Interactive Map FAQ
Which web browser should I use to view the interactive map?
The map is best viewed in Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.5, Chrome 4 or greater.
Why is the map a beta version instead of a final version?
The broadband data development and mapping program is voluntary and includes data
from providers who agreed to participate in the Maryland Broadband Mapping Initiative.
Not all of the organizations that offer broadband service in Maryland agreed to
participate. Because the map does not include 100% of Maryland’s provider data,
the map cannot be considered final.
What is a census block?
A census block is the smallest level of geography designated by the United States
Census Bureau for which decennial census data are tabulated. Census blocks are formed
by streets, roads, railroads, streams and other bodies of water, other visible physical
and cultural features, and the legal boundaries shown on Census Bureau maps. Census
data at this level serve as a valuable source for small-area geographic studies.
See the Census Bureau's Web site at http://www.census.gov for more detailed information
on its data gathering methodology.
Why do you use census blocks to measure service areas on the Maryland Broadband
Map?
The National Telecommunications Information Administration chose census blocks as
the basis for state and national broadband maps because they are the smallest standard
unit of addressed areas.
What is meant by “broadband availability?”
The National Telecommunications Information Administration defines broadband service
availability as “available" to an end user at an address if a broadband service
provider does, or could, within a typical service interval (7 to 10 business days),
without an extraordinary commitment of resources, provision two-way data transmission
to and from the Internet with advertised speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second
(kbps) downstream and at least 200 kbps upstream to the end user at the address.
What is an end user?
The National Telecommunications Information Administration defines an end user as
a residential or business party, institution or state or local government entity,
including a Community Anchor Institution, that may use broadband service for its
own purposes and that does not resell such service to other entities or incorporate
such service into retail Internet-access services. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
are not "end users" for this purpose.
What are Community Anchor Institutions?
The National Telecommunications Information Administration defines Community Anchor
Institutions as schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety
entities, community colleges, and other institutions of higher education, and other
community support organizations and entities.
What are “unserved” and “underserved” areas?
Unserved areas comprise one or more census blocks where at least 9 out of 10 households
in the area "lack access to facilities-based, terrestrial broadband service, either
fixed or mobile, at the minimum broadband transmission speed." Underserved areas
are places where half of the households lack access to service, or areas where no
land or mobile service offers broadband with at least 3Mpbs, or areas where less
than 40 percent of households subscribe to any kind of broadband service.
Why do some areas show no service?
- The area may truly have no broadband service.
- We may not have information about a provider in the area.
- We do not have data for providers who chose not to participate in the program.
- The National Telecommunications Information Administration does not require data
on broadband service provided by the federal government or any agencies or instrumentalities
of the federal government, or broadband service provided on property owned or leased
by the federal government or any agencies or instrumentalities of the federal government.
This includes military bases and other federal properties.
How often will you update the data?
Major updates are made twice annually after the data are delivered to the National
Telecommunications Information Administration. The current delivery dates are March
30, 2011 and September 30, 2011. Updates may be made periodically to correct errors.
Why isn’t my provider on the list of providers?
- We might not have been able to identify a provider in the area.
- Your provider might have been contacted but might have chosen not to participate.
The map shows that I am in a served area, but I cannot get broadband service from
any of the providers listed. Why?
National Telecommunications Information Administration requirements state that if
a portion of a census block or a street segment is served, the entire census block
or street segment is considered served by a particular provider. However, areas
within that block or segment might not be served. Also, some providers offer service
only to certain types of users, such as commercial entities.
Why are you asking for address information from speed test users?
In addition to informing you about your broadband connection speed, we are using
this data to inform the broadband mapping project. Your test results help verify
the existence and quality of broadband in your area, which in turn helps us accurately
determine which areas statewide have broadband availability and which areas are
underserved or not served by broadband. This information will help identify where
broadband infrastructure improvements are needed in Maryland.
How does the speed test work?
The speed test uses software built by Ookla Net Metrics (www.ookla.com). When the
speed test runs, it passes a small binary file back and forth (to test both upload
and download speed) between your computer and a server to estimate your connection
speed. Speed test results are provided for illustrative purposes only and no warranty
or guarantee about their accuracy, timeliness or reliability is expressed or implied.
Speed test results may be affected by numerous variables such as: viruses; automatic
updating; low memory capacity; processor capabilities; the type and capabilities
of the operating system; the version and configuration of the web browser software
used; capabilities of a router; other computers or other devices in the home network;
type of WiFi used; other devices wireless devices such as cordless phones or adjacent
networks; the distance from the consumer's computer to the WiFi access point; and
whether and what type of WiFi encryption is used, etc. Routing issues can also impact
performance. A server might be physically close to you, but due to ISP routing,
the information passed from your computer to that server might actually travel a
further distance.
How do I provide information or feedback about the map?
You can use the Report an Unserved Area or the Report an Error on the Map buttons
located at the bottom of the Results section, or you can send an email to mapinfo@mdbc.us.