Having operated numerous wireless ISPs myself over the years, and as an active member of the WISPA Emergency Communications Action Team I'd like nothing more than to get these comments on the record and tackle responses "head-on" once and for all.
Under the NTIA guidelines, data is collected and submitted semi-annually. Data submitted to NTIA on April 1 of each year consists of your infrastructure and speed tier data that was current on December 31 of the previous year. Data submitted to NTIA on October 1 of each year consists of your infrastructure and speed tier data that was current on June 30 of the then current year. Accordingly, providers that have had no change in coverage area or speeds can contact their mapping agents now and report "no change". Providers that have or are expanding coverage areas (and will likely be doing so through June 30) should wait to submit their data sometime after the 1st week of July. CN hasn't changed its core methodologies as long as I've been here (7 years) but has always followed the changes as dictated by NTIA and the FCC. For example, prior to the development of the NTIA National Broadband Map, several states engaged CN to conduct broadband mapping (e.g. West Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, South Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee). During the early stages of developing these maps, the definition of broadband was "greater than 200 kbps" in one direction. Thus, when the definition changed, our data collection spreadsheets were updated to reflect the change. Back then, states were happy if we submitted concentric circles illustrating our coverage area (and using disclaimers for actual coverage). Today, NTIA prefers actual propagation studies. As such, our data collection spreadsheets were updated to reflect the change. These changes were not by choice but by requirement. So to answer the question, we just follow to guidelines of NTIA (or the state client for those early maps). We follow the same guidelines as all other mapping agents in the US and are held to the same standards as all other mapping agents. This is a great segue to the next comment regarding "apparent ties to large carriers". I begin by stating that we've worked diligently to assist dozens of WISPs across the US by providing free engineering designs, free community and demographic assessments, tower site assistance, lease negotiation assistance and have written numerous RUS Community Connect grants. In other words, "we like the small operators". You are the guys that actually bridge the gaps in the digital divide and we appreciate what you do. Our funding source for developing these maps is the State Broadband Initiative grants (ARRA funded with NTIA oversight) just like every other mapping agent in the US. In the 7 years I've been with CN I can recall working in 2 states where the maps were partially funded by provider contributions (West Virginia and North Carolina). Perhaps this is what you are referring to when you mention ties to large carriers. If so, I can assure you that without those contributions and provider support, those states would have been hard pressed to develop a map that met the current standards. Others might claim that our "apparent ties" were due to members of our board of directors. In the past, board members have included representatives from AT&T and/or other large companies. If you want to view our current board members, please visit the link at http://www.connectednation.org/board-of-directors Finally, I close with these comments. The entire mapping process is strictly voluntary. No one forces providers to participate. It's based on developing a relationship and if, for some reason, you have problems with one of my staff members in a CN mapping state - call me and we'll work on making things right. In the 10 states where we are currently the mapping agent, I believe our provider participation (which is voluntary) speaks for itself: Alaska: 21 of 23 91.30% Iowa 198 of 203 97.54% Michigan 123 of 141 87.23% Minnesota 116 of 119 97.48% Nevada 52 of 53 98.11% Ohio 117of 129 90.70% Puerto Rico 16 of 20 80.00% South Carolina 44 of 47 93.62% Tennessee 82 of 86 95.35% Texas 158 of 201 78.61% -----Original Message----- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Broadwick - Lists Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 4:25 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] What you can do! Hi Chip, I've heard a lot of concern and frustration about working with CN in some areas. The concern was primarily because of CN's apparent ties to the large carriers. The frustration was about changing methodologies and having to submit multiple times. Can you address these? Regards, Jeff Sales Manager, Blue Technology 574-935-8484 x106 (US/Can) 574-220-7826 (Cell) +1 574-935-8484 (Int'l) -----Original Message----- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Spann, Chip Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:51 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] What you can do! Jeff's #1 point is spot on! If you are not already participating in your state's broadband map, I encourage you to do so. Recently, we've even created propagation studies for WISPs outside of our states so that they can simply give an electronic file to their state mapping agent. If you haven't participated yet and operate a system that covers any part of AK, IA, MI, MN, NV, OH, PR, SC, TN or TX - I'd like to hear from you. Regards, Charles "Chip" Spann Director - Engineering & Technical Services Connected Nation, Inc. csp...@connectednation.org Mobile: (270) 799-0448 -----Original Message----- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Broadwick - Lists Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:43 AM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: [WISPA] What you can do! Someone asked on the Members List what they could do to help the overall cause of trying to get/protect spectrum and to avoid CAF/USF pitfalls. Thought it would be appropriate here as well: #1 is working to ensure that you and every WISP you know is working with the mapping efforts and filing their 477 form. The maps were GOLD when talking to the folks in DC. Most don't really understand spectrum...but they can read a map...and they know how it overlays their district! #2 would be to attend, or help fund, WISPA's new Advocacy Day program. We had a great response to the first one, and will be doing one annually, and others as needed. #3 PLEASE get to know your Congressman/Senators and their key staffers! You don't have to go to DC to do that (unless of course you are trying to see Senator Lugar...), you can go visit them in their local offices. #4 spread the word about WISPA. If we don't hang together, we'll hang separately! No one will agree with every single position a trade group takes, but WISPA labors to ensure that we are representing the views of the majority of our membership...and WE ARE making a difference! Regards, Jeff Jeff Broadwick Sales Manager, Blue Technology 574-935-8484 x106 (US/Can) 574-220-7826 (Cell) +1 574-935-8484 (Int'l) _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
