Understanding Service Availability
This tool shows where internet service might be available or is available, but only at low speeds or with high latency. High latency means there are delays in viewing information, downloading files, or streaming media online such as movies, virtual meetings, or games.
The map below displays what we identify as Limited Service Areas: areas where at least 20% of households either
(1) do not have any internet access, or
(2) speeds available are low (below 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads or 3 Mbps for uploads).
Using the Map
The map displays household data at the census block group level to understand service availability. Click the tab on the left with the blue arrow to select a county. Use the selection tool to select census blocks of interest.
The selection tool allows you to select census blocks of interest to your analysis.
Data LimitationsThe data was gathered from FCC Form 477 reports and Census 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) estimates.
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These data should be considered a starting point for planning service expansions or making investments. The data are sourced from voluntary reports from service providers indicating where their company actively provides service, what type of technology (e.g. fixed terrestrial, satellite) they deploy, and to what number of households. These data do NOT reflect the results of on-the-ground, measured speeds at all locations. This granular data should be collected on the local level any time a major investment is planned.
Census data are from 2019. A steep rise in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic is not reflected in the data. For more Information on the foundational public data sources used, watch the NTIA Broadband USA webinar on "Data as the Foundation for Broadband Planning" |
Next Steps to Expand Service in Your AreaIncreasing broadband service availability is fundamentally about building and enhancing telecommunications infrastructure. Typically these investments are made directly by internet service providers. If you are already a public internet service provider, see what grant opportunities are available to you here.
If you are not a public internet service provider but still want to support expanding infrastructure, you may want to: Convene a local Broadband Task Force or Action Team.
Develop a local broadband task force or leadership team composed of local officials who work on all related infrastructure, including: elected leaders, and heads of public utilities, public works, engineering, housing, transportation, or development services. A balance of senior administration and technical leadership is vital for the success of the initiative. Clearly identify your priorities for expanding service.
Building fiber-based or fixed wireless internet networks can take years, so with limited time and resources, define what is most important for targeted, phased expansion. Using information in the map data above, decide on criteria for your priority users and geographies. Who are the users in need of increased access? What are the target geographies? What are the socioeconomic characteristics of those communities which would impact their ability to pay for service? Our advanced Data Explorer includes more detail, including FCC availability layers and Census data layers to refine your search. Conduct local speed test and SURVEYS TO unDERSTAND service demand.
Conduct a local speed test and gather service demand information from a sample of households, businesses, farms, healthcare providers or education institutions in your target geography. While service providers often conduct their own speed tests when they are ready to implement their plans, public officials have a great opportunity to present accurate, local information directly. This is a low-cost, high-impact opportunity to offer meaningful data and form strong partnerships with service providers. Speed Test Resources
Discuss aligning network expansion priorities with service providers.
COMPLETE AN ASSET INVENTORY AND LEVERAGE public infrastructure projects or developments for expanding networks.
Conduct an inventory of vertical assets that can accommodate fixed wireless equipment (e.g. 4G LTE or 5G). The Public Infrastructure Projects and Facilities Map shows the locations of cell towers in the region. Other public vertical assets can be leveraged to support network expansion and can be leased to generate revenue. These assets include:
Vertical Asset Leases Resources If you are open to using public vertical assets to support internet service providers' network expansion, the following resources can help you structure a lease or licensing agreement:
Leverage planned public infrastructure projects or developments to accommodate service providers' network expansions. The Public Infrastructure Projects and Facilities Map shows possible points of leverage to develop public private partnerships such as:
Use of Public Right-of-Way Resources
ENGAGE DIRECTLY IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AS A PUBLIC PARTNER OR PUBLIC PROVIDER.
Understand Service Provider Funding Landscape Federal grant programs can be awarded to entities willing to develop, own, manage or operate infrastructure and facilities used to provide broadband service. See the Service Provider Funding page to understand their requirements, eligible geographic areas and other considerations to receiving funding. These programs don't typically cover all of the cost of providing service to an area, but are a meaningful subsidy. Understanding the eligible areas in your local area can help you understand areas that local providers might have an easier time making investments that achieve the necessary ROI to cover costs of expansion or enhancing networks. Municipal Networks Municipal networks are typically built, owned, and operated by a municipality. These networks can take a variety of forms: they can connect government assets, such as the schools, libraries, and city halls to the internet, or service business and residents.
Open Access Networks In an open access network, the network’s owner (city, utility, private provider, e.g.) allows multiple internet service providers to access the infrastructure and provide broadband service to customers. Open access networks enhance competition, and customer choice, which typically creates a more affordable broadband marketplace. The Brazos Valley Council of Governments leases its excess network capacity to private internet service providers. |
So you have service in your area, but are people using it?Even with a great network, user adoption--or the rate at which users in an area actually subscribe to high speed internet service and have access to devices--is another important consideration.
Click below to look at User Adoption Rates in your area. If you are not sure whether to focus on service availability or user adoption, identify areas of greatest need with a Gap Analysis.
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