Uncategorized

“Broadband is available, but the overall quality of that experience is highly variable,” says Drexel Research Vice Provost

While interviewing Drexel University Vice Provost Deb Crawford last month, she highlighted research that particularly interested us, in our future of broadband coverage. A timely example that might be of interest to your readers is research that is being done by Tony Grubesic, from Drexel’s i-school, and his colleagues. Tony’s team has combined the use […]


While interviewing Drexel University Vice Provost Deb Crawford last month, she highlighted research that particularly interested us, in our future of broadband coverage.

A timely example that might be of interest to your readers is research that is being done by Tony Grubesic, from Drexel’s i-school, and his colleagues. Tony’s team has combined the use of GIS and mathematical programming to develop a spatial optimization model for improving both market coverage and quality of service (QOS) for digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure provision. Their work explores how supply-side factors can influence the quality of service for broadband subscribers. While issues concerning the digital divide are typically discussed in the context of urban v. rural – there are more subtle divides present in most urban areas. Broadband is available, but the overall quality of that experience is highly variable – a function of pricing, location, etc… This research is timely as Philly expands broadband access and opportunities available to its citizens through projects like Freedom Rings undertaken by the Urban Affairs Coalition and its partners, including Drexel, with funding from the Recovery Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunities program.

Download the full paper here [PDF].

Companies: Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition

Before you go...

Please consider supporting Technical.ly to keep our independent journalism strong. Unlike most business-focused media outlets, we don’t have a paywall. Instead, we count on your personal and organizational support.

3 ways to support our work:
  • Contribute to the Journalism Fund. Charitable giving ensures our information remains free and accessible for residents to discover workforce programs and entrepreneurship pathways. This includes philanthropic grants and individual tax-deductible donations from readers like you.
  • Use our Preferred Partners. Our directory of vetted providers offers high-quality recommendations for services our readers need, and each referral supports our journalism.
  • Use our services. If you need entrepreneurs and tech leaders to buy your services, are seeking technologists to hire or want more professionals to know about your ecosystem, Technical.ly has the biggest and most engaged audience in the mid-Atlantic. We help companies tell their stories and answer big questions to meet and serve our community.
The journalism fund Preferred partners Our services
Engagement

Join our growing Slack community

Join 5,000 tech professionals and entrepreneurs in our community Slack today!

Trending

SEPTA riders complain of more bus cancellations. Here’s why that’s a good thing for Philly transit.

How an experienced entrepreneur learned ‘every facet of business’ by challenging herself

What a second Trump administration means for local startup ecosystems

Discuss how AI is impacting media (and the election too)

Technically Media