FAQ

What is the definition of Broadband?

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) defines broadband as:

Data transmission technology that provides two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and at least 200 kbps upstream to end users, or providing sufficient capacity in a middle mile project to support the provision of broadband service to end users within the project area.

What is meant by Broadband Availability?

Broadband service availability is defined by NTIA as:

Broadband service is "available" to an end user at an address if a broadband service provider does, or could, within a typical service interval (7 to 10 business days) without an extraordinary commitment of resources, provision two-way data transmission to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps) downstream and at least 200 kbps upstream to the end user at the address.

How was the broadband map created?

This map was created by collecting information about service availability from providers of broadband (both commercial providers and public providers). Currently, we have broadband data from providers who were willing to participate in this program. A list of the participating providers can be viewed online.

Data were compiled into a consistent format and displayed on this map. This map includes data aggregated to census blocks for wireline providers, and service areas for wireless providers.

Why is this map a Beta version, and not final?

This mapping program is voluntary and not mandatory. Thus, this map is the result of data collected from providers that agreed to participate in the program, and may not include all providers.

How often will the data be updated?

Per program requirements, updates to the map will be made shortly after data delivery to NTIA, which occurs twice per year on April 1 and October 1 through 2014.

What kinds of speeds are shown on the map?

The speeds shown on the map are based on advertised maximum download and upload speeds as reported by each broadband provider. Maximum advertised speeds are reported in ranges, so a maximum advertised download speed range of Greater than or equal to 6 mbps and less than 10 mbps means that the provider’s maximum advertized speed falls somewhere between 6 mbps and 10 mbps. This does not necessarily represent actual speeds that end-users experience. Actual speeds can differ from maximum advertised speeds for a variety of reasons, including network and processing limitations.

What web browser should I use to view the interactive map?

The map is best viewed in Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.5, Chrome 4 or greater.

What are Community Anchor Institutions?

Community Anchor Institutions are defined by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as:

Schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and other community support organizations and entities.

Why are you asking for address information from speed test users?

In addition to informing you about your broadband connection speed, we are using this data to inform the broadband mapping project. Your test results help verify the existence and quality of broadband in your area, which in turn helps us accurately determine which areas citywide have broadband availability and which areas are underserved or not served by broadband. This information will help identify where broadband infrastructure improvements are needed in Washington, DC.

How is the speed test performed?

The speed test uses software built by Ookla Net Metrics (www.ookla.com). When the speed test runs, it passes a small binary file back and forth (to test both upload and download speed) between your computer and a server in Washington, DC to estimate your connection speed.

Speed test results are provided for illustrative purposes only and no warranty or guarantee about their accuracy, timeliness or reliability is expressed or implied. Speed test results may be effected by numerous variables such as: viruses; automatic updating; low memory capacity; processor capabilities; the type and capabilities of the operating system; the version and configuration of the web browser software used; capabilities of a router; other computers or other devices in the home network; type of WiFi used; other devices wireless devices such as cordless phones or adjacent networks; the distance from the consumer's computer to the WiFi access point; and whether and what type of WiFi encryption is used, etc. Routing issues can also impact performance. A server might be physically close to you, but due to ISP routing, the information passed from your computer to that server might actually travel a further distance.

What are the different technology types?

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) brings broadband information to homes and businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines.¹ DSL lines typically operate on a pair of wires, like a normal analog phone line.²

  • Asymmetric DSL
    Asymmetric DSL is the most common of DSL technologies and is ideal for most homes and small businesses. In Asymmetric DSL upstream and downstream bandwidth differs. Most of its bandwidth is devoted to the downstream direction, sending data to the user. Only a small portion of bandwidth is available for upstream data transfer.¹

  • Symmetric DSL
    Symmetric DSL services provide identical data rates whether you are sending information (upstream) or receiving information (downstream).¹

• Other Copper Wireline
  All copper-wire based technologies other than DSL. Ethernet over copper and T–1 are examples.³

• Cable Modem
  A device that will let you transmit and receive computer information over your cable TV line.²

  • Cable Modem—DOCSIS 3.0
    DOCSIS 3.0 is the 4th version of the Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications.²

  • Cable Modem—Other
    Any version of cable modem other than the DOCSIS 3.0

• Optical Carrier/Fiber to the End User
  This includes Fiber to the home or business end user (does not include "fiber to the curb").³ Signals are transmitted as light pulses, introduced into the fiber by a light transmitter.²

• Satellite
  A form of transmission which sends signals to an orbiting satellite which receives them, amplifies them and returns those signals back to earth.²

• Terrestrial Fixed Wireless generally consists of a pair of digital radio transmitters placed on rooftops – one at the provider’s central location and the other at the customer’s location.²

  • Terrestrial Fixed Wireless—Licensed
    (see definition above for Terrestrial Fixed Wireless)
    Licensed Terrestrial Fixed Wireless requires a license from the FCC and runs in a specified frequency.²

  • Terrestrial Fixed Wireless—Unlicensed
    (see definition above for Terrestrial Fixed Wireless)
    Unlicensed Terrestrial Fixed Wireless does not require a license from the FCC and can be plugged in and run - so long as it meets FCC rules for that frequency.²

• Terrestrial Mobile Wireless
  The technology used by cellular providers.

• Electric Power Line
  Voice, data, and video signals are transmitted over existing electrical power lines.