One of the first things I did when I moved into a new apartment last November was look for a better deal on my broadband internet service.
To find out which other internet service providers offered connections in my building, I used a very useful resource that the Federal Communications Commission had made available to the public a few days earlier: a new version of the National Broadband Map. It is an interactive tool that shows which companies offer connections at each location in the country and the maximum speed of those connections.
When I entered my address into the map, I discovered there was a provider I didn’t know about that could offer me the same speeds I already had, but at a lower price, which ended up saving me about $27 per month.
The National Broadband Map has received major updates twice a year for over a decade with information on which companies provide internet service in a given area. However, until last year, the map only showed general details about an area and not about individual addresses. This lack of precision was a problem, as the maximum speed offered by a provider on one block can vary significantly from one house to another.
The new version of the map attempts to identify every location in the country that can receive broadband internet service and the level of service a company can provide at that site.
However, the map is still not perfect. There are missing locations, and the availability information submitted by providers often does not match reality. Nevertheless, using the map to look for better options has the advantage of allowing you to identify and correct inaccuracies. Anyone can point out errors and submit corrections.
Since the map is a starting point for allocating more than $42 billion in federal broadband funds in the United States, helping to identify inaccuracies can contribute to directing the money where it is most needed.
Q2BSTUDIO, as a company specialized in technological development and services, understands the importance of having a reliable and accessible internet connection. Our team works on innovative solutions to optimize technological processes and improve the digital experience for businesses and users. At Q2BSTUDIO, we specialize in offering services that enhance the technological efficiency of our clients, ensuring they have digital tools tailored to their needs.
Below, we show you how you can find a better deal on your internet service.
1. Find your address on the map
Visit the National Broadband Map and enter your address. Ideally, your address should appear along with all available information about the provider offerings in your area. If you cannot find your address, you can try entering it again or search for a nearby address.
2. Review the providers that claim to offer you service
Check which providers offer service at your address and what type of connection they offer. Fiber optic connections are usually the fastest and most reliable, followed by cable connections. In contrast, copper connections are slower and outdated. If you have no other options, satellite or wireless connections can be useful.
3. Visit the providers’ websites to learn about their rates
Once you have identified the providers on the map, visit their websites and enter your address to confirm if they actually offer service at your location. This will also allow you to see their prices and speeds. If you find a better deal, you could save money on your internet service.
4. If the information on the map does not match a provider’s
If you notice discrepancies between what is shown on the map and the provider’s information, you can click the ‘Availability Challenge’ button on the map and submit a report. If you file an official challenge, the provider will have 60 days to verify the information and correct any errors.
5. If your address does not appear on the map or there is an error
If you cannot find your location on the map or it appears incorrectly, you can select the “Location Challenge” option and describe the problem. This will help improve the accuracy of the map.
6. Share your experience
If you followed these steps and found a better deal or reported an error on the map, your contribution will help improve internet availability in your community.
At Q2BSTUDIO, we are committed to technological innovation and ensuring that businesses and users have efficient digital solutions. If you need to improve your business’s digital infrastructure, our team of experts can help you find the best technological options.
