[1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program: Update (Non Suspicous Processing)

Clarke, George, DoIT george.clarke at state.nm.us
Tue Apr 9 16:35:38 PDT 2013 

Hello Gary:

We'll check out your address, compare with what the providers are giving us, and see what the deal is.

To note, these data are "over reported" and not necessarily specific to your address.  They are not "suspicious" just incorrect to the degree we'd all want to target.  However, a simple fact.  This is the best comprehensive Broadband Availability Resource available in the state to date.  So, an explanation of the process may clarify the product and our shared frustration in producing a better map.

Data Standards:  These data are being "over-reported" both in some cases from the Provider and most definitely in the processing requirements specified by FCC/NTIA as a compromise to the industry.  I'll explain, the NM Broadband Program has Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA)with each of the vendors who are participating to acquire their data twice yearly.  There is a problem with not having standardized format for submittal of data.  That's not a huge problem, as we can take spreadsheets, CAD Files, and napkin drawings to the standardized data model required by NTIA.  Our real problem is content granularity.  Some vendors provide customer addresses, this we prefer.  Others provide customer coverage areas while others include an area that they "may" be able to provide services.  Hence, we have a real normalization problem.   So, this is our conundrum with cable, DSL, Fiber, etc.  One can understand the challenge of different providers submitting various data formats with a mixture of "geographies".  Now the Fixed Wireless providers have a similar challenge.  We prefer obtaining Tower Locations where we run RF Propagation Modeling to produce an accurate coverage.  However, again we have a lack of standardized granularity as some providers submit data with simple buffers and no tower specifications to run the model.  We got some apples banging around with the sweet potatoes.

Data Processing:  Once we process these data we return them in map form (Layered PDF) to the providers in a secure environment for review.  If issues, we correct and in some cases those providers who have limited map services are pleased to have their data illustrated.  Next, we aggregate these data as per NDA and NTIA requirements.  The requirements are to aggregate by US Census Block.  Hence, if even an itty bitty piece of a providers coverage crosses into a Census Block, that entire Census Block is deemed served by that provider.  See the problem now of over-reporting?  Here in New Mexico we go a bit upscale.  We conduct a series of Geoprocessing Analytics that remove areas with no structures, no addresses, and have zero population.  In addition, we developed a NM Land Index Grid that will be able to overlay a smaller geography in rural areas and provide a better accounting of availability.

Info:  For additional information take a closer look at the NM Broadband Program Portal:
  - NMBBP Portal:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/
  - Mapping Description:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/mapping.shtml
  - Latest Methodology Report:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/docs/NM_Methodology_2013_04_01.pdf

I do hope this removes some of the mystery.  If you've any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Cordially,  Gar Clarke

Gar Clarke
Broadband Program Manager
Department of Information Technology
Simms Building
715 Alta Vista Street
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Email:  george.clarke at state.nm.us<mailto:george.clarke at state.nm.us>
Desk:  505.827-1663
Cell:  505.690-1661
Fax:  505.827-2325
BB Web:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/




-----Original Message-----
From: 1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org<mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org> [mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org]<mailto:[mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org]> On Behalf Of Gary Gomes
Sent: Sunday, April 07, 2013 2:45 PM
To: rl at 1st-mile.com<mailto:rl at 1st-mile.com>; '1st mile nm'
Subject: Re: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program: Update

Richard/Gar,

I am wondering where the data comes from and who benefits by the inclusion
or exclusion of coverage areas that are shown on the interactive map.

I own a home in the "Talavera" area of suburban Las Cruces.  It is a pretty
large geographical area (app 6 square miles) and it shows up as having Cable
internet coverage.  It does NOT.

Comcast is the local Cable provider and they do not serve that area - one
can confirm that by trying to order service to the house 5085 Copper Bar Rd
Las Cruces, NM 88011.

Obviously this makes me very suspicious of the entire endeavor.

Gary


-----Original Message-----
From: 1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org<mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org>
[mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org]<mailto:[mailto:1st-mile-nm-bounces at mailman.dcn.org]> On Behalf Of Richard Lowenberg
Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 3:48 PM
To: 1st mile nm
Subject: [1st-mile-nm] NM DoIT Broadband Program: Update

A few weeks ago, Gar Clarke provided an encapsulated update on the NM
Broadband Program, which is this State's NTIA funded broadband mapping,
planning, capacity building and technical assistance initiative.

I urge you to bookmark and occasionally look at the program web site for
added information and materials, and for those with time and interest, to
please participate in the process
at:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/index.shtml

In this update, I'd like to note that a NM Working Group had its first
meeting on March 27, with additional meetings now scheduled, leading to a
late Summer report and action agendas.
Surveys have been prepared to address education, healthcare and economic
development issues and information gathering.
See:  http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/bb_workgroup.shtml

The New Mexico Broadband Program (NMBBP) is launching two Regional Broadband
Implementation Plan (RBIP) Pilots within the State to be completed by
September 2014. These Pilots will not only provide technical assistance to
help the regional groups chosen achieve a solid planning, funding and
technology framework, but will also identify future funding to expand this
implementation concept
throughout New Mexico.   To apply by May 17, See:
http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/surveys.shtml      and:
http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/docs/NMBBP_RBIP_Application_final.pdf

The New Mexico Broadband Program Community Broadband Master Plan
Guidebook   Version 1.1, March 2013    has just been posted.
http://www.doit.state.nm.us/broadband/reports/NM_Broadband_Guidebook_v1_1_fi
nal.pdf

New Mexico Broadband Program Speed Test has also been deployed.
Give it a try:  http://nmbbmapping.org/speedtest/

There's probably a lot more to update this list about, and I'll
leave it to Gar to do so.   There is a good amount of work being
planned for the coming months, through 2015.   As the State proceeds,
I'd like to encourage some participation, productive comments and related
efforts by 1st-Mile subscribers.  Productive is the key word.

Simply being critical of process or outcomes is to easy, even though
there may be vital issues to be critical of.   The challenge before us
is to move our state, communities, companies, institutions and residents
forward, and not just to be playing 'catch-up'.  This list should be one
place where we can influence the State's process at a high level.
Not an easy task, but I for one hope we can do so.

Richard


-----------------------------------
Richard Lowenberg, Executive Dir.
1st-Mile Institute, 505-603-5200
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.1st-mile.org<http://www.1st-mile.org>  rl at 1st-mile.org<mailto:rl at 1st-mile.org>
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