February 2014 Map of the Month: Number of Fixed Broadband Providers per Block

Pete CodellaBroadband

fixedbroadband10MbthumbnailThis month’s installment in our Map of the Month series looks at the number of broadband providers capable of providing a ‘fixed’ broadband connection at a defined advertised speed threshold to residential consumers across the state.

The term ‘fixed’ broadband includes cable, DSL/copper, and fiber optic wireline-based technologies, as well as fixed wireless technologies. Basically, everything except for broadband provided directly to smart phones and other mobile devices qualifies as ‘fixed’ broadband.

All speeds are expressed in terms of maximum advertised download speed as reported to the Utah Broadband Project in Fall of 2013

Maps are available for three broadband speed levels:

The number of providers, especially at the higher speed tiers, is one well-recognized indication of the amount competition in the broadband services market.

The areas colored on the map represent the populated areas of Utah that broadband providers are advertising to.

  • Areas shown in dark red on the maps have at least 4 qualifying providers at the map’s specified speed. These areas are greater in number at lower broadband speeds.
  • Areas in yellow are served by a single provider, and are more likely to be found in rural areas where competition is less expected since the challenges of providing broadband are significantly more substantial.

More detail on provider service area, technologies and speeds for specific locations can be found by using the Project’s Interactive Map.