Datasheet

Lab – Researching Broadband Internet Access Technologies

(Instructor Version)

Instructor Note: Red font color or Gray highlights indicate text that appears in the instructor copy only.

Objectives

Part 1: Investigate Broadband Distribution

Part 2: Research Broadband Access Options for Specific Scenarios

Background / Scenario

Although broadband Internet access options have increased dramatically in recent years, broadband access

varies greatly depending on location. In this lab, you will investigate current broadband distribution and

research broadband access options for specific scenarios.

Required Resources

Device with Internet access

Part 1: Investigate Broadband Distribution

In Part 1, you will research broadband distribution in a geographical location.

Step 1: Research broadband distribution.

Use the Internet to research the following questions:

a. For the country in which you reside, what percentage of the population has broadband Internet

subscriptions? _______________

As of Oct. 2012, 72.4% of Americans have a broadband Internet connection (88 million households).

b. What percentage of the population is without broadband Internet options? _______________

9 % of Americans currently have no broadband Internet options.

Step 2: Research broadband distribution in the United States.

Navigate to the website www.broadbandmap.gov. The National Broadband Map allows users to search and

map broadband availability across the United States.

Note: For access options and ISPs for locations outside the United States, perform an Internet search using

the keywords “broadband access XYZ, where XYZ is the name of the country.

a. Enter your zip code, city and country that you would like to explore and click Find Broadband. List the zip

code or city in the space provided. ________________________________________________ Answers

will vary.

b. Click Show Wired and Expand All. What, if any, wired broadband Internet connections are available at

this location? Complete the table below. Answers will vary. See table below for examples.