also provides long-haul fiber into and out of the region to tier one networks. EZtel EZTel has announced it will offer wireless Internet service in the Brookneal area. The current extent of the service is unknown. They plan to do this in partnership with the BTP group a northern Virginia wireless ISP development company. Nesbe Cable Nesbe Offers cable internet as well as TV and digital TV service in northwestern Bedford county, parts of Campbell County and the town of Appomattox. The majority of their systems have been converted to 2-way cable to support its internet service. Nesbe expects to have all of its system internet enabled by the end of 2004. Netwave Netwave was one of the first wireless Internet providers in the Lynchburg area. They are also currently the largest WISP in the region. They have been in operation about 6 years and currently have towers located on No Business, -11R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Tobacco Row, and Candlers, mountains as well as some smaller mini cells covering various Lynchburg locations. They have recently added coverage from Long Mountain near Rustburg. They have recently merged with C3I Technologies. C3I is building out an extensive broadband wireless backbone system across Virginia. Netwave will be providing last mile connectivity in rural areas via this backbone. Netwave is working with C3I to implement wireless broadband coverage in the Appomattox area and later to other areas. They offer business and residential services as well as service to rural municipalities and schools. The majority of the coverage is line of sight, however they are starting to build out a non-line of sight system to complement the current coverage. NTelos NTelos is based out of Waynesboro, VA. Several years ago they purchased the Lynchburg fiber optic system when Lynchburg was forced to sell the system by the state. NTelos provides service and support for the fiber system as well as providing Internet service to businesses, schools, and Lynchburg government facilities. NTelos also provides DSL service out of four central offices in Lynchburg.
Fig 5. Ntelos Wireless Internet Service Area (Fall 04)
Starting in September they will be introducing wireless broadband service in Lynchburg and surrounding suburban area shown in Fig 5. NTelos sells cellular service in the region in addition to its Internet services. They offer broadband -12R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study commercial Internet service bundled with voice services as well. NTelos also provides long-haul high bandwidth fiber connectivity in and out of the region. Verizon Verizon is the ILEC for the majority of Region 2000 except for the AltaVista and Brookneal areas. All of the primary Central Offices belong to Verizon. They offer fiber and leased line services. In addition, they provide DSL from about half of the wire centers. They have also started the installation of outpost DSL equipment in some of the suburban areas to extend their DSL coverage out beyond the 18,000 foot limitation from the CO’s. Because they are the ILEC and own the CO’s (wire centers) most of the last mile wired leased line and DSL capability in the region has to go through them. Sprint Sprint is the ILEC in the Altavista and Brookneal area and owns the wire centers there. The also provide leased line and long haul Fiber and Internet backbone service for business customers in the region. They are also the backbone service provider through Network Virginia. Sprint offers DSL service in the Altavista area. They also offer cellular service in the Region 2000 area. Pure Internet Pure was brought in by Campbell County after a study found they had no good alternatives for providing high speed broadband to the town of Brookneal. Campbell County solicited bids for an Internet service provider for Brookneal and Pure Internet won the bid. They offer wireless Internet to homes and businesses in the immediate Brookneal area. Pure Internet also serves several rural areas outside of Region 2000. Central Virginia Electrical Co-op In a press release from April 5, 2004 they announced starting trials of their Internet over Power Line service starting with Colleen, Martins Store, and Piney River Substations. They have electric customers in Amherst and Appomattox counties where BPL could be offered in the future. The entire service area that could be served is shown in the shaded area in Fig. 6 below. Tradewinds (D-Tel) Is working on the development of a mesh-network LMDS system for Broadband Internet service. They have an agreement for use of the LMDS licenses owned by Virginia Tech. The license area (BTA) owned by VT includes Bedford County. The remainder of Region 2000 is in another BTA. The licenses in this BTA are owned by Adelphia and NTelos. Tradewinds is currently running trials on the system in Salem, VA and has not announced plans yet to scale up the system.
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Fig 6. Possible future Area served by CVEC broadband over power lines
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 6. Service Areas The maps in Appendix A show the service areas provided by the various providers. There is a map series for each Region 2000 county and city. The maps also show the service areas by type of service provided. Each type of Internet technology is represented by a layer set on the map. Within this layer set the various service providers deploying that technology are shown. There is one regional set of maps and then more detailed maps of each individual county and city in Region 2000. Hyperlinks from Appendix A will bring up the selected map file. Cable service areas are shown as a 200 ft buffer on either side of the roads they serve. Service beyond the 200 ft. will require additional installation fees. DSL service is shown as a region around the central office that is enabled to provide DSL service. DSL is typically available within 18000 feet of the CO. This is illustrated as three concentric bands 6000 feet apart. Service has a higher probability of being available the closer to the CO that you are. Wireless Internet service is also estimated by a series of concentric rings. The service area is the shaded area around the tower. It is broken down into 2 levels to show areas of good service and areas of marginal service or where high gain antennas might be needed. The estimated range does not take into account topography of the region. The available local fiber routes are shown as a 100-foot buffer on either side of the route they travel. Connections to the fiber will have extra cost if it is needed father away from the mainline than this. Pricing of connectivity is complex and heavily dependent on the service bundle and bandwidth being purchased. Fiber is indicated as long-haul and local. Long haul fiber may not be available to service areas along its route unless a customer with high demand (OC-3 or better) requires it. Industrial parks along the long haul route may not be served by it unless and until there is enough demand in the park. Economic corridors are those areas that have a high concentration of shops or businesses along them they are highlighted as yellow buffers along the main roads through the corridor. Industrial parks are highlighted as red areas and are scattered in various parts of Region 2000. Industrial areas and parks overlaid with green are the current or proposed Technology Zones in the region. Survey results are also mapped to the location of the companies that responded to the surveys. They type of answer is highlighted in different icons or colors. Technology council members are also located on the map to show the types of service available to our members. -15R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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7. Regional Internet Service Providers The following tables show the Internet service providers in the area, the type of service they provide and contact information. In addition the tables also show pricing where that data could be obtained. Pricing of service greater than a T1 is a parameter of the length of contract, bandwidth required, bundling with voice services and other variables.
Regional Broadband Internet Service Providers – Contact Information Company Adelphia Business Solutions Adelphia Cable AT&T Central VA Electric Coop Charter Communications Directway Nesbe Netwave Ntelos Pure Internet
Contact Name
434-316-1015 888 233 5638 800 248-3632 434-263-7627 540 586 5300 866-556-9662 434-821-7110 434-366-0656 434-401-0004 434-517-0033 800 877 2000 Sprint Cust Svc 800 387-7070 business Starband Cust Svc 800-4STARBAND US Cellular Cust Svc 434 455 2355 Verizon (large accts.) Sally Seagraves 540-265-5055 Verizon (small business) Sandi Sturgeon 540-887-9924 Verizon (local government) Fred Walters 540-265-5064 4
Andrew Newton Cust Svc. Cust Svc. Greg Kelly Matt Favre Cust Svc. Robert Vaughan Susan Clark Dan Overstreet Kelly Shaw
Phone
E-mail
Service type4
[email protected] Fi, FR Ca Fi,FR BPL
[email protected] [email protected] Cable Sat
[email protected] Ca
[email protected] W
[email protected] Fi,FR,D
[email protected] W Fi,FR,D Sat Cell
Fi,FR,D
web address http://www.adelphia.com/business_ solutions/ www.adelphia.com www.att.com www.forcvec.com www.charter.com www.directtv.directway.com www.nesbeonline.com www.netwaveinternet.com www.ntelos.net www.pure.net www.sprint.com http://smallbusiness.sprint..com www.starband.com
www.verizon.com
Service Type: Fi –Fiber, FR – Frame Relay, D – xDSL, Ca – Cable, LMDS- LMDS, W - Wireless
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Regional Broadband Internet Service Providers – Contact Information Company Tradewinds (D-Tel) EZTel MCI (COVANET)
Contact Name Phone Dan Draughn 540-562-0104 Customer Svc. 434-376-1096
E-mail
[email protected] [email protected]
Service 4 type web address W www.dtel.com W Fi,FR www.mci.com
Fig 7. Contact information for Regional Broadband Internet service providers
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DSL
Technology >
Cable
Fiber
Frame-Relay
X
X
X ?
