from the 2017 MN Broadband Conference

1. www.FinleyUSA.com
Border to Border Broadband
Broadband 101
Feasibility Studies
Mark Mrla – Business Unit Manager
Finley Engineering Company
(507) 777-2000
m.mrla@FinleyUSA.com
October 25, 2017

2. www.FinleyUSA.com
Engineering for 64 years – nationwide
Engineering fiber projects for over 35 years
Finley Engineering Company
Company Background
Involved in 30 MN broadband grant
applications over the 4 years offered
MN Broadband Grants

3. www.FinleyUSA.com
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
In 2017
Finley is completing feasibility studies for 8
Minnesota counties
Our Goals with Feasibility Studies
•Provide the best chances of a successful
broadband network
•Study multiple options

4. www.FinleyUSA.com
• Finley Engineering or Highly Experienced
Study Provider
• Study Owner
o GIS/Mapping
o People who know details about the
area and future plans
• Any potential Providers
• The community
Feasibility Study – Key Players
Making Projects Successful
Who Needs to be Involved?

5. www.FinleyUSA.com
The key to finding good solutions is
•Gathering the right data
•Evaluating the right options
This is where experience pays off
Feasibility Study - Approach
Making Projects Successful
Effective Solutions

6. www.FinleyUSA.com
• Fiber – Active, passive, various
configurations, etc.
• Wireless – Tower based, mesh based,
etc.
• Other technologies
• Hybrid Approaches
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
Technology Option Examples

7. www.FinleyUSA.com
Interested providers (one or multiple)
All or parts of the community
Roles – own, operate, maintain, invest,….
Forming new entities
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
Providers and/or Partnerships

8. www.FinleyUSA.com
Our typical studies fall into a 3 to 4
month timeframe, but could be shorter
or longer depending upon:
•Size
•Complexity
•Details and services required
•Number of players involved
•Availability of GIS/maps and other
information
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
Timing

9. www.FinleyUSA.com
There is usually a need to get at least some of the
community actively involved in the process.
Examples:
•Surveys
•Speed test verifications
•Service commitment signups to verify adequate
take-rates
•Awareness, education, needs assessment
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
Community Involvement

10. www.FinleyUSA.com
There is usually a need to get at least some of the
community actively involved in the process.
Examples:
•Surveys
•Speed test verifications
•Service commitment signups to verify adequate
take-rates
•Awareness, education, needs assessment
Feasibility Studies
Making Projects Successful
Community Involvement