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Broadband for Your Community Vitality
Showing how investments in broadband, digital infrastructure and transformation can pay for themselves.
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Client: Office of Broadband Outreach and Development (OBOD), Commonwealth of Kentucky
Project: Kentucky Broadband Planning (SNG)
Conducted: 2011 – present
Results: SNG is currently lending our expertise to the OBOD and the Kentucky Area Development Districts (ADD) to administer and coordinate broadband related research, data collection, development and implementation of public outreach campaigns and recruitment / development of collaborative networks of localized stakeholders and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) to form Regional/Community Stakeholder Groups. The primary goal? Formalization of broadband promotion, adoption, and utilization plans to impact broadband demand and economic development in unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth. Also in the works is defining strategic objectives and metrics to measure the impact of this broadband planning effort on those objectives.
A collaborative web-based network, or Central Repository, is being developed and deployed to deliver service and educational information to regional stakeholders and the citizens of the Commonwealth. The Central Repository will promote new internet content, broadband usage training, data, applications, productivity and action planning online tools to support the broadband planning and adoption efforts of the OBOD.
Preliminary Regional Broadband Reports will be presented to regional stakeholders at a Broadband Adoption and Utilization Planning Workshop. Key findings and utilization gaps will be presented and discussed. Based on these discussions, regional stakeholders will be asked to identify economic development goal, focus priorities and utilization gaps to bridge. Feedback from the workshop will be used to develop a data collection work plan, followed by collection and analysis of data on broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. From the data collection effort, Digital Economy Reports will be developed that includes a state‐wide broadband utilization profile, as well as customized profiles for the Regional/Community Stakeholder Groups. Plan for economic development through broadband for each Regional/Community Stakeholder Group will be developed, including a summary of priorities, a roadmap forward, with analysis of the targeted industry sectors and/or geographies identified in the workshops.
Resources: December Workshop
Virginia e-Solutions Benchmarking
Client: Commonwealth of Virginia, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed information regarding broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Conducted: eSB conducted in 2010; contract extension for 2011 – 2013.
Results: Identified gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband utilization, developing broadband strategies for economic development and converting broadband “network projects” into foundational platforms for economic and civic growth. Contract extension will produce a State Broadband Adoption and Awareness Plan in 2012, for use during stakeholder and community workshops in 2013.
Client: State of Virginia, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed information regarding broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the State of Virginia.
Conducted: March 2010 – 2011
Results: Identified gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband adoption, developing broadband strategies for economic development and converting broadband “network projects” into foundational platforms for economic and civic growth
North Carolina e-Solutions Benchmarking
Clients: Department of Commerce and e-North Carolina Authority, State of North Carolina, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed data on broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the State of North Carolina. Facilitated consultation process with stakeholders in telehealth, municipal, and non-profit sectors to define issues and critical questions for data to be collected. Wrote technical and strategic planning reports for internal and external distribution. In 2012, began regional planning for broadband for the Department of Commerce.
Conducted: eSB conducted in 2010. Contract extension for 2011 – 2013 for strategies for economic development and consultation with three economic development regions.
Results: The gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband utilization were identified, while developing broadband strategies for economic development. Contract extension will produce resource materials, stakeholder workshops and action plans for three regions in North Carolina.
Click here for a partial report of eSB findings in North Carolina: Broadband for Energy Management – Selections from E-Solutions Benchmarking Technical Report for North Carolina.Client: e-North Carolina Authority, State of North Carolina, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed data on broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the State of North Carolina.
Conducted: January 2010 – ongoing
Results: The gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband adoption were identified, while developing broadband strategies for economic development and converting broadband “network projects” into foundational platforms for economic and civic growth.
Summit County, Ohio e-Solutions Benchmarking
Client: Knight Center of Digital Excellence and OneCommunity, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed data on the current state of broadband use and the usage of e-solutions by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households for Summit County, Ohio.
Conducted: January – July 2009
Results: Analysis of the data collected was used to identify gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband adoption, developing broadband strategies for economic development and converting
broadband “network projects” into foundational platforms for economic and civic growth.
Download reportClient: Knight Center of Digital Excellence and OneCommunity, United States
Project: Collected and analyzed data on the current state of broadband use and the usage of e-solutions by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households for Summit County, Ohio.
Conducted: January – July 2009
Results: Analysis of the data collected was used to identify gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband adoption, developing broadband strategies for economic development and converting
broadband “network projects” into foundational platforms for economic and civic growth.
Broadband Skills Research for the State of Michigan
Client: Cisco Networking Academy, United States.
Project: Consulting and guidance on the technical skill sets needed by businesses and communities during and after a comprehensive broadband initiative, with focus on gaps that are common across experiences. SNG provided a timeline, based on experience gained with communities outside of Michigan, of the different types of jobs and opportunities created as a result of a successful community broadband implementation – one year, three years, five years.
Conducted: October – December 2009
Results: Analysis of data on usage and impacts collected by SNG, international literature reviews, and key informant interviews revealed that:
- Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes are replacing connectivity as the primary barriers to broadband adoption.
- Productivity and Growth will come from more sophisticated and intensive uses
- SMEs and Rural Areas face greatest challenges
Client: Cisco Networking Academy, United States.
Project: Consulting and guidance on the technical skill sets needed by businesses and communities during and after a comprehensive broadband initiative, with focus on gaps that are common across experiences. SNG provided a timeline, based on experience gained with communities outside of Michigan, of the different types of jobs and opportunities created as a result of a successful community broadband implementation – one year, three years, five years.