X
Wireless
Power-line (BPL)
Satellite
2/3G Cellular
Providers v Adelphia Cable Adelphia Business Solutions AT&T Charter Communications CVEC Directway EZTel Netwave Internet Nesbe Cable nTelos Sprint Pure Internet Starband Nextel Verizon
X
X
X X X X X X X
X
X X
Sep 04
X X
X X X
X
X
X X
Fig 8. Broadband Internet providers in Region 2000 by Technology Offerings
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Provider
Technology
Adelphia Cable
Cable
Region 2000 Broadband Internet – Residential Service Installation Monthly Trade name Download Upload Cost Fee Speed Speed Self/Pro 5
$0 /$49.95 $0/$49.95
$49.95 $79.95
Charter Communications Directway EZ Tel
Cable
$0/$49.95
39.95
Satellite Wireless
$600-700 $250
$59.99 $29.95
Nesbe
Cable
$0
Netwave
Wireless
$99
Ntelos
DSL
$50
Ntelos
Wireless
$49.95
$29.95 $39.996 $79.95 $79.95 $29.95 $49.95 $44.957 $49.95 $59.95 $79.95 $69.958
Pure Internet
Wireless
$299.999
Sprint
DSL
0
$29.95 $99.95 $41.95
Powerlink Powerlink Premier
Charter HighSpeed Directway
Residential Lite Residential Residential Ultra Residential Ultra WirelessDSL
Portable Broadband WirelessDSL Earthlink
Current General Availability (See maps in Appendix A for details)
1.5Mbps 4Mbps
256Kbps 512Kbps
3Mbps
256Kbps
Lynchburg, Madison Hts., Amherst, Montvale parts of western Bedford Co. Bedford City
400kbps Up to 1.5mbps 128Kbps 500Kbps 1Mbps 3Mbps (fall04) 256kpbs 384kbps 384Kbps 512Kbps 728Kbps 1.5Mbps Up to 1.5Mbps 768kbps 1.5Mbps Up to 3Mbps
40kbps ?
Entire region Brookneal (late 04?)
128Kbps 256Kpbs 500Kbps 500Kbps 256kpbs 384kbps 384Kbps 512Kbps 768Kbps 384Kbps 550Kbps
Forest, Eastern Bedford Co. Western Campbell County, Town of Appomattox
768kbps 1.5Mbps 384kbps
Lynchburg, Forest, Rustburg Appomattox (late 04) Lynchburg Area
Lynchburg area (Sep 04) Brookneal Altavista area
5
$0 for self install; $49.95 for professional installation. Price with existing cable service, add $12.95 if not currently a cable TV customer 7 12 month contract price. 8 Month to Month price; 1 year contract $59.95; 2 year contract $49.95 9 Payable as monthly fee over 12 or 24 month term. 6
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Provider
Technology
Starband Verizon
Satellite DSL
Region 2000 Broadband Internet – Residential Service Installation Monthly Trade name Download Upload Cost Fee Speed Speed Self/Pro $499 $0/
69/59/49 $29.99
Starband Residential
500kbps 1.5Mbps/ 10 768 kbps
50Kbps 128kbps
Current General Availability (See maps in Appendix A for details)
Entire region Lynchburg, Forest, Bedford City, Montvale,
Fig 9. Broadband Availability and Residential Pricing
10
Customers provisioned within 12,000 ft. of CO 1.5mbps; 768Kbps elsewhere
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Provider
Region 2000 Broadband Internet – Business Service Technology Installation Monthly Trade name Download Upload Cost Fee Speed Speed Self/Pro
Adelphia Cable
Cable
Powerlink Powerlink Premier
Adelphia Business Solutions
FrameRelay/Fiber
variable
Charter Communications Nesbe
Cable
$0/$49.95
Ntelos
DSL
Ntelos
Wireless
Ntelos
Frame-Relay / Fiber
11
Cable
Varies with bandwidth and bundled services 39.95 $79.95 $99.95 $199.95
$49.95
$69.9511
Charter HighSpeed Commercial 128 Commercial 500 Commercial 1000
Portable Broadband
Varies with bandwidth and bundled services
1.5Mbps 4Mbps
256Kbps 512Kbps
Fractional T1 to OC-x
Fractional T1 to OC-x
3Mbps
256Kbps
128kbps 500kbps 1024kbps
56Kbps 256Kpbs 500Kbps
384Kbps 512Kbps 728Kbps 1.5Mbps Up to 1.5Mbps
384Kbps 512Kbps 768Kbps 384Kbps 550Kbps
Fractional T1 to OC-x
Fractional T1 to OC-x
Current General Availability (See maps in Appendix A for details)
Lynchburg, Madison Hts, Amherst, Montvale parts of western Bedford Co. Direct connections in Lynchburg City area, Frame services via CO’s
Bedford City and immediate area Forest, Eastern Bedford Co. Western Campbell County, Town of Appomattox Lynchburg Area
Lynchburg area (Sep 04) Lynchburg City area
Month to Month price; 1 year contract $59.95; 2 year contract $49.95
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Provider
Region 2000 Broadband Internet – Business Service Technology Installation Monthly Trade name Download Upload Cost Fee Speed Speed Self/Pro
Netwave
Wireless
$399
Verizon
DSL
$84
Verizon
SHDSL
$60
Verizon
Frame-Relay /Fiber
Variable
Sprint
ADSL
$150
$69.95 $99.95 $149.95 $199.95 $249.95 12 $59.95 $79.95 $129.95 $204.95
WirelessDSL
$149.9515 $179.95 $249.95 $299.95 $369.95 Varies with bandwidth and bundled services $164.9916 $174.99 $99.99 $74.99 $44.99
Business SHDHL
Flexible Lan
128kbps 256kbps 384kbps 512kbps 768kbps 128kbps 384kbps 768kpbps 768kbps
128kbps 256kbps 384kbps 512kbps 768kbps Up to 13 1.5Mbps 384kbps 768kbps 7.1Mbps14 192kbps 384Kbps 768Kbps 1.1Mbps 1.5Mbps Up to 1Gbps
192kbps 384Kbps 768Kbps 1.1Mbps 1.5Mbps Up to 1Gbps
640kbps 3Mbps 1.5Mbps 1.5Mbps 512kbps
640kpbs 512kbps 384Mbps 256kbps 128kbps
Current General Availability (See maps in Appendix A for details)
Lynchburg, Forest, Boonsboro, Madison Hts.. Appomattox (fall 04) Lynchburg, Forest, Bedford, Montvale?,
Lynchburg area
Near Verizon wire centers and fiber routes
Altavista area
12
1-yr contract required for this pricing, dynamic IP address; $20-$30 more for static IP Customers within 12,000 ft of CO provisioned with 1.5Mbps, 768kbps elsewhere. 14 Requires customer to be within 12,000 ft of CO. 15 1-yr contract required for this pricing, one static IP address provided 16 1-yr contract pricing, Static IP extra 13
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Region 2000 Broadband Internet – Business Service Technology Installation Monthly Trade name Download Upload Cost Fee Speed Speed Self/Pro
Sprint
FrameRelay/Fiber
variable
Pure Internet
Wireless
299.95
Directway Starband
Satellite Satellite
EZ Tel
Wireless
$600-700 $80018 $900 $250
17
Varies with bandwidth and bundled services $29.95 $129.95 $59.99 $130/1 yr $150/1 yr $29.95
Directway Small Office 360 Small Office 480
Current General Availability (See maps in Appendix A for details)
Fractional T1 to OC-x
Fractional T1 to OC-x
Altavista/ Brookneal
768kbps 1.5mbps
768kbps 1.5mbps
Brookneal
400kbps 500-790kbps up to 1Mbps Up to 1.5Mbps
40kbps 40-80Kbps 120kbps ?
