Broadband Definitions

Access Network – The part of the telecommunications network that connects end-users to the internet or a larger network. It includes various types of connections like DSL, cable, fiber, and wireless.

ArcGIS is a comprehensive suite of Geographic Information System (GIS) software used for managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and geographic data. ArcGIS provides tools and functionalities for various applications in mapping, spatial analysis, and data management.

Broadband – high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. It provides a wide bandwidth for transmitting multiple signals and data streams simultaneously.

Bandwidth – The maximum rate of data transfer across a network connection or communication channel. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps), with higher bandwidth allowing more data to be transmitted at once.

BEAD – Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment is a program by the National Telecommunications Industry Association (NTIA) that provides planning funds and infrastructure funds for the expansion of internet for all. Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has been allocated $1 billion for broadband under this program.

Cable Broadband – Cable broadband is a type of high-speed internet service delivered through the same coaxial cables used for cable television. This technology uses the existing cable TV infrastructure to provide internet access to homes and businesses. Cable provides high speeds and is broadly available but can be affected by network congestion.

The Cloud – The Cloud is a group of interconnected (computer) networks that provide a specific function, most often referred to when discussing where electronic documents, communications, and digital materials such as photos or music can be stored.

Community Anchor Institutions. Schools, libraries, medical and health care providers, public safety entities, institutes of higher education, and other community support organizations. These institutions may provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service.

Digital Navigator – A Digital Navigator is a professional or a role focused on helping individuals and communities effectively use digital technologies and navigate the digital landscape. The role typically involves a combination of providing technical support, digital literacy education, and assistance in accessing and utilizing digital resources.

DSL – Digital Subscriber Line Broadband is a family of technologies used to deliver high-speed internet over traditional telephone lines. A DSL modem is required to access the DSL signal. DSL allows for simultaneous voice and data transmission over the same phone line, making it a popular choice for broadband internet access. DSL is often available in areas where fiber and cable are not, but it offers slower speeds and can be less reliable.

Download Speed – The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device. It is usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher download speeds allow for faster loading of web pages, streaming of videos, and downloading of files.

Fiber Optic Broadband – Fiber optic broadband or “Fiber” is a high-speed internet technology that uses optical fibers to transmit data. These fibers are thin strands of glass or plastic that carry data as light signals. Fiber offers the fastest speeds and best performance but is less widely available and can be more expensive. Fiber offers low latency, which means there is minimal delay in data transmission. This is crucial for real-time applications like gaming and video streaming.

Fiber-to-the-Home/Premises (FTTP) – FTTP is a means to provide communications service by connecting a business or residence to the switch entirety by an optical fiber from an optical network interface at the point of entry at a residence or business. The optical fiber replaces the existing copper telephone line to a residence. As with cable internet, FTTP requires the provider to replace or bypass the existing copper telephone facility. Currently, FTTP service provides much faster connection speeds than DSL or cable internet service.

Fixed Wireless – Fixed wireless connects a subscriber’s home or business to a serving antenna by radio link. In the past, fixed wireless has been popular in rural areas because it can be installed without incurring the cost of a wireline network. The frequencies for fixed wireless are generally limited to line of sight. The coverage area can also be limited depending upon whether the broadcast spectrum in use is licensed or not (unlicensed fixed wireless must operate at lower power levels than licensed spectrum). Transmission speed for fixed (and mobile) wireless also depends upon the transmission technology.

Gbps – Gigabits per Second: A unit of measurement for bandwidth, indicating speeds of one billion bits per second.

ISPs – Internet Service Providers, or more simply providers, are any organization that provides services for accessing or participating on the Internet. ISPs can be privately owned corporations, community-owned or non-profit. This can include cable and telecom companies, satellite providers, wireless providers, or companies that provide fiber to the premises which can include telecom companies and cable companies.

Last mile. The part of a telecommunications network that connects the local provider to the residential or small-business customer.

Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency indicates a faster response time, which is crucial for real-time applications.

LTE – Long-Term Evolution: A standard for wireless broadband communication, often used by mobile carriers to provide high-speed internet in rural areas via cellular networks.

Mbps – Megabits per Second: A unit of measurement for bandwidth or data transfer speed.

Middle mile. A physical network that links the backbone to local internet networks, often called last-mile networks. In some communities, the middle mile may connect community anchor institutions to each other, enabling them to share applications, infrastructure, and other resources.

Mobile Wireless – A variety of mobile wireless carriers offer Internet access using the 3G, 4G and 5G LTE transmission technologies. In rural areas, antennas are located to facilitate communication while traveling along roads. Some locations away from major roads in the northern portion of the state lack access to a mobile wireless signal. Mobile wireless internet services can have significant monthly data limits.

Network Congestion – When network resources are overburdened due to high demand, leading to reduced performance and slower speeds.

NBAM – The National Broadband Availability Map is a geospatial platform built on ArcGIS Online used to share mapping and tabular broadband availability data. The NBAM is managed and maintained by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in partnership with all fifty U.S. state broadband offices and ten federal agencies.

Satellite Internet Service – Satellite-based communications services offer an attractive telecommunications alternative for individuals located in remote areas. Subscriptions to satellite services are generally driven by the demand for television service in rural areas that lack a cable tv provider. This technology is affected more than the others by adverse weather and network congestion. Traditional satellite internet access can have significant monthly data limits and suffers from high latency. High latency diminishes the utility of interactive online gaming, live videoconferencing, and remote-control device applications. Several low-orbit satellite services are online and may be offered widely in the future. These services have higher speeds and lower latency than previous satellite technology.

Take Rate – The percentage of potential subscribers offered the service that actually subscribe is also a factor. This percentage of subscribers is known as the take rate. The take rate affects the ROI—the higher the take rate, the higher the ROI. To break even, ISPs generally seek a 30-50 percent take rate.

Upload Speed: The rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet. It is also measured in Mbps or Gbps. Higher upload speeds are important for activities like sending large files, video conferencing, and live streaming.

USF – The Universal Service Fund consists of money collected from telecommunications companies that is dedicated to fulfilling the goals of universal service through four USF programs: Lifeline, E-Rate, High Cost, and Rural Health Care. The Universal Service Fund is a fund managed by the PSC.

VSAT – Very Small Aperture Terminal: A type of satellite communication system that can provide internet access in remote and rural areas where terrestrial networks are not available.

Wi-Fi -A technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) for internet access. It uses radio waves to transmit data between devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and routers, enabling users to access the internet without the need for physical cables. Wi-Fi is commonly used in homes, businesses, and public spaces to provide convenient and flexible internet connectivity.