Conducted: October – December 2009
Results: Analysis of data on usage and impacts collected by SNG, international literature reviews, and key informant interviews revealed that:
- Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes are replacing connectivity as the primary barriers to broadband adoption.
- Productivity and Growth will come from more sophisticated and intensive uses
- SMEs and Rural Areas face greatest challenges
Bridging the Community Learning Campus (CLC) to the Federal Agenda
Client: Olds College, Alberta, Canada
Project: Worked with local governance team to identify desired economic outcomes for their initiative, as well as drivers where CLC strategic directions could align with the Federal Government
agenda.
Conducted: November 2005
Results: Based on analysis of local gaps and needs, prepared summary of findings along with recommendations on funding opportunities for the project, including learning offerings by the Community Learning Campus which included: Providing training to increase IT skills of local workers; Increasing organizational capacity managers in adopting and exploiting broadband enabled applications and processesClient: Olds College, Alberta, Canada
Project: Worked with local governance team to identify desired economic outcomes for their initiative, as well as drivers where CLC strategic directions could align with the Federal Government
agenda.
Conducted: November 2005
Results: Based on analysis of local gaps and needs, prepared summary of findings along with recommendations on funding opportunities for the project, including learning offerings by the Community Learning Campus which included: Providing training to increase IT skills of local workers; Increasing organizational capacity managers in adopting and exploiting broadband enabled applications and processes
Kawartha Lakes Tourism Study
Client: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Documented the current state of IT awareness and usage by tourism operators in the Kawartha Lakes region and conducted supply chain analysis of tourism sector in Kawartha Lakes to identify gaps in IT usage and opportunities for cost savings and new revenues using IT and broadband.
Conducted: January – April 2005
Results: Characterized gaps in IT usage by the tourism industry in Kawartha Lakes and provided recommendations, with actionable items, on how those gaps could be closed. Developed a benchmark and tracking methodology for future impact measurement of the benefits from IT and broadbandClient: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Documented the current state of IT awareness and usage by tourism operators in the Kawartha Lakes region and conducted supply chain analysis of tourism sector in Kawartha Lakes to identify gaps in IT usage and opportunities for cost savings and new revenues using IT and broadband.
Conducted: January – April 2005
Results: Characterized gaps in IT usage by the tourism industry in Kawartha Lakes and provided recommendations, with actionable items, on how those gaps could be closed. Developed a benchmark and tracking methodology for future impact measurement of the benefits from IT and broadband
Planning and capacity building
Community broadband readiness self-Assessments for Miami, Akron (OH), and Aberdeen (GA)
Client: Knight Center of Digital Excellence and OneCommunity, United States
Project: SNG facilitated an independent self-assessment of the current state of readiness for undertaking a broadband initiative in each community.
Conducted: October 2008 – April 2009
Results: Thanks in large part to the readiness scores and comment, each community was prepared to attract and take advantage of funding opportunities by demonstrating community commitment.Client: Knight Center of Digital Excellence and OneCommunity, United States
Project: SNG facilitated an independent self-assessment of the current state of readiness for undertaking a broadband initiative in each community.
Conducted: October 2008 – April 2009
Results: Thanks in large part to the readiness scores and comment, each community was prepared to attract and take advantage of funding opportunities by demonstrating community commitment.
Illinois e-Solutions Benchmarking and Regional Planning
Client: Partnership for a Connected Illinois, Illinois, United States
Project: Currently collecting and analyzing data on broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the State of Illinois. Facilitated consultation process with stakeholders to define issues and critical questions for data to be collected.
Conducted: eSB conducted in 2012; contract extension for 2013.
Results: The gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband utilization were identified, while developing broadband strategies for economic development. Contract extension will produce resource materials, stakeholder workshops and action plans for economic development in Illinois.
Nunavut Broadband Planning
Client: Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, Nunavut, Canada
Project: Collected and analyzed information regarding broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions, and households across the 25 communities of Nunavut. Provided a e-Strategy development report, showing leads to digital economy development in the region.
Conducted: 2012
Results: The gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband utilization were identified, while developing broadband strategies for economic development. Provided recommendations to infrastructures development in the North.
Kansas Broadband Planning
Clients: Department of Commerce – Kansas Statewide Broadband Initiative.
Project: Develop a shared understanding of advanced approaches to harnessing broadband deployment to actionable economic impact in the State of Kansas. Understand how statistical analysis and economic modeling of broadband utilization data can support effective broadband planning. Develop specific strategies and tactics to engage targeted local and regional stakeholder groups in broadband planning in a manner that is locally owned and sustainable.
Conducted: May 2012.
Results: Recommendations currently under consideration by the State.
Northern Ireland Broadband Planning
Clients: British Telecom
Project: In partnership with Regeneris Consulting (UK) the project focus was on estimating the potential economic benefits that can be derived from recent investments in fibre broadband services in Northern Ireland. SNG leveraged its extensive database and economic impact analysis to show the financial benefits that can accrue from increased utilization of broadband services across five key sectors: advanced manufacturing, creative & digital, financial services, retail, and agri-food. Increasing broadband utilization enhances demand for fibre broadband services resulting in increased service uptake and greater economic returns on investment.
Conducted: 2013.