Entire region Entire region Brookneal (late 04)
Fig 10. Broadband Availability and Business Pricing
17 18
Payable over 12-24 months as part of monthly fee. SO 360 installation $500 with 2 or 3 year contract; SO480 installation $600 with 2 or 3 year contract
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8. Region 2000 External Connectivity Although much of the study is devoted to the identification of “Last Mile” connectivity it is important to consider how the region is connected to the rest of the country. For businesses it is critical that there be more than one connection to the networks outside the region in case a connection is interrupted by a natural or man-made disturbance (like “backhoe fade”). Only direct connections to Adelphia Business Systems, NTelos fiber networks, and wireless ISP’s (not using Verizon as a backbone) will provide independent connectivity out of the region bypassing the ILEC. Several carriers exist or have potential to bring Internet connectivity into Region 2000. The paragraphs below discuss the alternatives currently available or possible near term solutions for the region. Adelphia Business Solutions connects its local fiber network to areas north through Charlottesville and south through Danville. These connections are part of a larger loop that provides redundancy in the region. The larger loop in VA consists of Danville to Martinsville to Roanoke to Winchester. The northern route connects to Charlottesville and then to Dulles and Winchester. The service is currently deployed in the region. The map in appendix A.4.3 shows both the long haul and local fiber routes available from Adelphia. Verizon has fiber connectivity to all switching centers. SONET rings connect the switching centers. Fiber is also used to connect the switching centers to the mini switches in suburban areas. Since Verizon is the ILEC for the area most connectivity through the region is established through Verizon equipment. Third party equipment used to establish a Point of Presence (POP) is usually colocated in a Verizon Central Office. AT&T offers long haul fiber high capacity fiber and T1-T3 frame–relay service through a POP collocated in the Verizon downtown Lynchburg Central Office. There is a possibility that AT&T will relocate its POP to someplace farther south in VA. Connectivity to AT&T would most likely be through the ILEC central offices. Sprint is the ILEC in the Altavista and Brookneal but also has an extensive fiber network in Virginia and much of the US with connections to tier one Internet providers in Northern Virginia and the Richmond area. Connection to Sprint is through the Verizon CO in Lynchburg or via Verizon leased lines to a Sprint POP. Pittsylvania County School System has its own broadband wireless backbone system linking all of the schools. They are looking at connecting their system to a high bandwidth tier one Internet provider in North Carolina. They may have -24R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study excess capacity and bandwidth so that they could serve as a wholesale provider of high bandwidth service (50-60Mbps) This would require setting up a tower in Campbell or Appomattox county to connect to the wireless backbone Pittsylvania has. Such an arrangement would require approval from the school board as well as the Region 2000 municipality planning to work with them. nTelos provides long haul fiber connectivity north through Charlottesville, south through Danville and west through Roanoke. These long haul connections are shown in the diagram below. Access to the nTelos network is through their local fiber network and through ILEC CO’s.
Willtel Offers high bandwidth Internet connectivity via fiber via local ILEC CO’s.
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Fig 11. Statewide connectivity of Verizon (Bell Atlantic) and Sprint (GTE) CO’s -26R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Bandwidth Aggregation Plans VITA (www.vita.virginia.gov) The Virginia Information Technology Agency assists schools and local governments with obtaining discounted Internet and network connectivity from various carriers. They also help Virginia schools apply for and get e-Rate discounted service from the Universal service program. Under the current license agreement COVANET allows schools to get up to a 90% discount (thru e-rate) on telecommunications services. VITA also monitors that the carriers are fulfilling contract terms and Service Level Agreements. e-Rate E-Rate is a program of the federal Universal Service Program to bring affordable Internet connectivity to local schools libraries to purchase telecommunications services at a discount (up to 90%) in three service categories, Telecommunications, Internet Access and Internal networks. E-Rate discounts depend on whether a school is in an urban or rural area and uses the number of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program as an indication of need. (contact: www.vita.virginia.gov) Network Virginia (www.networkvirginia.net) Network Virginia was formed to aggregate demand for data services and high bandwidth Internet connectivity across the state. It was set up to help the colleges, governments, and school systems reduce the cost of their data connections as well as provide a mechanism to provide virtual networks for these groups. Businesses can also become members of Network VA. They negotiate terms and conditions of service level agreements as well as rates to get to the Internet backbone for Internet and Wide Area connectivity. Contracts are usually required for the backbone provider selected by network Virginia as well as the local provider to get the local connection. There are approximately 40 customers for Network VA in the region 2000 area. It is used by the local colleges such as CVCC, Sweet Briar, Randolph Macon, and Lynchburg College. Basically it leverages the group buying power of a large number of Internet access customers.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study vBNS Internet2
ESnet
Internet
Net.Work.Virginia Architecture Backbone / Gateways
2xOC3
SprintLink Router 2x Sprint WTN OC3
OC3
OC3
Sprint RIC
OC3 Sprint ROA
Lynchburg
jmc 1/3/97
Fig 12. Overview of Net.Work.Virginia Network Diagram19
COVANET (www.covanet.state.va.us) is the next generation Net.Work Virginia . It offers an advanced statewide network providing advanced communications services to state agencies, local and city governments, public universities and schools. VITA entered into an agreement with MCI in November 2003 for a four-year contract to provide integrated voice and data communications network services.
COVANET
D S F G M oA rg d ile a G d o ileC F rg a M T E D S M S A M T E D N F o lS G d u y p N F O a s tie C O o G ts y p u S ile a F d
D S o G F M a rgC d ile S A M T E D d p o u S G F a ltye is N O
Commonwealth of Virginia
UUNET
B- S TD X 9 0 0
B S - T DX9 0 0
B -T SDX9 0 0
CBX 500 B-STDX 9000 Washington
B-STDX 9000
OC-12
D S o G F M a rgC d ile S A M T E D p u S ltyF a s N O d o G ie
D S o G M rgC F a d ile S A M T E D d p o F a ltye is N O u S G
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BS - T DX9 0 0 0
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D S o G oC F M a rga d ile OC-12 S A M T E D N O p u S ltyF a s d o G ie O M F G oC rg d ile a D S A M T E N o G tO ly p u iS a F d s e B -S D TX9 0 0 0
- S B T D9 X0 0
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G M oC rg F d ile a D S A M T O N o G a iF d sE e lytO p u N o G iS a F d e
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- T B SD9 X0 0
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D S F o G M a rgC d ile S A M T E D p ltyF a s N O u S d o G ie
CBX 500 Charlottesvill e
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G d o ileC F rg a M D S A M T E a o N s tO ly p u iS F d G eF D S o G M a rgC d ile S A M T E D p l a s t y N F O u S d o G e i S D oile G o G M a F rg d FC a M T E D S A M od G N F S s u p a iltye O o G ts y p u S ile a F d B -T SD9 X 0 0
B -S D TX9 0 0 0
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DIT CISCO 75XX
CBX 500 Richmond
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G oC F rg d ile a D M S T E D S A M GC rg a M d o ile F o d N F O S s p a iltye M T S A E D o G tsu y p u S ile a F d N O G lyF p u S d o G ts ie a - S B TD X9 0 0
B -S T D X9 0 0
CBX 500 Roanoke
B-STDX 9000
CBX 500 Norfolk
Fig 13. Overview of COVANET Network Diagram20
19
The Virginia Model: A Research and Education Driven Public Advanced Network Infrastructure, Erv Blythe & Brenda Neidigh
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eCorridors (www.ecorridors.vt..edu) The overall goal of the Virginia Tech eCorridors program is to serve as a catalyst for deployment of affordable access to fiber optic network infrastructure needed to create economic and educational opportunities for citizens and businesses. ECorridors program works with communities and private sector and municipal partners to facilitate the rapid development of advanced fiber optic, wireless and next generation Internet infrastructure. The eCorridors group at Virginia Tech has developed a fiber network architecture for Southside and Southwest Virginia. This design includes 3 of the four counties in Region 2000, Appomattox, Campbell, and Bedford. The fiber network design for these counties is shown in the following three figures (14,15,16). The complete fiber network design for southern Va. is shown in Fig. 17. A meeting was held with the eCorridors group about their mission and to also discuss having them do a similar design for Amherst County so that the entire Region 2000 area would be covered. Funding for an initial part of the build out was authorized and work has begun on the build out of a fiber network that will cover part of Southside Virginia. The project will connect all 22 counties and 56 industrial parks via an open access broadband network by 2006. The project is being managed by the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative, a non-profit entity created to oversee this work.
Fig 14. Appomattox County eCorridors Plan
20
The Virginia Model: A Research and Education Driven Public Advanced Network Infrastructure, Erv Blythe & Brenda Neidigh
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Fig 15. Campbell County eCorridors Plan
Fig 16. Bedford County eCorridors Plan
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Fig 17. Overview of eCorridors Southside and Southwest Fiber Design -31R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Use of 3rd party Internet providers There are dozens of other third party suppliers such as WorldCom, UT-Starcom, AT&T and many other smaller players. They also provide backbone connectivity. However these carriers have no infrastructure of their own in the Region 2000 area. Final connectivity to these carriers comes through the carriers listed above that actually have the physical infrastructure in place here in Region 2000. Since the goal of the broadband study was to identify providers with actual infrastructure in the region it did not look extensively into available 3rd party providers. Most people can relate this to their long distance service. Although you may have some cut rate long distance service you still get to them through the local phone company and in many cases their fees show up on the regular bill from the phone company. You have to make the call through the local company to get to the long distance provider and you end up paying a share to both companies. For example to take advantage of Network Virginia’s discount Internet service you have to sign a contract with Sprint (the backbone carrier) and Verizon (the local provider) to physically get the service connected to your building or office.
