Broadband Guides
Plain-language guides to FCC Form 477 fixed-broadband filings across 56 U.S. states and territories. These pages explain the extract; they do not tell you which ISP to buy. See our methodology.
What the guides answer
According to FCC Form 477 (June 2020), cable ranks #3 of 10 technologies by census-block records while fiber ranks #7; terrestrial fixed wireless is #2.
- 5,806,935
- cable records (#3)
- 2,618,693
- fiber records (#7)
- 9,599,266
- fixed-wireless records (#2)
- June 2020
- final Form 477 fixed-deployment vintage
Open a guide for the comparison; open a technology or provider page for the underlying rows.
Download the Form 477 state landscape extract cited on this page: plainbroadband-form477-state-landscape.csv (FCC public records · public domain).
How to Choose an Internet Provider
Speed, contract, and reliability questions this Form 477 extract does not answer by itself.
Fiber vs DSL vs Cable
Wired-technology comparison from FCC census-block records, not a buying guide.
Internet download vs upload speed
Mbps vs Gbps, and how this Form 477 extract splits states by advertised download.
Broadband in Rural Areas
Connectivity challenges and solutions for rural communities, from fixed wireless to satellite to federal funding.
How to Read Broadband Data
A guide to understanding FCC broadband reports, coverage maps, and what the numbers actually mean.
Internet for Remote Work
Bandwidth requirements for video conferencing, cloud apps, and VPNs, plus backup strategies.
What is fixed wireless broadband?
How terrestrial fixed wireless is filed in Form 477, including licensed vs unlicensed in one code.
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.