Results: The economic impact estimates for Northern Ireland show that a 10 percent increase in utilization of broadband-enabled services would result in a 15-year GVA (gross value added) impact if £422m ($640M) for Northern Ireland. The estimated economic benefits are based on increased use of services that drive business growth (revenues) and improve productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
Digital economy benchmarking of Australia
Client: Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Government of Australia.
Project: Identified the evidence base on sectoral performance of the digital economy in Australia and international benchmarking sources, including OECD, European Union and Asian economies.
Conducted: July – December 2008
Results: Identified key data gaps, undertook benchmarking of five Australian sectors against international benchmarks, and designed a survey tool for deployment in Australia for measuring digital
economy participation, usage and impacts. Developed a path forward to measure the growth over time in the productive engagement of Australian business with the digital economy and presented this to senior departmental management.Client: Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Government of Australia.
Project: Identified the evidence base on sectoral performance of the digital economy in Australia and international benchmarking sources, including OECD, European Union and Asian economies.
Conducted: July – December 2008
Results: Identified key data gaps, undertook benchmarking of five Australian sectors against international benchmarks, and designed a survey tool for deployment in Australia for measuring digital
economy participation, usage and impacts. Developed a path forward to measure the growth over time in the productive engagement of Australian business with the digital economy and presented this to senior departmental management.
Economic Impact Research for the Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Council
Client: Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council, United States
Project: To support the decisions, effort, and investment in undertaking a FTTH initiative, SNG collaborated with MIT and Carnegie Mellon University to measure the potential economic impacts
deployment would bring.
Conducted: January 2007 – July 2007
Results: Developed a framework to model impacts from FTTH investments and collected hard data on impacts realized by individual businesses and organizations in three communities, which showed significant returns on investment because of FTTH (reported for previous 12 month period:
- increases in sales of $3.4 million
- total decreases in costs of $4.0 million
- average increase in employment of 11.9%
Download report (Jackson, TN)
Download report (Bristol, VA)Client: Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council, United States
Project: To support the decisions, effort, and investment in undertaking a FTTH initiative, SNG collaborated with MIT and Carnegie Mellon University to measure the potential economic impacts
deployment would bring.
Conducted: January 2007 – July 2007
Results: Developed a framework to model impacts from FTTH investments and collected hard data on impacts realized by individual businesses and organizations in three communities, which showed significant returns on investment because of FTTH (reported for previous 12 month period:
- increases in sales of $3.4 million
- total decreases in costs of $4.0 million
- average increase in employment of 11.9%
Download report (Jackson, TN)
Download report (Bristol, VA)
Review of Connect Ontario Broadband for Rural Access (COBRA) Pilot Projects
Client: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted a functional review of the three COBRA Broadband projects carried-out in Ontario from 2003-2005. These projects were funded by Ministry of Economic Development and Trade under the Connect Ontario Program. The purpose of the projects was to provide up to 50% funding to a non-profit community organization to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure to the area.
Conducted: June – November 2006
Results: Developed functional models and created a set of lessons learned for future strategy development and broadband delivery in Ontario.Client: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted a functional review of the three COBRA Broadband projects carried-out in Ontario from 2003-2005. These projects were funded by Ministry of Economic Development and Trade under the Connect Ontario Program. The purpose of the projects was to provide up to 50% funding to a non-profit community organization to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure to the area.
Conducted: June – November 2006
Results: Developed functional models and created a set of lessons learned for future strategy development and broadband delivery in Ontario.
Review of Community Broadband Pilot Projects
Client: Ministry of Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted a functional review of the three pilot projects funded by the Ministry of Government Services implemented in rural Eastern Ontario communities between 2005-2006 to assist in the
process of procuring and implementing broadband connectivity
Results: Developed functional models and created a set of lessons learned and best practices for future strategy development and broadband delivery in Ontario.Client: Ministry of Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted a functional review of the three pilot projects funded by the Ministry of Government Services implemented in rural Eastern Ontario communities between 2005-2006 to assist in the
process of procuring and implementing broadband connectivity
Results: Developed functional models and created a set of lessons learned and best practices for future strategy development and broadband delivery in Ontario.
Readiness Framework and Sustainability Model for Broadband
Client: Industry Canada and Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: SNG led consultant team to design and develop a Readiness Framework and Sustainability Model for information and communication technology (ICT) investments in communities across Canada, with particular emphasis on small rural, remote, Francophone, Northern, and Aboriginal communities.
Conducted: January – March 2005
Results: Identified key challenges and developed criteria for evaluating readiness and sustainability of community broadband investments. Developed a policy framework to inform government broadband initiatives across Canada as to: which communities are served by market forces; which communities will need an initial investment to become self-sustaining and which communities will need ongoing subsidies as they will not be self-sustaining.Client: Industry Canada and Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: SNG led consultant team to design and develop a Readiness Framework and Sustainability Model for information and communication technology (ICT) investments in communities across Canada, with particular emphasis on small rural, remote, Francophone, Northern, and Aboriginal communities.
Conducted: January – March 2005
Results: Identified key challenges and developed criteria for evaluating readiness and sustainability of community broadband investments. Developed a policy framework to inform government broadband initiatives across Canada as to: which communities are served by market forces; which communities will need an initial investment to become self-sustaining and which communities will need ongoing subsidies as they will not be self-sustaining.
Return on Investment (ROI) Framework for Broadband
Client: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Led team that designed and developed a return on investment framework for cataloguing the benefits that may be forthcoming from broadband investment.