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9. Local Government Meetings As part of the survey, meetings were held around the region with all of the local county and city governments to get their status regarding network infrastructure. Access to government via the Internet is increasingly becoming a priority however, in many cases the problem is that the county and city governments are ahead of the curve. Many of the services they are currently offering or want to offer online require faster Internet access than dial-up. For example in Amherst County they have made meeting minutes and background material available on the counties web site. However to download the material by a dial-up Internet connection may require several hours. Other governments such as Bedford and Lynchburg have created on-line GIS tools with property data to help builders, developers, and homeowners but trying to use these web sites with a dial-up connection is a test of patience. We also talked to school MIS directors in the counties about the challenges they faced. One of the common issues that surfaced in these discussions was the move by the State to conduct Standards of Learning (SOL) testing on-line. This year the state mandated that all high schools would conduct on-line SOL testing. Next year all middle schools will be required to do this followed by all elementary schools the year after. The tests are downloaded from the state to the district’s computers and then to the schools. A rough approximation metric was developed see if schools had equal access to the Internet. The metric is the total bandwidth going into the school divided by the number of students enrolled at the school. This gives a metric of bandwidth per student. For the purposes of this study the metric assumes the entire amount of bandwidth is available to students. Another way to look at this is to divide the total bandwidth by the number of computers in the school with Internet access. However, the number of computers per school with Internet access was not as easy to obtain as the number of students. The region 2000 high schools are compared to the Pittsylvania County school system, which has installed high bandwidth connections to all schools and made a point of trying to provide equal access to all schools in the county. The city of Lynchburg has made sure that all of its schools were connected to the fiber network it built as well.
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High School
Bandwidth per Student - High Schools TUNSTALL SR. HIGH STAUNTON RIVER HIGH RUSTBURG HIGH LIBERTY HIGH JEFFERSON FOREST HIGH HERITAGE HIGH GRETNA SR. HIGH E. C. GLASS HIGH DAN RIVER SR. HIGH CHATHAM HIGH BROOKVILLE HIGH APPOMATTOX COUNTY HIGH AMHERST COUNTY HIGH ALTAVISTA HIGH
0.000
20.000
40.000
60.000
80.000
100.000
Bandwidth per student (Kbps/student) Fig 18. Bandwidth per student in Regional High Schools
Middle School
Bandwidth per student - Middle Schools STAUNTON RIVER MIDDLE SANDUSKY MIDDLE PAUL L. DUNBAR MID. FOR INNOV. MONELISON MIDDLE LINKHORNE MIDDLE GRETNA MIDDLE FOREST MIDDLE DAN RIVER MIDDLE CENTRAL MIDDLE BROSVILLE MIDDLE BROOKVILLE MIDDLE BLAIRS MIDDLE BEDFORD MIDDLE APPOMATTOX MIDDLE 0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
Bandwidth per Student (Kbps/student) Fig 19. Bandwidth per Student in Regional Middle Schools
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80.00
Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
10. Business Survey The second phase of the project was to collect data on Internet capabilities and usage from businesses in the region and local governments. The survey shown in Appendix C was developed to help characterize the businesses and identify the current type of Internet connectivity that regional businesses had, if they thought it was adequate and how they make use of the Internet and the impact of this usage. Approximately 3300 surveys were distributed. These were distributed by mail to the mailing lists of the following chambers of commerce: Amherst County Chamber of Commerce Bedford Chamber of Commerce Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Altavista Chamber of Commerce Appomattox Chamber of Commerce A total of 164 surveys were returned. This is about a 5% return. We had anticipated about a 10% return. Overall the numbers of Surveys returned broke down as shown in the figure below. Number of Survey Respondents by Region n=162 Amherst 29%
Lynchburg 30%
Campbell 10%
Bedford City 17%
Appomattox 1% Bedford 13%
The companies were classified by the NAIC codes to get some idea of the types of companies that were responding to the survey. The breakdown of companies by the top 8 classifications were:
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study NAIC Classification Other Services Retail Trade Finance and Insurance Manufacturing Professional Scientific and Technical Svc Educational Services Construction Health Care
% of Respondents 12% 12% 12% 9% 8% 7% 6% 6%
The majority of companies that sent in surveys were small companies with 5 employees or less. Companies with 10 employees or less accounted for about 48% of the responses. Typically these small companies are the ones that have the most difficulty with the cost of high speed Internet service.
Number of employees 1-4 5-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-249 250-499 500+
# of Responses 55 24 21 26 16 10 3 5
% of Responses 33.5% 14.6% 12.8% 15.8% 9.7% 6.1% 1.8% 3%
The majority of companies had e-mail addresses. Curiously, although 15 companies indicated they did not have Internet service all but 4 of them had email addresses and all but 5 indicated that they had a company web site. Apparently there was some confusion about what was meant by having Internet data. The encouraging news is that the dial-up connectivity is shrinking and the number of high-speed connection now accounts for about 67% of the total number of connections used.
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Type of Internet Connectivity - Region 2000 n=163 Cellular 1% Wisp 7% Satellite 5%
Fiber Other 3% 3% Dial_up 33%
Cable 10%
DSL 23%
Frame_relay 15%
The results of the questions on the type of Internet connections used showed that the Dial-up was the type of connection used most often. Keeping in mind that approx 50% were 10 or less employees. What is good news is that high speed Internet was in use in 66% of the connections. DSL was the next largest at 23%, followed by Cable service at 10% of connections used. Current generation broadband service is making inroads into the area. The percentage of broadband usage may actually be lower than indicated since we did not receive many surveys from outlying communities and rural areas.
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Overview of Internet Connections by Type and Region 30 Amherst Appomattox 25
Bedford Bedford City
20
Campbell Lynchburg
# Responses 15
10
5 Lynchburg Campbell Bedford City Bedford Region Appomattox Amherst
other
fiber
Cellular
wisp
Satellite
Cable
DSL
Frame_relay
Dial_up
0
Connection Type
Fig 20. Breakdown of Connection types by region
This data was then broken down by region to show how businesses in each region typically get Internet service. In Fig 20 It is apparent that DSL has become a lead player in providing broadband in Lynchburg where there are 2 DSL suppliers as well as cable service and multiple suppliers of Frame relay service. It appears that for Lynchburg the broadband connections are the majority in use. In Amherst County where DSL is only available near Lynchburg, the largest numbers of connections are dial-up. Only 2 surveys were returned from Appomattox, which did not really provide a good sample but it is interesting that one company had high speed internet and the other used dial-up. The result of this shows up in some of the other statistical data. The other counties also show dial-up as the type of connection in greatest use. The GIS maps of the area show that these samples are not widespread enough to give a true picture of the lack of broadband connectivity in the rural areas.
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After the type of connection was established the companies were asked if they felt that the connection that they had was adequate for their business or if they needed a faster connection to the Internet.
Is Your Connection to the Internet Adequate? Lynchburg
Region
Campbell Bedford City
No
Bedford
Yes Appomattox Amherst 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Number of Responses Amherst
Appomattox
Bedford
Bedford City
Campbell
Lynchburg
No
23
1
11
7
3
10
Yes
20
1
10
18
12
37
The next series of questions was designed to gain some understanding of what the Internet connection was used for in the business and establish some understanding of how these businesses could justify the expense of a high-speed connection. The data was collected in three sets of questions. The first set was a series of things the Internet could be used for. These were broken down into subcategories of Basic services, e-Commerce and Remote applications. The other two sets of questions were aimed at understanding the business processes where companies felt that the Internet had an impact and for main areas where use of the Internet had an impact on operational cost or savings to the business.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Internet Usage Ranking - % of Respondents Indicating Use (n=164) 100.00% 90.00%
% of Rrespondants
80.00% 70.00% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% E-Mail
Web site
Customer Support
Tech Support
Web Marketing
Extranet
Type of Use
In the next set of questions the companies were asked to simply select the types of services they felt that they used the Internet access for. By a wide margin, the two types of E-commerce usage that in most use were to purchase some goods for the company and to maintain links to partners. EDI was in relatively small use. For small companies the adoption of EDI is often driven by the needs to its larger customers. E-commerce Usage Scores ( n =162) 45.00%
40.00%
35.00%
% of Surveys
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00% E-Comm purchase some good via web
Linking to Partners
E-Commerce buy all
Elec Funds Xfer
EDI to Place Orders
goods via web
EDI to Order and
E-comm purc hase
Invoice
only via web
E-Commerce Usage
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Other data looked at the companies’ usage of the Internet and adoption of ASP services like Internet fax, remote payroll, and accounting services provided over the Internet.
Internet Usage Patterns (n=164) 60.00%
% Responses
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
Sa le s In te rn et Te le ph on y
Vi de o
co nf er en ci ng
Ap pl ic at io ns
H os te d
W eb
In te rn et Ba se d
FA X
Ap pl ic at io ns
-R ec ru iti ng H R
D is ta nc e
Le ar ni ng
Tr an sf er Im ag e
Ed uc at io n
C on tin ui ng
R
es
ea
rc
h
0.00%
Type of Use
Customer Relations
Partner Relations
Business Impact Areas
Marketing
Sales
Database Dev.
