Metrics & Limitations

Availability

Broadband Map's availability metrics are calculated based on the United States Census Bureau's boundaries for census places. These boundaries may not match the postal boundaries or colloquial impressions of city boundaries.

Availability is calculated in a population-weighted manner at the level of resolution 8 H3 hexagons. If at least one location in a hexagon has service from a given provider, the provider is considered to be available to everyone within that hexagon.

Broadband Map's availability estimates may be overoptimistic. Internet service providers regularly service some but not all of the locations within a hexagon. Additionally, data drawn from the FCC's Broadband Data Collection program sometimes overstates coverage.

Max Speeds

Broadband Map generally shows internet service providers' maximum advertised speeds in a given area. These speeds aren't always accurate. Discrepancies are especially common with fixed wireless and satellite internet.