Conducted: January – March 2005
Results: Client was able to characterize and show potential socio-economic impacts, as well as estimate the return on investment (ROI) from broadband investments – extremely helpful in influencing
policy decisions.Client: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Led team that designed and developed a return on investment framework for cataloguing the benefits that may be forthcoming from broadband investment.
Conducted: January – March 2005
Results: Client was able to characterize and show potential socio-economic impacts, as well as estimate the return on investment (ROI) from broadband investments – extremely helpful in influencing
policy decisions.
Manitoba North Portal Project
Client: North Central Community Futures Development Corporation, Manitoba, Canada
Project: Developed business operations plan with measurable outcomes for a regional portal project.
Conducted: September 2004 – December 2005
Results: Adapted SNG methodologies to de-risk investment decisions and fast-track uptake rates for client’s portal initiative. To promote economic growth and access government services in the region’s 57 communities, built scalable, sustainable revenue models.Client: North Central Community Futures Development Corporation, Manitoba, Canada
Project: Developed business operations plan with measurable outcomes for a regional portal project.
Conducted: September 2004 – December 2005
Results: Adapted SNG methodologies to de-risk investment decisions and fast-track uptake rates for client’s portal initiative. To promote economic growth and access government services in the region’s 57 communities, built scalable, sustainable revenue models.
e-Government Go-to-Market Strategy
Client: IBM Global Services, Toronto, Canada.
Broadband Lifecycle Stage: Preplanning and assessment
Project: Engaged by IBM senior management to develop ‘go to market’ strategy for consulting offerings to e-government and ‘smart community’ clients.
Conducted: October 2000 – March 2001
Results: Identified opportunities for consulting services based upon understanding of market opportunities and government programs/priorities.Client: IBM Global Services, Toronto, Canada.
Broadband Lifecycle Stage: Preplanning and assessment
Project: Engaged by IBM senior management to develop ‘go to market’ strategy for consulting offerings to e-government and ‘smart community’ clients.
Conducted: October 2000 – March 2001
Results: Identified opportunities for consulting services based upon understanding of market opportunities and government programs/priorities.
eStrategies for Your Investment
Broadband Program Design for Ontario
Client: Ministry of Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Provided advice and analysis that shaped strategy and design of provincial program that addressed broadband access in un-served areas. SNG also proposed a model for overcoming gaps in
service access, including costing and funding. SNG’s technical advice was leveraged for implementation planning while its broadband network expertise provided strategic guidance in the application of readiness criteria to the design of a phased approach to infrastructure implementation.
Conducted: November 2006 – March 2007
Results: Provided a how-to guide with tools and templates to help communities and regions to successfully launch and complete broadband projects. Handbook was provided to communities and regions across the Province of Ontario to help them prepare business plans for their broadband projects.Client: Ministry of Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada
Project: Provided advice and analysis that shaped strategy and design of provincial program that addressed broadband access in un-served areas. SNG also proposed a model for overcoming gaps in
service access, including costing and funding. SNG’s technical advice was leveraged for implementation planning while its broadband network expertise provided strategic guidance in the application of readiness criteria to the design of a phased approach to infrastructure implementation.
Conducted: November 2006 – March 2007
Results: Provided a how-to guide with tools and templates to help communities and regions to successfully launch and complete broadband projects. Handbook was provided to communities and regions across the Province of Ontario to help them prepare business plans for their broadband projects.
ROI from Web Investments
Client: IBM Global Services, Toronto, Canada
Project: Engaged by senior management of a Tier 1 global IT firm to adapt their consulting offering for assessing return on Web investments.
Conducted: October 2000 – March 2001
Results: Developed methodology for client’s senior managers to assess costs and benefits of Web investment in e-government and ‘smart community’ initiatives.Client: IBM Global Services, Toronto, Canada
Project: Engaged by senior management of a Tier 1 global IT firm to adapt their consulting offering for assessing return on Web investments.
Conducted: October 2000 – March 2001
Results: Developed methodology for client’s senior managers to assess costs and benefits of Web investment in e-government and ‘smart community’ initiatives.
Maximizing Capacity and Uptake
Broadband RFP Process for Hastings County
Client: Corporation of the County of Hastings, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Assisted the Corporation of Hastings County achieve the most value from vendors in the provisioning of high-speed Internet access services to individuals, businesses and organizations
within this geographic area, enabling the communities and their constituencies to reap the benefits of broadband enabled services.
Conducted: September 2006 – ongoing
Results: Reviewed a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the county for broadband vendor selection and evaluate vendor responses, including technology selection; and, developed financial (cash
flow) models and assess vendor business plan, in consultation with selected vendor and the project authority, to forecast broadband network sustainabilityClient: Corporation of the County of Hastings, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Assisted the Corporation of Hastings County achieve the most value from vendors in the provisioning of high-speed Internet access services to individuals, businesses and organizations
within this geographic area, enabling the communities and their constituencies to reap the benefits of broadband enabled services.
Conducted: September 2006 – ongoing
Results: Reviewed a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the county for broadband vendor selection and evaluate vendor responses, including technology selection; and, developed financial (cash
flow) models and assess vendor business plan, in consultation with selected vendor and the project authority, to forecast broadband network sustainability
Design and Pilot Implementation of the Community Access Project for Trinidad and Tobago
Client: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and IBM International, Ottawa, Canada. Project Office – Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Project: Community Access Centre (CAC) Project, a component of the fast-forward Community Connections Program, developed operating models and strategies for rollout of multiple CACs across the country to provide computer and internet access to all T&T citizens and to foster computer literacy.
