About PlainBroadband

PlainBroadband transforms raw FCC broadband deployment data into searchable, understandable pages. We cover 2,142 internet service providers, 56 states and territories, and 13 connection technologies. Our goal is to make it easy for anyone to explore broadband coverage data without navigating complicated government databases or downloading massive spreadsheets.

The broadband landscape in the United States is complex. Thousands of providers offer service through a patchwork of technologies, from fiber-optic lines to fixed wireless towers to satellite constellations. Understanding what's available in your area, and how your state compares to others, shouldn't require a data science background. That's the problem PlainBroadband solves.

Our Data

All data comes directly from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) via the Form 477 broadband deployment dataset. This is the official federal data collection program that requires all facilities-based broadband providers in the United States to report where they offer service. The program has been collecting data since 2000, making it the longest-running broadband availability dataset in the country.

Our data includes:

  • Provider coverage: Which providers operate in which states, and the extent of their deployment footprint measured by census block filings.
  • Technology types: The 13 broadband technologies tracked by the FCC, from fiber-optic to satellite to both licensed and unlicensed fixed wireless.
  • Speed data: Average maximum advertised download speeds aggregated at the state level, giving a snapshot of the competitive landscape.
  • Technology mix: The percentage of deployment records using fiber, cable, DSL, and other technologies in each state, showing infrastructure investment patterns.

Methodology

We download raw FCC Form 477 datasets, process them through our automated ETL pipeline, and aggregate the data by provider, state, and technology. No data is modified, interpolated, or editorially adjusted. All values trace directly back to the FCC filings.

Derived metrics like averages and percentages are calculated from the raw data using straightforward arithmetic. For example, the fiber percentage on a state page is the count of fiber technology records divided by the total records in that state. See our full methodology page for details on every processing step and known data limitations.

Data Currency

Our database currently reflects FCC Form 477 broadband deployment data as of the most recent public release. The FCC collects Form 477 data twice per year, with reporting dates of June 30 and December 31. Providers must file within several months of each reporting date, and the FCC then processes and publishes the aggregated data. Our most recent data pull was performed in Q1 2025.

We update our database when new data becomes available from the FCC, typically within four weeks of a public release. The transition to the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) system is bringing more granular, location-level data that will eventually replace the census-block-level Form 477 reports. We plan to integrate BDC data as it becomes the primary FCC broadband dataset.

Not Affiliated

PlainBroadband is not affiliated with the Federal Communications Commission, any internet service provider, or any government agency. We are an independent data portal that presents publicly available information in a more accessible format. We do not endorse or recommend any specific provider.

Who Built This

PlainBroadband is built and maintained by ", an independent team focused on making public data accessible without paywalls, account requirements, or advertising walls. We believe that understanding your broadband options should not require a data science degree or a subscription to an industry research service.

Our broadband portal is part of a larger effort to bring transparency to public data across multiple domains. From education to healthcare to infrastructure, government agencies collect vast amounts of useful data that often sits behind difficult interfaces. We build portals that make this data discoverable and understandable for everyone.

Editorial Independence

Content on PlainBroadband is compiled by our editorial team. Raw data from CMS, HHS, CDC, FDA, and HRSA is transformed into readable profiles by our continuous editorial pipeline, validated against the source before publication. The PlainBroadband editorial team, operating under Kiznis Studio, is responsible for editorial standards, methodology, and corrections.

We do not accept payment, sponsorship, or promoted placement from providers, hospitals, manufacturers, or any healthcare entity. Our only revenue source is contextual display advertising served by Google AdSense — advertisers do not influence which entities we cover or how we present data, and they do not receive preferential placement.

Disclaimer

This site is for informational purposes only. Data comes from U.S. government sources and is presented as-is. While we strive for accuracy, FCC Form 477 data has known limitations including potential overstatement of coverage at the census block level. Advertised speeds may not reflect actual user experience.

Always verify broadband availability directly with providers for your specific address. We cannot guarantee data completeness or real-time accuracy. For the most current official data, visit the FCC directly at fcc.gov.

Contact

For questions, feedback, or data correction requests, email hello@plainbroadband.com. We typically respond within two business days.