North Carolina Uses Infrastructure Impact Assessment to Architect a Better Future—Statewide Technology Inventory to Identify Pockets of Need

The Client

The Rural Internet Access Authority was created by the N.C. General Assembly in August 2000 to spread Internet education and access statewide by December 2003. The authority is leading the e-NC Initiative to connect all North Carolinians to the Internet and a better future. Among other things, the legislation that established the authority requires that the group provide North Carolinians with access to comprehensive information on the availability of Internet services and access throughout the state. As a result, the authority launched a statewide technology infrastructure inventory and assessment.

The Challenge

Leaders of e-NC initiated an inventory and assessment project to determine what telecommunications technology and other support infrastructure exists statewide.

The Solution

The Rural Internet Access Authority engaged BearingPoint, Inc. in September 2001 to manage its infrastructure assessment inventory. Through the inventory, the authority will be able to offer citizens a look at what technology infrastructure is in place, highlight pockets of need, and identify where services need to be expanded. The inventory is a critical component in creating a foundation for building the state's technology infrastructure to support high-speed Internet access, which will enhance the state's economy and boost quality of life for its citizens.

BearingPoint assessed current and potential uses of existing technology, and the capability of current systems to handle online commerce and administer critical public services, including health care, disaster management, legal and judicial services, education and training, and other government programs.

BearingPoint identified and documented the telephone, fiber optic and cable lines; transmission towers and satellites; and other service providers that make Internet access possible in North Carolina. This assessment was a significant step for e-NC, which has committed to making affordable, high-speed Internet access available to all North Carolinians by December 2003.

The Benefits

BearingPoint delivered the final infrastructure inventory and assessment report on this effort in spring 2002. This engagement exemplifies the extensive involvement and experience BearingPoint has in the government sector and provides an excellent foundation for building a relationship with North Carolina’s state government, and other state governments, that will most certainly lead to additional opportunities for the company, and its clients, in the future.

View/Download the PDF file (304 KB)