Conducted: March 2006 – January 2007
Results: The CAC program will result in accelerating economic development and contribute to transforming Trinidad and Tobago into a knowledge-based economy by the year 2020. SNG identified the services and content requirements for three pilot sites and established the plan for the implementation and operation of the pilot sites, which were successfully launched in November 2006. Conducted interviews in Trinidad with Ministry stakeholders and local community leaders to determine CAC user needs, as well as content availability for the pilots. Initiated and managed development of a CAC Web Portal to provide a focal point for user access and CAC program content. Defined and documented the operational policies and procedures for the pilot sites in consultation with key stakeholders. Developed a detailed revenue and cost model and recommendations for the proposed CAC roll out of CAC sites across Trinidad and Tobago. The analysis recommended between 200 and 250 sites of various size. The program investment required $50M over four years and the analysis demonstrated that the program could be financially sustainable.Client: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and IBM International, Ottawa, Canada. Project Office – Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Project: Community Access Centre (CAC) Project, a component of the fast-forward Community Connections Program, developed operating models and strategies for rollout of multiple CACs across the country to provide computer and internet access to all T&T citizens and to foster computer literacy.
Conducted: March 2006 – January 2007
Results: The CAC program will result in accelerating economic development and contribute to transforming Trinidad and Tobago into a knowledge-based economy by the year 2020. SNG identified the services and content requirements for three pilot sites and established the plan for the implementation and operation of the pilot sites, which were successfully launched in November 2006. Conducted interviews in Trinidad with Ministry stakeholders and local community leaders to determine CAC user needs, as well as content availability for the pilots. Initiated and managed development of a CAC Web Portal to provide a focal point for user access and CAC program content. Defined and documented the operational policies and procedures for the pilot sites in consultation with key stakeholders. Developed a detailed revenue and cost model and recommendations for the proposed CAC roll out of CAC sites across Trinidad and Tobago. The analysis recommended between 200 and 250 sites of various size. The program investment required $50M over four years and the analysis demonstrated that the program could be financially sustainable.
Community Broadband Pilot Projects, Canada
Client: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: Led local stakeholders through process of procuring and implementing broadband connectivity for three pilot projects in rural Eastern Ontario communities. Adapted RFP and vendor selection
processes for three tenders and developed sustainable business models for broadband service for the needs of three communities with no previous broadband connectivity.
Conducted: January – May 2005
Results: Government reach to rural/remote locations was greatly enhanced with increased citizen Internet access. SNG helped bridge the digital divide, increase participation in citizen engagement
activities (through online access); and identify challenges and barriers for the adoption of ICT in key communities, such as rural/remote regions.Client: Management Board Secretariat, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: Led local stakeholders through process of procuring and implementing broadband connectivity for three pilot projects in rural Eastern Ontario communities. Adapted RFP and vendor selection
processes for three tenders and developed sustainable business models for broadband service for the needs of three communities with no previous broadband connectivity.
Conducted: January – May 2005
Results: Government reach to rural/remote locations was greatly enhanced with increased citizen Internet access. SNG helped bridge the digital divide, increase participation in citizen engagement
activities (through online access); and identify challenges and barriers for the adoption of ICT in key communities, such as rural/remote regions.
North Georgia Network business development program
Client: North Georgia Network, Georgia, United States
Project: Currently collecting and analyzing data on broadband and e-solutions use by businesses, organizations, institutions across the North Georgia. Facilitated consultation process with stakeholders to define issues and critical questions for data to be collected. Provided DEi Scorecards to participating businesses. Provided a e-Strategy development report, showing leads to digital economy development in the region.
Conducted: eSB conducted in 2012; contract extension for 2013.
Results: The gaps and opportunities for increasing broadband utilization were identified, while developing broadband strategies for economic development. Contract extension will produce resource materials, stakeholder workshops and action plans for economic development in North Georgia.
Driving Utilization and Uptake Through Outreach
e-Business Support for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises in Ontario
Client: Ministry for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: Helped develop strategies while providing guidance to 18 broadband project groups across Southern Ontario. SNG supported long-term broadband project sustainability and the Ministry’s
activities in the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) awareness and adoption of e-business solutions.
Conducted: November 2007 – April 2008
Results: Increased awareness and uptake of e-business solutions and new technologies by SMEs. In addition, helped local SMEs improve operational efficiencies through Internet collaboration, opening new markets for their goods and services.Client: Ministry for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: Helped develop strategies while providing guidance to 18 broadband project groups across Southern Ontario. SNG supported long-term broadband project sustainability and the Ministry’s
activities in the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) awareness and adoption of e-business solutions.
Conducted: November 2007 – April 2008
Results: Increased awareness and uptake of e-business solutions and new technologies by SMEs. In addition, helped local SMEs improve operational efficiencies through Internet collaboration, opening
new markets for their goods and services.
Promoting the Use of IT and Broadband in Elgin County
Client: Management Board Secretariat, Toronto, Canada; Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation, Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted economic gap analysis of region and prepared economic development plan for investing in broadband and ICT in Elgin County, Ontario.