Supplier Relations
Mgmt/ Decisions
Office Efficiency
Emp. Productivity
Cost Controls 0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
Business Impact (1=Low, 5=High)
The last two sets of data focused on the impact of Internet / broadband connectivity on various business processes and cost centers in a business. In business impact areas, Improving customer relations and employee productivity were rated as areas benefiting the most from Internet connectivity (shown in the previous chart). -41R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study The second set of business process questions looked at which business cost centers Internet connectivity had the most impact on. The idea was to look for areas of the Accounting
Inventory/Whse
Cost Impact Area
Sales
Travel
Mfg/Production
Communications
Distribution
Human Resources
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
Cost Impact (1=Low, 5=High)
Fig 21 - Internet impact on business Cost Centers
business where cost savings occurred. Understanding this could help businesses with making a cost/benefit evaluation when considering the purchase of broadband Internet services. Fig 21 shows the survey results. Communications and Sales followed by travel and accounting were mentioned as being the business areas that benefited the most from Internet connectivity.
11. Analysis of Coverage .vs. Demand Rural Areas Most of Region 2000’s rural areas do not currently have many options for reasonable proceed broadband connectivity. This was no surprise to the broadband committee and it was an expected finding. On the horizon, solutions using wireless Broadband and Broadband over Power Line will be coming. However a competitive situation still needs to develop or be developed in the rural areas to keep prices to a reasonable level.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Urban Areas The general Lynchburg area is served be several companies that offer broadband services for residential, small and medium businesses. There appears to be a number of competitive offerings in nearly all types of broadband Internet service, DSL, Cable and wireless as well as fiber and Frame-relay services. DSL seems be very popular with small businesses in Lynchburg. However, it still appears that many small businesses have not signed up because of a lack of awareness of the availability or benefits of using broadband Internet services.
Suburban Areas The suburban areas surrounding Lynchburg are primarily served by cable and wireless Internet. DSL is just starting to appear in some of the suburban areas. Except for long haul fiber connections along the major corridors of Rt. 29 and Rt. 460, fiber connections are not widely available here. The survey showed that many companies that could benefit from broadband are not taking advantage of the resources that they do have available.
Industrial Parks Most of the industrial parks in the central part of the region surrounding Lynchburg are fairly well covered. Fiber does not currently reach the industrial parks in the outlying regions. Most providers will not install fiber into the park until the demand is there. The eCorridors network design aims to bring high bandwidth fiber to the edges of many of these parks.
Economic Corridors The Economic corridors, areas with concentrations of small businesses and retail shopping are highlighted on the maps. These areas are well covered only in the highly populated areas. Economic Corridors in smaller towns like Rustburg, Appomattox, and Amherst currently have limited options and little or no competition for broadband Internet access.
12. Broadband Policy Efforts in other Communities Below are just a few of the many examples around the country of communities taking action to provide broadband internet services and some of the benefits they anticipate. Brookneal, VA Campbell county conducted a study in 2002 to determine of there was a Demand for broadband services in the area and identify potential providers. It found that no providers were available. Subsequently Campbell County issued an RPF for providers of services to the Brookneal area. Pure Internet was chosen to provide service. A wireless broadband system is currently being - 43 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study deployed. The IDA assisted by helping to provide financing of equipment to area businesses. Tacoma, Washington In 1997 the city of Tacoma, Washington, built a publicly funded $100 million fiber optic network called Click! Network, linking homes and businesses to fast Internet connections. It connects every city block with the equivalent of a T3 line. Over the past 4 years 100 new start-up businesses have been created as a result of the fiber network. The university of Washington chose Tacoma as the location for a new research institute as a result of the network. Glenwood springs, Colorado Since early 2001 Glenwood springs has buried additional fiber optic cable while laying electricity cables. The project cost $3M, which came from the electricity department’s budget. As a result Glenwood Springs was the first Colorado municipality to offer broadband Internet service on its own network. Because of the network, a hospital in Glenwood Springs will be able to send x-rays to the may Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and receive a response in 15 minutes, rather than the 8 hours it took with dial-up service. Glenwood Springs' network combines Ethernet cable with wireless technology. Most customers receive and transmit their signals wirelessly, via antennas on their homes. Danville, VA Pittsylvania County and the city of Danville will soon have a new fiber optic network names e-Dan. The network will be the first part of the e-58 network, which will link all cities and communities across Southside Virginia. The Danville network will run for nearly 40 miles throughout the county and expected to be complete in 2004. the e-Dan infrastructure will be open-access, so any provider can use the fiber backbone to provide service.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 13. Grant Opportunities and Resources Incentives provided by grants and low interest loans can encourage development of broadband high-speed Internet networks in areas within Region 2000 that currently do not have the subscriber base required to encourage private investment. According to a recent Federal Communications Commission report, rural areas lag far behind their urban counterparts in getting high-speed Internet connections. This lag in high-speed connectivity is due in part to the financial disincentives Internet connectivity providers are faced when they invest in developing high-speed networks in areas of low population density. This means rural areas cannot support a business case for a return on investment equivalent to the more densely populated urban areas with the potentially larger numbers of subscribers. The Region 2000 Broadband Survey conducted by the Region 2000 Technology Council confirms the rural areas of region 2000 lack high-speed connectivity consistent with the FCC reported findings. Broadband grants and low interest loans could be obtained in order to plan, organize, deploy, and manage rural networks until market conditions and/or technology innovations create a business case for private investment in rural area high-speed telecommunication networks. The preliminary grant research found various federal, state, and private agencies with existing grant programs prepared to work with local government and nonprofit organizations that are addressing high-speed Internet connectivity in the Region 2000 rural and urban areas. While conducting this research an observation was made that many government and private grant providers require the recipient agency or organization to have cooperative agreements in place to ensure economic developers, workforce support networks, and educational resources succeed in their mission objectives. The manner in which the Regional Commission of Region 2000 creates intra agency cooperation provides a distinct competitive advantage above many communities for obtaining grants.
