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The Basics

The term "broadband" refers to a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet. The primary factors that people consider when deciding what type of broadband Internet service to subscribe to include Service Type, Connection Speed, Service Availability, and Price. The information below provides an overview of the first three of these factors, as well as some tips about getting around the New York State Broadband Availability Map (NYS Map). If you are interested in obtaining pricing information, please contact the companies that provide service in your area directly (you can find a listing of the companies that serve your area by using the NYS Map).

The NYS Map reflects broadband availability data obtained from broadband providers and represents availability that can reasonably be expected within 7-10 days of request from the broadband provider. The vintage of this data and planned updates are described more on the "In Depth" page.

For additional introductory broadband information, refer to the Federal Communications Commission's
Broadband Brochure. Topics include: What is Broadband? Why is it important? How can I get it?

Service Types & Connection Speeds

Broadband Internet service can be delivered to your home or business through a variety of methods, which are described in brief below:

Wireline Services:

  • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) – Provided through copper phone lines and a DSL modem. Allows the Internet and phone to be used simultaneously.
    • Asymmetrical: Offers faster speeds for downloading than uploading.
    • Symmetrical: Offers equal speeds for downloading and uploading.
  • Cable Modem – Provided through the coaxial cables that deliver cable television access and a cable modem. Allows the Internet and cable television to be used simultaneously.
  • Other Copper Wireline – All copper-wire based technologies other than DSL and Cable Modem (examples include T1 and Ethernet over copper).
  • Fiber to the Home or Business – Provided through fiber optic technology.

Wireless Service:

  • Fixed – Provided through radio waves to a specific location.
  • Mobile – Typically requires a wireless card that is used with a laptop.

Satellite Service:

  • Provided through satellites. In some remote areas, this is the only access to broadband service.
For more information about broadband services, please refer to the originating resource for the descriptions above, the FCC's Getting Broadband brochure. Topics include: How does broadband work? What are the advantages? What types are available?

Speed Test

To test your computer's broadband connection speed, take the NYS Speed Test. Please keep in mind that a variety of factors can affect the speed of your connection, including the service package that you selected through your provider, the amount of Internet traffic at the time you are online, and the quality of your computer equipment. If you have questions about the results of your speed test, please talk with your provider about possible factors and solutions. For more information see Speed Test Considerations on the "In Depth" page.

Service Availability

On our map, service availability indicates that at least one company offers broadband service to at least one address within the selected census block or street segment. If you are interested in knowing whether service is available at a particular address, please check with the providers in your area (see The NYS Map for more information).

Our map reflects availability at two levels:

1. Census Blocks:

Addresses that fall within a block that is up to 2 square miles in area will be shown as a bordered Census Block. Census Blocks can be rectangular (as is common in urban areas), or more irregular in shape (as is often the case in rural areas).

Here are a few examples of census blocks:

Census Block Example Census Block Example Census Block Example

If service is available to at least one address on a census block, our map will display the block as having broadband availability:

One House with Availability in a Census Block
Right Pointing Arrow
Whole Block is Shown with Availability

2. Street Segments:

Addresses that fall within a block that is greater than 2 square miles in area will be shown within a highlighted Street Segment. If service is available to at least one address on a street segment, our map will display the segment as having broadband availability, similar to the image on the right:

Street Segment Availability Example
Right Pointing Arrow
Street Segment Buffer Example

Map Navigation Tips

For information about getting around the NYS Map, please refer to Map Navigation Tips.

Security

Broadband's "always on" connection offers greater Internet speed, but it also poses increased risk to your computer. Because your Internet connection is always active when the computer is on, it is quite likely that someone will try to access your computer through the Internet without your knowledge or approval. This risk can be greatly reduced through proper security. For more information:

Internet Safety Tips