Conducted: February – September 2004
Results: Identified economic drivers and types of businesses in Elgin County that would benefit from IT and broadband. Developed a plan to assist local community and business leaders accelerate the uptake of IT and broadband and shorten the path for economic growth. Identified under-serviced business sectors necessary for diversified, robust local economy.
Report: Promoting the Use of IT and Broadband in Elgin County – Executive Summary
Download reportClient: Management Board Secretariat, Toronto, Canada; Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation, Ontario, Canada
Project: Conducted economic gap analysis of region and prepared economic development plan for investing in broadband and ICT in Elgin County, Ontario.
Conducted: February – September 2004
Results: Identified economic drivers and types of businesses in Elgin County that would benefit from IT and broadband. Developed a plan to assist local community and business leaders accelerate the uptake of IT and broadband and shorten the path for economic growth. Identified under-serviced business sectors necessary for diversified, robust local economy.
Report: Promoting the Use of IT and Broadband in Elgin County – Executive Summary
Mobilizing Small Business: Electronic Commerce and Regional Economic Development
Client: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Researched and reported the impacts of various e-commerce business models tested with local businesses in a county in eastern rural Ontario.
Conducted: September – October 2000
Results: Developed critical success factors and lessons learned for rural businesses to leverage e-commerce tools to increase sales and enhance services.Client: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Researched and reported the impacts of various e-commerce business models tested with local businesses in a county in eastern rural Ontario.
Conducted: September – October 2000
Results: Developed critical success factors and lessons learned for rural businesses to leverage e-commerce tools to increase sales and enhance services.
Canada India Telecommunications Operations Project (ICTOP)
Client: Canadian International Development Agency and IBM Canada, Ottawa, Canada. Project Office – Bhopal, India.
Project: ICT Applications Team Co-lead for $7.5 million project to connect 33 rural villages in the state of Madhya Pradesh (central India) with broadband while providing Village Information Centres (VICs). The purpose of the VICs was for computer and Internet access to local citizens and to foster computer literacy through training and increase citizen access to information and services via VIC facilities, thereby accelerating local socio-economic development.
Conducted: June 2003 – January 2004
Results: Identified the service and content requirements for 33 village sites, procured applications and established the plan for their implementation and operation, which were successfully launched in September 2003. Conducted interviews with senior government officials, business stakeholders and local community leaders to assess local needs for VIC services and developed a structured business model to generate sustainability revenues. Evaluated service and content availability for the VICs, developed roll-out plan and implemented urgently needed services based on hierarchy of villager needs – services included tele-medicine, Hindi speech-to-text, e-government services and computer-based learning / vocational training. Initiated and managed development of a Web Portal to provide a focal point for user access and VIC program content.Client: Canadian International Development Agency and IBM Canada, Ottawa, Canada. Project Office – Bhopal, India.
Project: ICT Applications Team Co-lead for $7.5 million project to connect 33 rural villages in the state of Madhya Pradesh (central India) with broadband while providing Village Information Centres (VICs). The purpose of the VICs was for computer and Internet access to local citizens and to foster computer literacy through training and increase citizen access to information and services via VIC facilities, thereby accelerating local socio-economic development.
Conducted: June 2003 – January 2004
Results: Identified the service and content requirements for 33 village sites, procured applications and established the plan for their implementation and operation, which were successfully
launched in September 2003. Conducted interviews with senior government officials, business stakeholders and local community leaders to assess local needs for VIC services and developed a structured business model to generate sustainability revenues. Evaluated service and content availability for the VICs, developed roll-out plan and implemented urgently needed services based on hierarchy of villager needs – services included tele-medicine, Hindi speech-to-text, e-government services and computer-based learning / vocational training. Initiated and managed development of a Web Portal to provide a focal point for user access and VIC program content.
IT Needs-Skills Survey – Local Labour Market Partnership Pilot Project
Client: Communities of Eastern Ontario Network, Ontario, Canada
Project: Authored project and developed proposal to promote local employment in eastern Ontario. Project proposal was successful and Federal funding ($150K) was awarded to client to survey the IT needs of employers and the IT skills of job seekers.
Conducted: February – November 2002
Results: Increased awareness by businesses in the region on how to leverage IT. Gaps in local hiring were identified and addressed by project stakeholders to promote local job creation and retention.
Community Access Program for Columbia
Client: Lanark Network Associates, Ottawa, Canada.
Project: Advised a federal government client in South America on how to implement a nation-wide network of public Internet access centers following the model by the Government of Canada and its 5,000 Community Access Program centers.
Conducted: March – May 2001
Results: Developed program model with performance measures, critical success factors, and lessons learned for federal government client to implement similar projects in South America.
Community Access Program: Sustainability Funding for Lanark County
Client: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Developed proposal to sustain operations of 19 public Internet access centers in a rural county in Ontario for a community-based organization facilitating local IT development.
Conducted: February – March 2000
Results: Proposal was successful and Federal funding ($66K) was awarded to client to support IT learning and skills development in the region.Client: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Developed proposal to sustain operations of 19 public Internet access centers in a rural county in Ontario for a community-based organization facilitating local IT development.
Conducted: February – March 2000
Results: Proposal was successful and Federal funding ($66K) was awarded to client to support IT learning and skills development in the region.
An Integrated Community Network for Lanark Carleton Kanata
Client: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada
Project: Member of proposal writing team that developed $20 million smart community project submission for community-based organization facilitating local IT development.