Broadband Planning, Infrastructure, and Application Grants Medical Diagnoses and Treatment Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Education and Training Department of Education (ED), Funding Opportunities - U.S. DoEd Federal Register Documents at the DoED Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Apple's Education Grants Program - 45 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study AT&T Learning Network Computers for Learning - Surplus Equipment for Schools The Council on Foundations The Foundation Center Hewlett-Packard The Journey Inside Program - Intel National Science Foundation - Fastlane Homepage NEH Grants Polaris Grants Central Reinventing Education - IBM's K-12 Initiative tech-LEARNING US Department of Education - Resource Guide to Federal Funding For Technology in Education
Economic Development Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Defense (DOD) Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Commerce (DOC) Small Business Administration (SBA)
Technology Innovation Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration CFDA Number: 11.552 -- Technology Opportunities National Science Foundation (NSF) National Science Foundation - Grants, Funding, and Program Areas National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Public Safety U.S. Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security administers the State Homeland Security Grant Program to provide funds through states to local first responder agencies. To find the ODP state administering agency for your state, log on to: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/state.htm , select the desired state from the map, and scroll down to the "Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP)" contact list. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security administers a number of grant programs through FEMA. To learn of current grant opportunities, visit the FEMA Web site at www.fema.gov "JustNet" of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) - 46 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study A program of the National Institute of Justice, NLECTC offers technological information and expertise to state and local law enforcement and corrections agencies. Visit "JustNet" at http://www.nlectc.org and click on "Grant Information." Public Safety Foundation of America (PSFA) Formed by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), PSFA is a charitable foundation that provides grant programs to promote PSAP readiness. To learn about current grant opportunities, log on to the PSFA Web site at http://www.psfa.us or call the PSFA Grants and Program Office at 386-322-2500 (Daytona Beach, Florida). U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) http://www.usdoj.gov/10grants/index.html COPS Grants The COPS (Community-Oriented Policing) Office of the U.S. Department of Justice administers one of the largest federal grant programs for law enforcement agencies. To view current funding opportunities, log on to http://www.cops.usdoj.gov and click on "Funding" or contact the DOJ Response Center at 800.421.6770. To find the COPS grant program specialist for your state, log on to http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=487 OJP Grants The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) administers various discretionary and formula grant programs. To review current funding opportunities, log on to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm A number of OJP grants are administered through state agencies. To find your state-administering agency, log on to: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/state.htm
Other Grant Resources Technology Grant News National Telecommunications and Information Administration Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov Grants.gov is a "one stop shop" for information about federal funding opportunities. the Web site includes a section where site visitors can sign up for e-mail notification of selected grant opportunities. The Grantsmanship Center The Grantsmanship Center offers grant information for non-profit and government agencies. The Web site features a daily summary of the Federal Register, including new grant announcements. http://www.tgci.com http://www.teleworkconsortium.org/Technology_Partners_and_Affiliates/default.asp http://www.scholastic.com/administrator/backtoschool/articles/popup_granttips.htm - 47 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Broadband Loan Sources USDA, Rural Utilities Services - $602 million Budgeted for 2004
The RUS loans are geared toward smaller companies -- including many that use wireless technology to serve rural customers. Companies serving more than 2 percent of the telephone lines in the United States are ineligible for the loans.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 14. Conclusions and Recommendations Key Observations Findings 1. Confirmation of the perception that there is a great disparity in high-speed access to the Internet between rural and populated areas of the region. The “digital divide” in the region has more to do with the population density rather than socio-economic divisions. High speed Internet service still costs substantially higher than cut-rate dial up services and this will likely create somewhat of a divide based on socioeconomic differences. 2. From some of the town meetings and surveys it appears that many businesses do not know about the availability of high speed internet in the area or have an idea of the impact it could have on their business. Once they switch to a high-speed service they wonder why they did not do it earlier. Part of the business survey that was conducted attempts to understand how local businesses are using the Internet. 3. Businesses in the Lynchburg area have many options for high-speed access to the Internet and appear to be adopting the technology. Businesses in Lynchburg indicated a higher usage of DSL than Dial-up for Internet access. Areas outside of the core Lynchburg area and especially in rural areas were found to have no or limited access to broadband capability and limited Internet connectivity by dial-up. 4. At least 3 options for high-speed Internet access via fiber are available in Lynchburg and into businesses and parks along Route 29 and Route 460 corridors. Availability is highly dependent on demand and willingness to pay for the bandwidth. 5. There is an issue with a lack of competition for last mile connectivity for T1, fractional T1’s, leased lines, and DSL. Nearly all of the last mile connectivity comes through the local ILEC and the Wire Centers they control. Although backbone connectivity may come from other third parties; most companies will still have to go through either Verizon or Sprint (in Altavista & Brookneal) to get connected. 6. Most of the local governments have plans to use the Internet to provide better access to government services, forms, and information. However some applications like GIS and access to large documents require the constituents to have broadband Internet service to access or make use of these services. 7. The eCorridors project is being implemented in Southside VA to bring gigabit Ethernet capability to communities in the area. Three out of four Region 2000 counties (Campbell, Bedford and Appomattox) were included in the design for a fiber - 49 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study backbone for the area. Discussions were held and ongoing with the Virginia Tech eCorridors team about having them do a similar design for Amherst County so that the complete Region 2000 area would be covered if an effort to execute this plan were made. 8. Nearly all of the cable service in the region has or will soon be converted to 2-way Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) systems allowing high-speed Internet access. The only exception is around the Smith Mountain Lake area. 9. This effort already has positive impact on the region. The airport now has free wireless Internet access courtesy of Nesbe Cable as a result of this study. Other areas around the region will soon follow. A new project to inform people and promote wireless hot spots in key areas around the region will soon be launched by the R2KTC as a spin-off of this study. 10. The state mandate that Standards of Learning tests (SOL’s) will all become computer-based could be a growing issue. School systems will have to have the internal and external network capacity to download SOL tests from administration computers, and relay information back to them. Schools which only have a T1 connection back to the administration HQ will find it increasingly difficult since this connection is used both for the school systems intranet as well as school internet traffic. Performance issues may become a major problem. School systems will have to take this into account in their planning and budgets. Recommendations Ø Promote the awareness of broadband connectivity in the area. This can be done by promoting broadband connectivity on the Region 2000 and R2KTC websites and having R2KTC members speak to the topic at Chamber of Commerce meetings and other business gatherings in the region. Many companies apparently still spend hours waiting for documents and e-mail to download over the phone line. This effort should also benefit the IT service companies in the region that can help small businesses set up their systems for high speed internet. The Regional Commission or other regional authority should undertake a series of Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) to raise the level of broadband awareness in the region. For example, a PSA could show local businesses how they can improve their operations, and in some cases lower communication and labor costs, by using broadband Internet services. Ø Promote an effort to get Region 2000 more involved with the projects such as the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative that are working to bring the next level of internet connectivity to the region. Actively engage the political representation in the area to help make this happen. - 50 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Ø Initiate an effort to provide adequate and equal Internet access to all schools and libraries within Region 2000. We should look at a way to provide high speed (10MB or better) connections to all schools and libraries in the region. Ø Investigate ways to aggregate demand in the region and provide bandwidth at a cost that can make it commercially viable to offer high bandwidth connection to small and medium size businesses in underserved areas. This could be done in partnership with regional carriers capable of supplying Tier 1 connectivity and then selling the bandwidth to providers in rural areas at a reduced rate so that they can make a business case to provide service in the rural areas. It appears that wireless or Internet over power line will be the best choice to reach rural areas of Region 2000. Ø Put in place an effort to maintain a GIS database of regional Internet connectivity and get regular updates from area providers on expansions of existing service or new service that is offered. Collection of this information could be mandated if necessary as well as paid for by changes to the permit or franchise regulations. Information on the regions right-of-ways should be collected in the GIS database as well to facilitate the introduction of new providers to the area.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Appendix A - Coverage Maps Provided by Region and Technology
Fig A.1.1 Region 2000 Overview – ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones Fig. A.1.2 Region 2000 Overview – Fiber Service Fig. A.1.3 Region 2000 Overview – DSL Service Fig. A.1.4 Region 2000 Overview – Wireless ISP’s Fig. A.1.5 Region 2000 Overview – Cable Service Fig. A.1.6 Region 2000 BTA License regions for LMDS Service
Fig A.2.1 Amherst Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.2.2 Amherst –Fiber Fig A.2.3 Amherst – DSL Fig A.2.4 Amherst – WISP Fig A.2.5 Amherst – Cable Service
Fig A.3.1 Appomattox -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.3.2 Appomattox – Fiber Fig A.3.3 Appomattox – DSL Fig A.3.4 Appomattox – WISP Fig A.3.5 Appomattox – Cable Service
Fig A.4.1 Bedford -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.4.2 Bedford – Fiber Fig A.4.3 Bedford – DSL Fig A.4.4 Bedford – WISP Fig A.4.5 Bedford – Cable Service
Fig A.5.1 Bedford City -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.5.2 Bedford City – Fiber - 52 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Fig A.5.3 Bedford City – DSL Fig A.5.4 Bedford City – WISP Fig A.5.5 Bedford City – Cable Service
Fig A.6.1 Campbell Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.6.2 Campbell – Fiber Fig A.6.3 Campbell – DSL Fig A.6.4 Campbell – WISP Fig A.6.5 Campbell – Cable Service
Fig A.7.1 Lynchburg Overview -- ED Features, Industrial Sites, Economic Corridors and Technology zones, Survey Feedback Fig A.7.2 Lynchburg – Fiber Fig A.7.3 Lynchburg – DSL Fig A.7.4 Lynchburg – WISP Fig A.7.5 Lynchburg – Cable Service
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Appendix B - Glossary of Terms21 ADSL Short for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines. ADSL supports data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (known as the upstream rate). Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) A high-performance cell-oriented switching and multiplexing technology that uses fixed-length packets to carry different types of traffic. ATM can also scale from low to high speeds. It has been adopted by all the industry's equipment vendors, from LAN to private branch exchange (PBX). With ATM, network designers can integrate LANs and WAN’s, support emerging applications with economy in the enterprise, and support legacy protocols with added efficiency. ATM creates a fixed channel, or route, between two points whenever data transfer begins. This differs from TCP/IP, in which messages are divided into packets and each packet can take a different route from source to destination. Broadband Internet – Internet data service that provides data rates faster than 200Kb/s. (approx 10 times faster than dial-up) High Speed Broadband is service with data rates faster than 1.5Mb/s. (working definition of R2KTC BB Study) BPL – Broadband over Power Line – Internet data service transmitted over standard power lines to the home. Uses a modem that implements protocols based on the Homeplug standard. Commercial services claim to provide a minimum of 256Kb/s service. Cable Modem A modem designed to operate over cable TV lines. Because the coaxial cable used by cable TV provides much greater bandwidth than telephone lines, a cable modem can be used to achieve extremely fast access to the World Wide Web. Central Office – See Switching Center CLEC (pronounced see-lek) A Competitive Local Exchange Carrier is a telephone company that competes with an Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) such as a Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC), GTE, ALLNET, etc. With the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, there has been an explosion in 21
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study the number of CLEC's. The Act allows companies with CLEC status to use ILEC infrastructure in two ways: 1) Access to UNE’s Important to CLEC telecommunications networking is the availability of unbundled network elements or UNE’s (through a collocation arrangement). UNE’s are defined by the Act as any "facility or equipment used in the provision of a telecommunications service," as well as "features, functions, and capabilities that are provided by means of such facility or equipment." For CLECs the most important UNE available to them is the local loop, which connects the ILEC switches to the ILEC's present customers. With the local loop, CLECs will be able to connect their switches with the ILEC's switches, thus giving them access to ILEC customers. 2) Resale Another option open to CLECs is the resale strategy. The Act states that any telecommunications services ILEC’s offer at retail, must be offered to CLECs at a wholesale discount. This saves the CLEC from having to invest in switches, fiber optic transmission facilities, or collocation arrangements. DBS Known as Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS), it provides cable-like television programming and now Internet connectivity directly from satellites to small satellite dishes, typically 18 inches in diameter. Dial-up Access Refers to connecting a device to a network via a modem and a public telephone network. Dial-up access is really just like a phone connection, except that the parties at the two ends are computer devices rather than people. Because dialup access uses normal telephone lines, the quality of the connection is not always good and data rates are limited. In the past, the maximum data rate with dial-up access was 56 Kbps (56,000 bits per second), but new technologies such as ISDN are providing faster rates. DS1 (See T1) 1.544 Mb/s DS3 (See T3) (28 T1’s) 54Mb/s DSLAM A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer is a mechanism at a phone company's central location that links many customer DSL connections to a single high-speed ATM line. When the phone company receives a DSL signal, an ADSL modem with a POTS splitter detects voice calls and data. Voice calls are sent to the PSTN, and data are sent to the DSLAM, where it passes through the ATM to the Internet, then back through the DSLAM and ADSL modem before returning to the customer's PC.
