SNG has developed and supports tools to quantify the off-balance-sheet benefits of investing in broadband. These resources enable SNG to cost-effectively gather, analyze, and report broadband data that provides valuable insight at each stage of the Broadband Lifecycle.

Digital Economy Index (DEI)

The Digital Economy Index (DEI) is a composite indicator of a region’s participation in the digital economy. Using data collected from individual businesses and organizations, the DEI provides a score for comparative assessment of e-solutions usage by organizations on a regional basis. This includes industry-specific information to identify gaps in utilization and opportunities to increase e-solutions use, and with it economic and social opportunities. The DEI is often used in the first three steps of the Broadband Lifecycle: (1) Gap, need, demand identified; (2) Pre-planning and assessment; and (3) e-Strategy and Decision to Invest. For more specifics on solutions for tracking economic and social benefits, click here.

e-Solutions Benchmarking (ESB)

e-Solutions Benchmarking helps communities and regions leverage the benefits of high-speed Internet connectivity and e-solutions for economic and social development. Employ e-Solutions Benchmarking for strategic planning of broadband initiatives and e-solutions adoption, utilizing SNG’s unique combination of primary data collection and analysis. ESB is used in the first phase of the Broadband Lifecycle and serves as a baseline for utilization and impact assessment. For more specifics on solutions for tracking economic and social benefits, click here.

Community Broadband Readiness Self-Assessment (CBR)

The Community Broadband Readiness Self-Assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the critical path items and key factors to be addressed along the pathway to sustainable success. As a process that is being undertaken by communities across the United States – the CBR is most often used in the first two steps of the Broadband Lifecycle. The Community Broadband Readiness Self-Assessment Tool is structured around six readiness categories: Leadership, Vision and plan, Organizational stability, Community awareness, Implementation Ability and Market Profile. For more specifics on solutions for pre-impact and impact analysis click here.

Impact tracking (IMT)

The SNG Impact tracking tool is an online tool for primary data collection on broadband benefits and impacts. This tool is linked to the e-Solutions Benchmarking tool, but used in last phase of the Broadband Lifecycle to assess incremental benefits and impacts from broadband investments. For more information on how SNG helps with impact assessment, click here.