Conducted: January 2000
Results: Successful proposal submission to Smart Communities Program, Industry CanadaClient: Lanark Communications Network, Perth, Ontario, Canada
Project: Member of proposal writing team that developed $20 million smart community project submission for community-based organization facilitating local IT development.
Conducted: January 2000
Results: Successful proposal submission to Smart Communities Program, Industry Canada
Assess Impacts and Outcomes to Guide Next Steps
Broadband Validation of Kentucky
Client: State of Kentucky, United States.
Project: Deployed a verification system integrating multiple methods and data sources that can be dynamically adapted to respond to the scope and nature of data made available by broadband
carriers. The resulting verification methodology achieves a unique combination of methodological rigor and cost-effectiveness by flexibly leveraging the strengths of each of these multiple sources and methods.
Conducted: January 2010 – ongoing
Results: In addition to validating availability of broadband “supply,” SNG provided a rich set of data related to broadband usage and benefits. Provided to potential investors in broadband connectivity and regional economic development, this adds enormous value to maps and analysis by integrating and analyzing supply and demand data.Client: State of Kentucky, United States.
Project: Deployed a verification system integrating multiple methods and data sources that can be dynamically adapted to respond to the scope and nature of data made available by broadband
carriers. The resulting verification methodology achieves a unique combination of methodological rigor and cost-effectiveness by flexibly leveraging the strengths of each of these multiple sources
and methods.
Conducted: January 2010 – ongoing
Results: In addition to validating availability of broadband “supply,” SNG provided a rich set of data related to broadband usage and benefits. Provided to potential investors in broadband
connectivity and regional economic development, this adds enormous value to maps and analysis by integrating and analyzing supply and demand data.
Broadband Validation of Louisiana
Client: State of Louisiana, United States.
Project: Deployed a verification system integrating multiple methods and data sources that can be dynamically adapted to respond to the scope and nature of data made available by broadband carriers. The resulting verification methodology achieves a unique combination of methodological rigor and cost-effectiveness by flexibly leveraging the strengths of each of these multiple sources and methods.
Conducted: 2010.
Results: In addition to validating availability of broadband “supply,” SNG provided a rich set of data related to broadband usage and benefits. Provided to potential investors in broadband connectivity and regional economic development, this adds enormous value to maps and analysis by integrating and analyzing supply and demand data.Client: State of Louisiana, United States.
Project: Deployed a verification system integrating multiple methods and data sources that can be dynamically adapted to respond to the scope and nature of data made available by broadband
carriers. The resulting verification methodology achieves a unique combination of methodological rigor and cost-effectiveness by flexibly leveraging the strengths of each of these multiple sources and methods.
Conducted: January 2010 – ongoing
Results: In addition to validating availability of broadband “supply,” SNG provided a rich set of data related to broadband usage and benefits. Provided to potential investors in broadband
connectivity and regional economic development, this adds enormous value to maps and analysis by integrating and analyzing supply and demand data.
Measuring Return on Investment of FedNor Funded ICT Projects
Client: FedNor, Industry Canada, Canada.
Project: Designed an approach empowering FedNor and proponents of their funded projects to capture data that accurately measures the economic and socio-economic impacts, as well as effectiveness of funded broadband projects.
Conducted: January – March 2010
Results: A plan for data collection efforts, including the steps and chronology for implementation as well as roles and resources required. To measure outcomes and impacts of its investments, FedNor will utilize multiple collection methods.Client: FedNor, Industry Canada, Canada.
Project: Designed an approach empowering FedNor and proponents of their funded projects to capture data that accurately measures the economic and socio-economic impacts, as well as effectiveness of funded broadband projects.
Conducted: January – March 2010
Results: A plan for data collection efforts, including the steps and chronology for implementation as well as roles and resources required. To measure outcomes and impacts of its investments, FedNor will utilize multiple collection methods.
Broadband Strategic Research and Impact Analysis – Program Evaluation Services for Rural Connections
Client: Ministry of Consumer and Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: SNG developed program evaluation framework, an impact tracking methodology and evaluation / support tools for the $10 million Rural Connections Program and living labs.
Conducted: December 2007 – March 2009
Results: Built capacity with government officials, municipal project stakeholders, community partners needed to support and take ownership of an impact tracking process for each of their 18 funded broadband projects. Created and implemented a process for the broadband funding agency to collect data on broadband impacts with a process that is locally owned and sustainable.Client: Ministry of Consumer and Government Services, Government of Ontario, Canada.
Project: SNG developed program evaluation framework, an impact tracking methodology and evaluation / support tools for the $10 million Rural Connections Program and living labs.
Conducted: December 2007 – March 2009
Results: Built capacity with government officials, municipal project stakeholders, community partners needed to support and take ownership of an impact tracking process for each of their 18 funded
broadband projects. Created and implemented a process for the broadband funding agency to collect data on broadband impacts with a process that is locally owned and sustainable.
Industry Canada Broadband Economic Impact Study: Impacts of broadband in Churchill, Manitoba, and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
Client: Industry Canada, Ottawa, Canada
Project: Conducted an economic impact assessment of broadband in the communities of Churchill, Manitoba and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.
Conducted: July to September 2005
Results: The study team from Brandon University, Dalhousie University and SNG shows a ‘digital divide’ in Canada that separates businesses in rural and remote communities from and even playing field with competitors that have access to broadband. Research revealed the critical impacts of broadband, including company retention and community viability. With the ROI evident, community leaders and members support future investments in expanding broadband access and strategies.