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Frame Relay A form of packet switching that allows high-speed, statistically multiplexed connectivity over a shared network. The technology depends on high-quality transmission facilities and makes the intelligent endpoints responsible for the integrity of the data. Relay networks in the U.S. support data transfer rates at T-1 (DS0) (1.544 Mbps) and T-3 (DS-3)(45 Mbps) speeds. In fact, you can think of Frame Relay as a way of utilizing existing T-1 and T-3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide Frame Relay service for customers who want connections at 56 Kbps to T-1 speeds. Gbps Short for Gigabits per second, a data transfer speed measurement for highspeed networks such as Gigabit Ethernet. When used to describe data transfer rates, a gigabit equals 1,000,000,000 bits. ILEC Short for incumbent local exchange carrier. An ILEC is a telephone company that was providing local service when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was enacted. Compare with CLEC, a company that competes with the already established local telephone business. ISDN Abbreviation of integrated services digital network, an international communications standard for sending voice, video, and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires. ISDN supports data transfer rates of 64 Kbps (64,000 bits per second). Most ISDN lines offered by telephone companies give you two lines at once, called B channels. You can use one line for voice and the other for data, or you can use both lines for data to give you data rates of 128 Kbps Kbps Short for kilobits per second, a measure of data transfer speed. Modems, for example, are measured in Kbps. Note that one Kbps is 1,000 bits per second, whereas a KB (kilobyte) is 1,024 bytes. Data transfer rates are measured using the decimal meaning of K whereas data storage is measured using the powers-of-2 meaning of K. Technically, kbps should be spelled with a lowercase k to indicate that it is decimal but almost everyone spells it with a capital K LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) is a system for broadband microwave wireless transmission direct from a local antenna to homes and businesses within a line-of-sight radius, a solution to the so-called last-mile technology problem of economically bringing high bandwidth services to users. LMDS is an alternative to installing optical fiber all the way to the user or to adapting cable - 56 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study TV for broadband Internet service. Depending on the implementation, LMDS offers a bandwidth of up to 1.5 billion bits per second (1.5 Gbps) downstream to users and 200 million bits per second (200 Mbps) upstream from the user. A more typical data rate is 38 Mbps downstream. They typically operate on frequency bands licensed by the FCC. . Mbps Short for megabits per second, a measure of data transfer speed. Networks, for example, are generally measured in Mbps. MMDS Multipoint Microwave Distribution System, also know as Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution System and wireless cable, is another wireless broadband technology for Internet Access. MMDS channels come in 6 MHz chunks and runs on licensed and unlicensed channels. Each channel can reach transfer rates as high as 27Mbps (over unlicensed channels: 99MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.7 to 5.8GHz) or 1Gbps (over licensed channels). MMDS is a line-of-sight service, so it won't work well around mountains, but it will work in rural areas, where copper lines are not available. OC Short for Optical Carrier, used to specify the speed of fiber optic networks conforming to the SONET standard. The table shows the speeds for common OC levels. OC = Speed OC-1 = 51.85 Mbps OC-3 = 155.52 Mbps (100 T1’s) OC-12 = 622.08 Mbps (4 OC-3’s) OC-24 = 1.244 Gbps OC-48 = 2.488 Gbps (4-OC-12’s) The base rate (OC-1) is 51.84 Mbps. OC-2 runs at twice the base rate, OC-3 at three times the base rate, and so forth. Planned rates include OC-1, OC-3 (155.52 Mbps), OC-12 (622.08 Mbps), and OC-48 (2.488 Gbps). OC-1 (Optical Carrier Level 1) The speed used by fiber optic cables and systems, 51.84 Mbps. A single OC-1 link can handle 672 simultaneous 64 Kbps voice channels. Higher OC-N levels exist. N can be either 1, 3, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 192 or 256. OC-3 (Optical Level 3) Three times 51.84 Mbps (155.5 Mbps or 155 Mbps or 100 T1’s). OC-12 (Optical Level 12) Twelve times 51.84 Mbps (622 Mbps) OC-48 (Optical Level 48)
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 48 times 51.84 Mbps (2488.32 Mbps or 2.5 Gbps ). An OC-48 link can handle 32,256 simultaneous voice links at 64 Kbps. If voice is compressed over an OC48 link, it can handle up to 200,000 simultaneous voice calls. OC192 (Optical Level 192) 192 times 51.84 Mbps (10 Gbps). PCS PCS (personal communications services) is a wireless phone service somewhat similar to cellular telephone service. It's sometimes referred to as digital cellular. Technically, cellular systems in the United States operate in the 824-849 megahertz (MHz) frequency bands; PCS operates in the1850-1990 MHz bands. SONET Short for Synchronous Optical Network, a standard for connecting fiber-optic transmission systems. SONET establishes Optical Carrier (OC) levels from 51.8 Mbps (about the same as a T-3 line) to 2.48 Gbps. With the implementation of SONET, communication carriers throughout the world can interconnect their existing digital carrier and fiber optic systems. Switching Center – Referred to as Central Office (CO) or Wire Center these are the local telecom Points of Presence (POP) and contain the switchgear for handling telephone and Internet communications for a geographic region. They are typically owned by the ILEC in the region. Third parties providers may rent space in the Switching Center to locate their own switchgear and for connection to the ILEC’s equipment. T-1 A label describing a transmission speed of 1.544 Mbps, or the equivalent of 24 analog lines. Also known as DS1. Fractional T-1 One or more channels of a T-1 service. A complete T-1 carrier contains 24 channels, each of which provides 64 Kbps. Most phone companies, however, also sell fractional T-1 lines, which provide less bandwidth but are also less expensive. Typically, fractional T-1 lines are sold in increments of 56 Kbps (the extra 8 Kbps per channel is used for data management). T-3 A label describing a transmission speed of approximately 45 Mbps (44.735Mbps). Also known as DS3 for Digital Signal 3 speed. Equivalent to 28 T1’s V.34 : The standard for full-duplex modems sending and receiving data across phone lines at up to 28,800 bps. V.34 modems automatically adjust their transmission speeds based on the quality of the lines. - 58 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study V.90: A standard for 56-Kbps modems approved by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in February 1998. By viewing the public switched telephone network as a digital network, V.90 technology is able to accelerate data downstream from the Internet to your computer at speeds of up to 56Kbps. In this way V.90 technology is different than other standards of today, because it digitally encodes downstream data instead of modulating it as analog modems do. The data transfer is a asymmetrical method, so upstream transmissions (mostly keystroke and mouse commands from your computer to the central site, which require less bandwidth) continue to flow at the conventional rates of up to 33.6Kbps. That is upstream data (Data sent from your modem) is sent as an analog transmission that mirrors the V.34 Standard. Only the down stream data transfer takes advantage of the high-speed V.90 rates VOIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol. Protocol for sending voice over Internet connections. Used as replacement technology for private business exchanges in offices and for providing telephony services over regular Internet connections. Wire Center – See Switching Center
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Appendix C - Survey Forms C.1 Provider Survey Provider Survey Provider Name:___________________________________ Date: ___________ Address:
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Contact Name____________________________
Tel:
_______________
Title: ___________________________________
E-Mail _______________
Contact Name____________________________
Tel:
Title: ___________________________________
E-Mail _______________
Contact Name____________________________
Tel:
Title: ___________________________________
E-Mail _______________
_______________
_______________
Web site: ________________________________ Services offered since: _____________________
Type of services offered: Cable __ DSL __ ISDN __ Wireless __ Fiber __ PCS/Cellular __ Frame Relay __
Attach copies of brochures: - 60 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Detail Service Info Provider Name: ___________________ Type: ________________ (complete one set of forms for each type of service offering) Service levels and rates: Service Level
Res/Bus
Dnstream Bandwidth
Upstream Bandwidth
Install cost
Monthly cost
Min agreement term
Avail today?/ when
Service Area: 1. Indicate the local POP’s from where service is available or delivered POP address
City / County
Zip
Svc type
2. Describe the service area where these services are available today (notes / mark on maps, % of licensed area covered,
3. Describe the areas where services will be available within the next 12 months (notes / mark on maps, note % of licensed service area covered) - 61 R2K Broadband Study R2KTC
