Question 1

Where does broadband data come from?

Accepted Answer

Broadband availability data comes from the FCC's Broadband Data Collection (BDC), which requires internet service providers to report where they offer service, at what speeds, and using which technologies. Data is updated semi-annually.

Question 2

What speeds are considered broadband?

Accepted Answer

The FCC defines broadband as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, though this standard is being updated. For practical use, streaming video requires about 5-25 Mbps, remote work video calls need 10-25 Mbps, and households with multiple users or devices should target 100+ Mbps.

Question 3

Why might my actual internet speed differ from what is shown?

Accepted Answer

Reported speeds are the maximum that providers offer in an area, not guaranteed speeds. Actual performance depends on your plan tier, network congestion, equipment quality, distance from infrastructure, and the number of connected devices. Use speed test tools to measure your actual connection.

Provider▲▼	Technology▲▼	Download▼	Upload▲▼
AT&T	Fiber (FTTP)	5.0 Gbps	5.0 Gbps
Spectrum	Fiber (FTTP)	1.0 Gbps	35 Mbps
Fusion	Fiber (FTTP)	1.0 Gbps	1.0 Gbps
GeoLinks	Licensed Fixed Wireless	1.0 Gbps	1.0 Gbps
Spectrum	Cable	1.0 Gbps	35 Mbps
TPx Communications	DSL	600 Mbps	35 Mbps
Verizon	Licensed Fixed Wireless	300 Mbps	20 Mbps
Starlink	Code 61	280 Mbps	30 Mbps
EarthLink Business	Fixed Wireless	250 Mbps	250 Mbps
MN FWA Buyer	Fixed Wireless	250 Mbps	250 Mbps
MN FWA Buyer	Licensed Fixed Wireless	250 Mbps	250 Mbps
AT&T	DSL	100 Mbps	20 Mbps
T-Mobile	Licensed Fixed Wireless	100 Mbps	20 Mbps
AT&T	Licensed Fixed Wireless	100 Mbps	20 Mbps
EarthLink Business	Licensed Fixed Wireless	100 Mbps	100 Mbps
Viasat Inc	Satellite	100 Mbps	4 Mbps
ZAYO GROUP LLC	Fiber (FTTP)	100 Mbps	100 Mbps
HughesNet	Satellite	50 Mbps	5 Mbps
Frontier	DSL	10 Mbps	1 Mbps