 larger than the state of Connecticut.
- Fixed Wireless as Census Blocks: Fixed wireless coverage for Form 477 is filed as census blocks rather than propagation models, leading to the most overstatement, especially in rural areas.
- Provider Resources: Providers that do not have the tools/software to process and/or visualize their filing data cannot confirm its accuracy, leading to both overstatement and understatement of service.
Based on the presence of these issues, Connected Nation developed a confidence rating methodology that analyzes all census blocks reported as having residential broadband at 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to determine the likelihood of all households within a census block having broadband access.
The results of the confidence rating analysis show a high/medium/low probability of each census block having broadband access to all households, based on the most current, publicly available FCC Form 477 dataset, broadband deployment current as of June 30, 2017. It should be noted that a low confidence rating does not mean CN believes there is not residential broadband available in that census block or that the provider-filed data is incorrect, only that it warrants investigation to confirm whether or not broadband is available to all locations within the census block.
Based on the FCC’s broadband data, 8.3 million American households (7%) are reported to be in the Digital Divide and lack broadband access at speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload; however, when the low data confidence rating is taken into account, this problem may potentially impact up to 12.3 million households, or 34.7 million U.S. citizens.
In order to better understand where the Digital Divide exists and make policy decisions on where broadband subsidies should be distributed, a more accurate and granular broadband map must be developed, with a focus on sub-census block level data collection.
Connected Nation has worked with broadband providers of all sizes and technologies across the country to collect and develop maps of granular broadband service. CN also works to collect citizen feedback on where the maps are incorrect to refine the maps, while also conducting field validation by telecom engineers to ensure accuracy of the network maps and information used to expand broadband.
It is possible to build a more accurate and granular broadband map. Connected Nation continues to lead the way, because everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
About the Author: Ashley Hitt is the Director of GIS Services for Connected Nation. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the GIS team. She’s responsible for developing strategies using GIS to provide data visualization solutions that impact policy, economic development, and the Digital Divide.
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