Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Business Trend Analyses (July 2011 - July 2012):

Read the Executive Summary of the Broadband study here: Broadband Executive Summary

Read the full Broadband study here: "Broadband Availability and Usage in North Central Massachusetts."

Read the REDI Broadband Public Forum (November 5, 2012)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Demographic Section --
-- Dr. Jane Zhang, REDI Faculty Researcher and Assistant Professor of Geophysical Sciences
-- Mr. Patrick O’Brien, REDI Student Research Intern and Geophysical Sciences Student
Business Section --
-- Dr. Beverley Hollingsworth, REDI Faculty Researcher and Assistant Professor of Business Administration
REDI Student Research Interns (Business Administration Students):

-- Ms. Kelly Bourges
-- Ms. Carrie Hill
-- Ms. Chelsey Fraizer
-- Mr. Christopher Brash

For media reactions to the Broadband Study, see: 

WBUR News Boston (July 5, 2012) -- REDI's Broadband Study

Worcester Business Journal (3 July 2012) -- "Study: North Central Mass. Needs More High-Speed Internet"

Sentinel & Enterprise (28 March 2012) -- "Fitchburg-area businesses aid students in REDI-made partnership"

Worcester Telegram (13 November 2011) -- "Broadband project to blanket the state"

Sentinel & Enterprise (8 November 2011) --  “Broadband forum pitches need to expand services” 

GIS and Demographic Section (Dr. Jane Zhang, REDI Faculty Researcher, and Mr. Patrick O’Brien, REDI Student Research Intern):

1. Compiled DSL and Cable availability data for the North Central Massachusetts communities into one GIS database;
2. Configured a series of map overlays for the DSL and Cable availability, maps integrating: demographic layers from the 2010 Census;
3. Converted business data into the GIS trend mapping to determine digital divide analysis;
4. Conducted relevant GIS spatial analysis, particularly broadband hotspot usage.

Business Section (Dr. Beverley Hollingsworth, REDI Faculty Researcher, and Chelsey Fraizer; Chris Brash; Carrie Hill; Karen Corliss -- REDI Student Research Interns):

1. Identified businesses to classify broadband use (DSL vs. Cable usage)
2. Built database of businesses, using Business Bureau and Yellow/White Pages;
3. Designed business survey to determine:

* Types of businesses in general and businesses specific to towns;

* Level of consumer awareness of broadband;

* Broadband options available and currently used from modes available in areas;

* Demand currently existing for broadband services by end users;

* Customer preference in access modes. 

1. Analyzed trends for:

* Implications of broadband usage to current and future business strategy;

* Importance of broadband to current and future needs of business;

* Relevance of factors in client or customer need for broadband;

* Significance in choosing a broadband provider;

* Challenges preventing use of broadband by businesses.