Specifications include, but are not limited to: • Identify existing underserved and unserved areas throughout the County. • Verify business and industrial parks (existing and proposed), industrial brownfield sites, critical industrial infrastructure, priority investment sites, opportunity zones, Justice40 tracts, educational facilities, libraries, towers, community centers, and recreational areas identified within the most recent Comprehensive Plan update. Information may be obtained in the LACKAWANNA-LUZERNE COUNTIES Joint Comprehensive Plan & Long-Range Transportation Plan adopted in 2021. • Use the Federal Communications Commission Broadband Map to verify a baseline of existing broadband access and needs, and technology used throughout the County and update federal and state broadband maps as needed. • Determine the potential residential and business demand and estimate service uptake rates. • Compile survey and mapping data to work with the County to identify and prioritize areas in the County in need of adequate broadband access. • Define gaps in service by each geographic area and determine the most suitable technology to satisfy each need based on geography, demographics, and proximity to anchor institutions. Recommendations should target 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload solutions, where possible. When this speed is not economically feasible, a solution meeting 100 Mbps/20 Mbps is acceptable with an explanation regarding the acceptability of the lower speed. • Include in the gap areas the estimated number of premises that would be served, recommend technology and equipment needs, and provide cost estimates for implementation for each service area...
