Assessing Community Wireless Needs, Requirements, and Potential Market Demand

Community wireless needs and requirements are driven by numerous factors which reflect the diversity of the communities themselves.

• Population and demographic characteristics (urban, suburban, exurban, and rural)
• Business environment and socio-economic factors
• Geographic and topologic attributes
• Existing infrastructure, market penetration, communications services, and usage patterns in relationship to unmet needs
• Cultural and political forces
• Potential funding and revenue sources

Needs assessment involves collecting, sifting through, and analyzing a variety of published data (US Census, Department of Labor, state and local economic development information, etc.). It is also necessary to collect detailed information by directly engaging potential stakeholders and the public. This process starts with key potential stakeholders and visible community groups, but usually expands with a discovery process that uncovers new and important issues. It is crucial to select data collection methods that are appropriate for the community, and this may include a combination of one-on-one interviews, group meetings, and public fora. If Rural Utility Service (RUS) funding is sought, more formal public surveys are also required.