Download reportClient: Industry Canada, Ottawa, Canada
Project: Conducted an economic impact assessment of broadband in the communities of Churchill, Manitoba and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia.
Conducted: July to September 2005
Results: The study team from Brandon University, Dalhousie University and SNG shows a ‘digital divide’ in Canada that separates businesses in rural and remote communities from and even playing field with competitors that have access to broadband. Research revealed the critical impacts of broadband, including company retention and community viability. With the ROI evident, community leaders and members support future investments in expanding broadband access and strategies.
Socio-Economic Impact Study of FedNor Broadband and ICT Investments in Timmins and Cochrane District, Ontario
Client: Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), Toronto, Canada.
Project: Conducted economic impact study of FedNor broadband and ICT investments in Timmins, Ontario, from $2 million CDN in FedNor in project funding to tele-radiology, remote-learning and telephone switching system upgrade.
Conducted: January – April 2004
Results: Our study revealed that there was a $28.64 million increase in GDP for Cochrane District (i.e. Timmins region) and $9.75 million increase for the Province of Ontario; 928 person years of employment for Cochrane District and 125.6 for the rest of Ontario; $3.21 million increase in provincial tax revenues and $5 million increase in federal tax revenues.Client: Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), Toronto, Canada.
Project: Conducted economic impact study of FedNor broadband and ICT investments in Timmins, Ontario, from $2 million CDN in FedNor in project funding to tele-radiology, remote-learning and telephone switching system upgrade.
Conducted: January – April 2004
Results: Our study revealed that there was a $28.64 million increase in GDP for Cochrane District (i.e. Timmins region) and $9.75 million increase for the Province of Ontario; 928 person years of
employment for Cochrane District and 125.6 for the rest of Ontario; $3.21 million increase in provincial tax revenues and $5 million increase in federal tax revenues.
Economic Impact Study of the Headwaters Smart Communities Project
Client: Keewatin Career Development Corporation, northern Saskatchewan, Canada.
Project: Conducted evaluation of $5 million Headwaters Smart Communities Project.
Conducted: October – December 2003
Results: Demonstrated return on investment from project activities by identifying and characterizing benefits (economic and social) experienced by businesses, education, community services and heritage in the community / region.Client: Keewatin Career Development Corporation, northern Saskatchewan, Canada.
Project: Conducted evaluation of $5 million Headwaters Smart Communities Project.
Conducted: October – December 2003
Results: Demonstrated return on investment from project activities by identifying and characterizing benefits (economic and social) experienced by businesses, education, community services and
heritage in the community / region.
South Dundas Economic Impact Study of Broadband
Client: Department of Trade and Industry, London, United Kingdom.
Project: SNG conducted economic impact case study of a broadband network. Data collection and impact analysis in South Dundas Township (Ontario, Canada) to assess economic impact – in terms of jobs, GDP and the community’s tax base.
Conducted: February – June 2003
Results: Revealed the correlation between access to the Internet and new jobs. Specifically, half of firms with broadband had new jobs, a quarter (27%) of firms with dial-up had new jobs and only 6% of firms with no Internet access had new jobs. Using Input-Output modeling, SNG estimates a $16.42 million increase in direct expenditures to the Township based on new jobs and expansion of commercial and industrial facilities attributable to the fibre network.
Report: South Dundas Economic Impact Study
Download Report
View the Report on the Department of Trade and Industry’s WebsiteClient: Department of Trade and Industry, London, United Kingdom.
Project: SNG conducted economic impact case study of a broadband network. Data collection and impact analysis in South Dundas Township (Ontario, Canada) to assess economic impact – in terms of jobs, GDP and the community’s tax base.
Conducted: February – June 2003
Results: Revealed the correlation between access to the Internet and new jobs. Specifically, half of firms with broadband had new jobs, a quarter (27%) of firms with dial-up had new jobs and only
6% of firms with no Internet access had new jobs. Using Input-Output modeling, SNG estimates a $16.42 million increase in direct expenditures to the Township based on new jobs and expansion of commercial and industrial facilities attributable to the fibre network.
Report: South Dundas Economic Impact Study (link to SNG study on UK Government website)
Town of Tillsonburg Economic Impact Case Study
Client: Industry Canada, Ottawa, Canada; Town of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Reviewed economic impacts from adoption of the Town’s Strategic Technology Plan of 1999, involving convergence of operations with implementation of information technology systems and applications.
Conducted: December 2002 – February 2003
Results: Revealed demonstrable ROI, with $2.1M in benefits outweighing the $1.3M in costs as of December 2002. SNG developed model for local governments to determine what kind of IT investments should be made, what the value of those investments should be (based on population, number of municipal staff, etc.) and what kind of cost savings and return on investment they can expect from IT and broadband.Client: Industry Canada, Ottawa, Canada; Town of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada.
Project: Reviewed economic impacts from adoption of the Town’s Strategic Technology Plan of 1999, involving convergence of operations with implementation of information technology systems and applications.
Conducted: December 2002 – February 2003
Results: Revealed demonstrable ROI, with $2.1M in benefits outweighing the $1.3M in costs as of December 2002. SNG developed model for local governments to determine what kind of IT investments should be made, what the value of those investments should be (based on population, number of municipal staff, etc.) and what kind of cost savings and return on investment they can expect from IT
and broadband.
Research Findings
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