Connected Texas Releases New Broadband Availability Figures: Research shows a significant increase in fixed wireless broadband availability in the past six months Austin, TX – New research unveiled today by Connected Texas shows more than an eleven percent (11.58%) increase in fixed wireless broadband availability at 768 Kbps/200 Kbps across the state compared to just six months ago. This is the seventh comprehensive broadband availability data refresh since the program started in 2010. Among the findings of the new broadband availability research are: - Fixed wireless broadband availability at 768 Kbps/200 Kbps increased 11.58% from 69.10% in October 2012 to its current 80.68%. The increase is due to several factors including network expansion (installation of additional towers), increased provider participation, and field validations that led to data inclusion for several non-participating providers. - 96.29% of Texas’ 2.9 million rural households now have access to broadband service of at least 768 Kbps download/200 Kbps upload, not including mobile broadband service; 87.88% have access to at least 3 Mbps download/768 Kbps upload, not including mobile broadband service. - 94.2% of Texas’ 8.9 million households are now able to choose from more than one provider for broadband service. - 54.87% of Texas households have access to broadband service of at least 25 Mbps download/1.5 Mbps upload. - Only 34.16% of Texas households have access to broadband service of at least 100 Mbps download/1.5 Mbps upload. - Broadband service of at least 1 Gbps download is currently unavailable for any Texas household. “It is encouraging to see an eleven percent increase in fixed wireless broadband availability to households,” said Connected Texas Executive Director Don Shirley. “But, it’s also important to remember that the 768 Kbps speed is the bare minimum to be recognized. It is imperative that we get access to much higher speeds in place across the state to make sure our citizens are able to seize all the economic and lifestyle opportunities that being connected to the Internet provides.” Last year, Connected Texas released an innovative new broadband mapping tool called My ConnectViewTM offering unmatched views of the Texas technology landscape. Residents and businesses are encouraged to use the interactive map to find area providers and help validate the data. To report that broadband is not available in a given area, consumers can fill out a broadband inquiry. Nonprofit Connected Texas has been working since 2010 to ensure that Texas residents have access to the economic, educational, and quality of life benefits derived from increased broadband access, adoption, and use. Part of that work includes maintaining detailed analysis of broadband availability across the state to support broadband planning efforts. Through its Connected Community Engagement Program, Connected Texas is currently working with more than a dozen communities across the state to support comprehensive community broadband planning efforts and provide technical assistance. Regional technology action plans created in communities like San Augustine County are already making a significant impact by outlining how underserved areas of the state will build better Internet connectivity and improve things like public safety and communications. Connected Texas’ research was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative grant program for Texas, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The data were gathered in accordance with the requirements of the NTIA. The process begins by contacting all known providers in the state and providing information about the broadband mapping project. Information on broadband service areas is collected from each provider through voluntary participation and is subject to confidentiality protections. Connected Nation strives to maintain a flexible mapping process to be able to collect data from providers in a variety of formats based on providers’ technical capabilities and resources. # # # About Connected Texas: Connected Texas is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a non-profit in the state of Texas. The Texas Department of Agriculture is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access, adoption, and use across the state. Connected Texas was commissioned by the state to work with all Texas broadband providers to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and development of a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. For more information visit: connectedtx.org.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:21:06 +0000
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