Americans can now access to detailed information about Internet services available in their localities or across the country, thanks to the recently released National Broadband Map.
Based on millions of pieces of data compiled over two years, the interactive map allows the users to search for available Internet service options, along with their advertised speeds.
The map also tells if the Internet service is available via fibre optic, mobile, DSL or some other technology.
The map shows wide digital divide between the urban and rural areas of the United States. The highly-urbanized west coast region of the country shows good Internet coverage, which is specified by the swaths of blue; while white area, which mainly includes rural regions, shows poor access to Internet services.
Between 5-10 per cent of the households, especially in rural regions, do not have access to Internet service of at least 4MBps, a speed that is necessary for performing online activities like e-mailing and video-streaming.
The federal government has spent around $40 million to prepare the National Broadband Map, which will be updated twice a year. The map will cost $200 million over the next five years.
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