Connected Nation launches mapping tool

Connected Nation introduced a new tool that makes its broaband maps interactive, designed to make it easier for policy makers to chart a course for broadband expansion projects.

The tool, called BroadbandStat, was developed by Connected Nation and ESRI, a geographic information software maker. It was introduced yesterday by Connected Tennessee, the state subsidiary.

In theory, the tool is supposed to help service providers get a better idea of where demand is growing and help businesses and residents make location decisions based on where broadband is available. Connected Nation says the interactive maps will show information about broadband providers, down to the street-by-street level.

One drawback: such a map will need to be updated regularly to prevent it from becoming obsolete in six months. It allows users to layer on different demographic data--such as age and income. As one critic mentioned in my earlier story, users also need to be able to layer on what types of service people hope to have in the future to help address demand issues.

Connected Nation has so far been chosen by 12 states and one U.S. territory to create broadband coverage maps under the stimulus program.

---