Specifications include, but are not limited to: Consultant will be required to holistically provide the following items in the analysis: 1. Technology and Trends Review. Conduct a review of current trends in telecommunications technologies and the industries they support. Assess what will be required to develop any forthcoming broadband network and the predicted material lifespan to safeguard against obsolescence. 2. Policy Analysis. Completion of a review of the current and forthcoming legislative and regulatory policy will also be performed to ensure that the proposed public network and service complies with and accounts for any statutes that govern how public broadband is regulated. 3. Service and Infrastructure Analysis. Complete an analysis of the incumbent Internet service providers (ISPs) and existing broadband infrastructure in the region. Provide a clear picture of the state of broadband in the study area and how any forthcoming network will fit into that landscape. Analysis should identify service models that could be utilized in the region. Outcomes will include GIS maps detailing the physical extent of fiber-optic lines, service areas, incumbency, and level of service provided. 4. Site Analysis. Complete a site analysis to discover whether existing public assets and/or land can be used to better facilitate network construction and operation. 5. Market Analysis. Complete a market analysis to serve as the basis for determining penetration and adoption rates, foreseeable competition, and sensible pricing for services provided. 6. Utility Formation Study. Prepare, assess, and plan for creating an entity to govern the network once it has been completed and provide service to customers. Examine processes and the delineation of what will be required--both in terms of finances and physical footprint-- to successfully own and operate a public broadband utility.
