Awareness

What is Broadband Internet?

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that offers fast, always-on access to online services. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), broadband is defined as having at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload speeds. It includes technologies such as fiber, cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), fixed wireless, and satellite. 

Why is Broadband so important?

Broadband is essential for:

  • Education: Enables remote learning and access to digital resources
  • Healthcare: Supports telehealth and remote patient monitoring
  • Economic Development: Attracts businesses and supports remote work
  • Civic Engagement: Facilitates access to government services and voting information
  • Equity: Reduces the digital divide in underserved communities

Who Should be Informed on the Importance of Broadband?

While everyone would be ideal, pay special attention to:

  • Local policy makers: Advocates for their constituents and can remove barriers for build out
  • Schools and teachers: Cognizant when conducting E-learning and assigning homework
  • Healthcare providers: to address barriers to communication, understanding health information, and telehealth
  • Local economic development officers: Implement initiatives to increase adoption and meaningful use
  • Non-profit and other social service organizations: Understand additional barriers people face

How Do I get Broadband to My Home or Community?

  1. Check availability: Use tools like HighSpeedInternet.com or the FCC Broadband Map to see which providers serve your area
  2. Contact providers: Major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the United States include Xfinity, CenturyLink, AT&T, Verizon, Brightspeed, Frontier, Optimum Fiber, and Google. 
  3. Apply for Assistance: Programs from ISPs and individual state broadband offices offer financial help for eligible households

Who Do I Contact for Broadband Issues or Expansion?

State broadband offices coordinate broadband deployment and funding. Find the contact information for your state or territory on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband USA. 

Where Can I Check for Availability?

Where Can I Find Data on Broadband?

Data is a great tool when promoting awareness. Check out these resources:

  • Pew Research Center Internet & Technology: This website includes reports, fact sheets and other information on trends in internet and technology access and use.
  • Purdue University's Center for Regional Development National Data Tools: 
    • Digital Divide Index: The Digital Divide Index (DDI) uses Census-tract level data to measure digital divide based on variables related to broadband infrastructure and adoption and socioeconomic variables known to impact technology adoption.
    • Digital Distress:Economic distress measures—typically looking at unemployment and income levels—are used to inform planning and implementation around economic development and quality of life. However, a similar measure looking at digital inclusion does not exist. For this reason, we have developed a new metric called digital distress. Digital distress is defined as areas (tracts) that had a 1) high percent of homes with no internet access or accessing the internet only through cellular data and a 2) high percent of homes with no computing devices or relying only on mobile devices.
  • Census - Computer & Internet Use in the U.S. This website shows the latest U.S. Census report based on 2016 American Community Survey (ACS) data regarding computer and internet use.
  • Broadband USA: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BroadbandUSA program provides information and tools for local and state governments, industry and nonprofits that seek to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion.
USDA NIFA logo

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.