A first step toward expanding broadband in your community is understanding what is currently available and identifying unmet needs. This understanding of existing speeds and technologies in your community and the needs of residents and community anchor institutions is a starting point for considering how many potential customers there may be for an improved community system.
Broadband Availability
The Vermont Department of Public Service has an estimate of the proportion of every town and city’s buildings served by four different levels of internet connectivity. These are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) of download/upload speeds:
- 100/100 Mbps or greater (typically fiber to the premise – FTTP)
- 25/3 Mbps (often using coaxial cable; DSL can reach this speed over short distances)
- 4/1 Mbps (includes DSL and Fixed Wireless)
- Unserved
Please see the Broadband High-Speed Internet Availability in Vermont page for additional information and available maps.
How much speed do we need?
- BroadbandUSA - What Speed Do You Need? is a handy chart detailing download speed requirements based on the activity, location and the number of users; these needs will continue to change as technology advances.
- The Consumers Guide to Internet Speed is another informative guide for consumers regarding testing internet speed, upload vs. download speed and other issues.