Broadband Mapping and Economic Modeling

Efforts to close the digital divide cannot and will not be successful without two things: 1) access to robust data and analysis to help policymakers and service providers understand the actual experience of Americans from all types of backgrounds in accessing and using the Internet, and 2) access to robust, detailed economic models that help service providers and states make the best use of every available dollar.

Vernonburg Group’s combination of deep expertise in broadband availability and adoption data, combined with our experience in practical settings actually constructing broadband networks, give us a unique ability to distill value from data and to develop economic models that reflect the real-world conditions in the broadband market.

This tool helps users visualize publicly available broadband data to better understand the current state of Digital Equity across the U.S. Simple data visualization sliders can be used to better understand levels of broadband availability and adoption at a local or national level, and across different demographic groupings.

Digital Equity Map

Case Studies

Helping Policymakers Maximize Broadband Funding

Supporting Innovative Companies in Entering New Markets

Crafting Effective Advocacy Strategies to Influence US Policymakers

Connecting Underserved Communities in South Africa with a Solar Mesh Network

Expanding Broadband Access Across the Niger Delta Region

Leveraging Data to Understand the Digital Divide

Data on broadband availability and adoption comes from disparate sources and available broadband data mapping tools that combine source data are designed more for data scientists than for the general public. In addition, until recently, the most-utilized source of public of information about broadband availability was based on the FCC’s Form 477 through which Internet service providers reported on geographies where they could provider service. Decision-makers seeking to understand and target resources to address the greatest areas of digital divide were left with limited visibility.

Vermont Internet for All Planning

In April 2023, Vernonburg Group was selected from a number of bidders to work with the State of Vermont, specifically the Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB), on their plans to achieve universal broadband availability and to improve digital equity for all Vermonters. This includes their DEA Digital Equity Plan, as well as their BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and Initial Proposal.

Supporting Policymakers in Implementing Digital Equity Programs

The handbook documents how: 1) the broadband adoption gap is far greater than broadband availability gap; 2) broadband availability and adoption are lower across the U.S. in locations with higher rates of poverty; and 3) lower broadband and device adoption rates persist among residents of rural areas, communities with low rates of literacy and digital skills, aging individuals, persons with disabilities, and certain minority groups. Importantly, national statistics do not tell the whole story.