Going the last mile: a spatial decision support system for wireless broadband communications

  • Authors:

  • Kevin P. Scheibe;Laurence W. Carstensen, Jr.;Terry R. Rakes;Loren Paul Rees

  • Affiliations:

  • Department of Logistics, Operations, and Management Information Systems, College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, IA;Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA;Department of Business Information Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA;Department of Business Information Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

  • Venue:
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Year:
  • 2006

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Abstract

High-speed, wireless communication networks are increasing in popularity; however they can be costly and difficult to plan. In this paper we present a spatial decision support system that incorporates expert knowledge of wireless communications, area topography, demographics and propensity to pay for service in order to aid wireless network planners determine optimal placement of equipment to maximize profit or minimize cost. Moreover, the system can be useful in performing policy analysis to determine pricing, governmental subsidy levels, etc. By integrating a GIS tool into the DSS, planners can easily adjust parameters to better understand the problem at hand and move toward bringing broadband connectivity to the last mile.