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BroadBand Scout, the first national broadband connectivity and usage database, provides the data required by communities, carriers and consultants to complete their applications before the deadline set by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or “NTIA.”

Additionally, the company allows communities to meet broadband usage/availability data-reporting requirements, significantly cut NOFA 2 proposal prep time and independently verify broadband data collected elsewhere. BroadBand Scout was developed to meet the market demand for internet connectivity and usage statistics for every geographic region in the United States. 

This data has been combined with mapping technology and overlayed with geodemographic attributes that allow planners to gain unbiased insight, seeing the true potential for broadband in any neighborhood in the United States. 

BroadBand Scout uses a unique analytical survey process for accessing records in ID Insight’s proprietary databases that were initially assembled to track Internet usage activity. BroadBand Scout allows clients to see accurate, unbiased connectivity and usage at the most granular level by combining known Internet access information with address-related data. The data is also an effective way for broadband and wireless carriers to cost-effectively target new areas for service expansion and better research competitors. 

NOFA 2 applications are due between February 16 and March 15, 2010. According to Craig Settles, broadband industry expert and Successful.com president, with just a month left for the second-round deadline, many communities are scrambling right now. Successful.com is partnering with ID Insight to deliver consulting services that help stimulus grant applicants prepare and defend their proposals, and help state broadband mapping teams effectively execute their projects.

Since first-round funding is still being awarded, many grant applicants may not find out whether the geographic area they’re concentrating on is open to them until just before the deadline. BroadBand Scout helps communities create or revise their maps quickly. It provides the exact data communities are looking for to complete Form 10. According to Settles, BroadBand Scout provides carriers for any geography, and respective market share; internet usage rate for that geography; and actual upload and download speeds.

BroadBand Scout is developed by Minnesota-based data and analytics company ID Insight. Insight provides next-generation verification, authentication and fraud solutions to financial services companies, credit issuers, retailers, online merchants and wireless providers.