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Broadband Internet Access

Broadband internet access is the ability to reach fast, always-on internet service at home, at work, and in public places. It depends on cables, wireless towers, satellites, and the companies that run them. Federal and state agencies, local governments, and private providers all affect where service is built and how much it costs.

People usually ask whether service is available at their address, how availability is measured and mapped, and which government offices track it. They also ask why some areas have fewer choices than others, what kinds of connections exist, and how public agencies try to extend service to places that providers have been slow to reach.

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December 6last updated

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All Articles on Broadband Internet Access

America’s Digital Divide: The People Left Behind

Nearly every aspect of American life now requires internet access. Yet millions of Americans still lack reliable broadband service, creating a persistent gap between…

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The National Broadband Map: A Picture of Internet Availability

Access to high-speed internet has become as essential as electricity or running water. Yet millions of Americans still lack reliable broadband service, creating what…

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