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
4. Describe the areas where services will be available in next 12-24 months (notes / mark on maps)
5. Customer Support - Indicate the levels of customer support provided (typical SLA terms)
6. Other support services provided (e-mail, static IP addresses, web hosting, etc.)
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study
C.2 Business Survey
Region 2000 Technology Council 2004 Broadband Survey of Business & Industry This Survey’s Purpose • •
To learn what the business needs are for broadband connectivity in Region 2000 To better understand how area businesses use computer related technologies
The Broadband Study’s Purpose • • •
To develop maps that show where broadband is available and where coverage is lacking Provide information to regional planners conducting Broadband Infrastructure Planning for industrial parks, major commercial corridors, schools, libraries, government buildings and facilities Create interest in pursuing grant opportunities to provide broadband coverage to rural areas
Survey Instructions Please read and complete each question by marking your choice. When information is requested that requires a free form reply please print your response. We are requesting everyone return his or her survey no later then March 15, 2004. Please return the completed survey to: Region 2000 Technology Council by mail or FAX 434 847-1455.
Corporate Profile
Date:
Company Name and Physical Location (Please Print) Company Name: ________________________
City/County: ____________________
Street: _______________________________
Phone Number: (___)_____________
Email Address: _________________________
Company Zip Code: ___________ Point of Contact Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms: ________________
Web Address: __________________________ 1.
What is your primary business or industry?
NAIC Commerce Category
Mark One Category Only
O O
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting Mining
O O
O
Utilities
O
O O O O O O O
Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation and Warehousing Information Finance and Insurance
O O O O O O
Professionals Scientific and Technical Services Management of Companies and Enterprises Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Accommodation and Food Services Other Services (except Public Administration) Public Administration
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study O
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
2.
How would you describe your company? O
Start-up less then 5 years old; main office is in Region 2000
O
Start-up less then 5 years old; main office is elsewhere
O
Fully established 5 or more years; main office is in Region 2000
O
Fully established 5 or more years; main office is elsewhere
3. Does your company rely on any type of electronic data exchange to conduct business? O Yes
4.
5.
O No
O Do not know
How many full-time employees does your company have at this location?
O O O
1-4 5-9 10-19
O O O
50-99 100-249 250-499
O
20-49
O
500+
Please indicate your company's sales range for fiscal year 2003 O O O O
Less then 100k 100K-500K 501K- 1M 1M-10 M
O O O O
11M- 20 M 21M-30 M 41M-50 M More then 51M
Electronic Data/Internet Connectivity Profile and Needs 6. O O O O
Does your company have Electronic Data/Internet access?
O Yes and we have: Please Print Providers Name Dial-up Frame Relay (T1) DSL Cable Modems
O O O O
Please Print Providers Name Satellite Wireless Internet Cellular/PCS Fiber
O Do not know access method or provider O No Internet access available
7.
Is your company’s current electronic data exchange and/or Internet connection fast enough to meet your business needs? O Yes
8.
O No
O Do not know
Does your company need a Broadband connection?
(“Broadband” is defined as electronic transfer rates of greater then 200kbps) - 64 -
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study O Yes
O No
O Do not know
Why? _________________________________________ 9.
Approximately, how many computers does your company have in use at this location? O O O
1-10 11-20 21-75
O 76-150 O 151-250 O More then 250
_____% Connected to the Internet or other remote access technologies
10. Does your company allow employees the option to work from alternate sites? (i.e. from home, while traveling etc….) O Yes
11.
12.
O No
O Do not know
How many people at other locations need remote access to (data, voice, or images) stored at this location? O O O
1-4 5-9 10-19
O O O
50-99 100-249 250-499
O
20-49
O
500+
Who may remotely access your company's data/applications? (Check all that apply) O O O O
All Employees Managers Salespeople/reps Telecommuters
O O O O O
Partners Customers Suppliers/Vendors Other Not Applicable
Business Processes 13. How does your company use the Internet? (Check all that apply)
O E-mail O O O O O O O O O O
O Sales force automation
Web site O Recruiting/job postings Extranet (Remote access data sharing) O Distance learning Web-based marketing/advertising O Video conferencing Customer service O Research Technical support O Internet Fax EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) O Internet Telephony Order EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Order and Invoice EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) Billing O Image Transfer Links to partners/affiliates O Continuing Education E-commerce (selling your products through the Web): some via Web - 65 -
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study O O O O
E-commerce (selling your products through the Web): exclusively via Web E-commerce (purchasing products for your company) Web-based applications (HT, project management, etc.) Hosted applications (procured from ISP or other provider)
14. In what areas has the use of the Internet had a positive impact to your company? (Rank all that apply; 0 No Impact, 1 LOW - 5 HIGH) Cost controls
Database development
Employee productivity
Sales
Back-office efficiency
Marketing
Management decision-making
Partner relations
Supplier relations
Customer relations
An example of how to rank impact is found below: 3
Employee productivity
4
Sales
5
Back-office efficiency
4
Marketing
0
Management decision-making
0
Partner relations
5
Supplier relations
5
Customer relations
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study 15. In what Cost Centers has your company's use of the Internet been instrumental in cutting or avoiding costs? (Rank all that apply; 0 No Cost Savings, 1 LOW - 5 HIGH) Human Resources Reduce costs to identify and retain a qualified workforce Distribution
Travel Reduced travel expenses
Increase on time delivery, provided automated replenishment Communications Decrease costs for voice, and data transfer Manufacturing/Production Increased productivity reduced fixed and variable costs
Increase customer and prospect relations Inventory/Warehousing Reduced inventory volume
Sales/Marketing
Accounting Decrease receivable and purchasing costs
Please return Survey by March 15, 2004 Fold and Mail
Mail to: Region 2000 Technology Council c/o Broadband Study P.O. Box 937 Lynchburg, VA 24505
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Region 2000 Broadband Infrastructure Study Appendix D - References Cited http://www.broadband-daily.com/whats.htm Strategic Technology Infrastructure for Regional Competitiveness in the Network Economy, Executive summary, 2003 Virginia Tech eCorridors Program Strategic Technology Infrastructure for Regional Competitiveness in the Network Economy, Volume 1-8, 2003 Virginia Tech eCorridors Program Campbell County Wireless Broadband Study and Plan Survey of NRV Regional Telecom Survey 1/12/2004 Survey of Roanoke – Allegheny Highlands ITI Survey 2/2/04 WITSA Public Policy Report 5/15/03 The Economic and Social Benefits of Broadband Deployment, October 2003 Telecommunications Industries Association. Broadband Wireless Framework for 2003 – Which Wireless Technologies Deliver Broadband www.telechoice.com Are We Connected Yet? - Mapping VA Piedmont’s Technology Infrastructure VPTC – June 2001 Digital Rivers Final Report, Carnegie Mellon University and 3 Rivers Connect, 4/11/2002 Summary Data Report: CSPP Living in the Networked World Assessment, CIT and Region 2000 Technology Council, 3/14/2002. Dragonwave White Paper DWI-PAP-002, Dragonwave Inc. Ottawa, Canada www.dragonwave.com Encyclopedia of Networking, Tom Sheldon, McGraw-Hill, 1998 “Cable Modems: Broadband Highway to the Home”, Juan Figuroa and Bill Guzek Ericsson Review No1 Jan 2001,
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