Suggestions for Future Improvements:
- Inclusion of Satellite Internet Users: The model currently excludes households that subscribe to satellite internet. This results in an underestimation of broadband adoption, especially in rural areas. Given that satellite broadband is often the only viable option for many rural residents, its exclusion almost certainly underestimates actual adoption. We recommend updating the methodology to include satellite internet users as part of the broadband adoption rates. This adjustment will better reflect the reality in many rural communities, where satellite services play a key role in internet access.
- Reflecting Technological Advancements: Satellite broadband technology has improved significantly and now meets the Federal Communication Commission’s 100/20 megabits per second (Mbps) standard. With new market participants such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper and other innovations, satellite internet will only grow in importance for rural broadband. The model should be adapted to account for these technological advancements and their future impact on rural internet access.
- Alignment with NTIA Guidance: The recent announcement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on alternative broadband technology funding highlights the growing acceptance of satellite broadband as a critical solution for underserved areas. The U.S. Census Bureau should consider aligning its future estimates with NTIA’s revised guidelines, which emphasize the importance of alternative technologies, including satellite, in closing the digital divide.
- Improved Accuracy for Sub-State Geographies: Accurate broadband adoption estimates are essential for effectively directing federal resources to unserved or underserved areas. It is especially important for sub-state geographies, such as rural counties, where satellite services are often the only available option. Expanding the model to better capture broadband adoption in these areas will ensure more efficient allocation of resources and support for infrastructure development.
The inclusion of satellite broadband users in the current and future iterations of this model is essential for producing a more accurate and comprehensive picture of internet adoption in rural areas. By doing so, the U.S. Census Bureau can improve the accuracy of these estimates and better support the equitable distribution of federal broadband funding.
EPIC thanks the U.S. Census Bureau for considering these suggestions as part of their efforts to improve Project LEIA.
