What is Broadband?
There are many elements to delivering broadband service in Beaver County. Most importantly, broadband is “always-on” and is truly available when you need it. Please review this page in detail to learn about common terms, the types of broadband available, your internet speed, various ways the internet can connect to your home, the benefits and affordability programs.
Common Internet Terms & Meanings
Bringing fast, reliable and affordable broadband internet to Beaver County.
Broadband is accessed in two different ways. The first way, is using a physical wire and cables to connect the networks to the internet. This way is fixed broadband.
The other way is by using a short-range wireless technology, like mobile 5G. This is the way that most mobile devices use to connect to the internet.
Each connection way is capable of providing high-speed internet to you but each differs in its own way. To learn more about comparing Fixed & Mobile Broadband, please view the graphic below.
What is the difference between Fixed Broadband and Mobile Broadband?
Broadband service is delivered through multiple technologies. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) typically provide fixed broadband services and mobile network carriers typically provide mobile broadband services. The way in which broadband is accessed is different depending on the broadband technology being used. Below are some of the technologies that deliver broadband to homes and businesses.
Investment in broadband considers not only where infrastructure is needed to expand the fixed or mobile networks, but also where or how users need financial and technical support in accessing the service once it is made available.
Why is it so Important to have
High-Speed Internet?
The internet has become a critical part of our everyday life.
The internet gives us the opportunity to become digital citizens and connect with one another virtually. The internet gives us access to information at our fingertips and gets it to us fast!
Without the internet, we lose a way to communicate with each other. Without the internet, a lot of us can’t do our job which is why Beaver County is adamant about bringing broadband internet to many unserved homes in the area.
Helpful Internet Vocabulary & Definitions
Broadband
The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional DSL or dial-up access. Broadband is delivered through multiple technologies, like fiber optic cables, fixed antenna, satellite, mobile, and cable modem.
Digital Equity
A goal to ensure that everyone has equal access to technology tools, computers, and the internet and has the knowledge and skills to use them effectively.
Connectivity Opportunity Areas
Locations that are unserved and underserved with poor mobile and fixed broadband service speeds.
Served
Locations that have access to high-speed internet as it is currently defined by the FCC is 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload.
Underserved
Locations where internet service is at or above the FCC threshold but with no access to wired broadband service at speeds 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, this can lead to slow or unreliable service.
Unserved
Locations with no access to wired internet service at speeds that meet the FCC threshold of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, meaning the internet connection is slow and unreliable or nonexistent.
Mbps
Megabits per second are units of measurement that generally refers to upload and download speeds to measure the file size of data transferred per second over a channel and are used to show how fast a network or internet connection is.
Download Speed
The rate that data or information can be received by a user’s computer or device from the internet.
Upload Speed
The rate that data or information is transferred from a user’s computer or device to the internet.
Bandwidth
The volume of information that can be sent over a connection in a measured amount of time.
Connectivity
The ability to link to and communicate with other computer systems, electronic devices, software, or the internet.
Network
A system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting or sharing information.
Digital Navigator
Digital navigators are trained staff who work with residents on digital literacy including home connectivity and how to search for or apply for jobs and critical services.
Mesh Network
Technology to provide seamless wireless via multiple mesh nodes, or Wi-Fi extenders, that work together to route data to and from users.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
A company that provides individuals and organizations access to the internet and other related services.
Test Your Internet Connection
Internet speed all depends on the service provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) To find out what your connection speed is, use the tool below to find out.
Now that you know your Internet speed, see how it compares to the internet standards in the graphic below.
Sign up for project updates
Stay informed! Receive the latest news and project updates directly to your inbox.
