Our Methodology | FindBetterInternet

Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map

Our primary data source is the FCC National Broadband Map, the most comprehensive database of internet service availability in the United States.

What the FCC Data Contains

Provider-reported coverage at the census block level (the smallest geographic unit)
Technology types (Fiber, Cable, DSL, Fixed Wireless, Satellite)
Advertised speeds (maximum download and upload speeds offered)
Service type (residential vs. business)

Update Frequency

The FCC collects broadband availability data twice per year:

June filing: Data as of June 30, typically available by fall
December filing: Data as of December 31, typically available by spring

We refresh our database within 30 days of each new FCC data release to ensure you’re seeing current information.

Why FCC Data?

While no data source is perfect, the FCC Broadband Map is the only dataset that:

Covers every internet provider required to report
Uses consistent methodology across all providers
Provides granular, address-level accuracy (via census blocks)
Is updated on a regular schedule
Is publicly available and verifiable

Geographic Coverage Model

Understanding how we map provider data to cities requires understanding the geographic hierarchy we use.

Census Blocks The smallest unit (~8 million in the US) ↓

Census Tracts Groups of blocks (~74,000 in the US) ↓

ZIP Codes Mapped from tracts (~42,000 in the US) ↓

Cities Aggregated from associated ZIP codes

How We Aggregate Data

Start with census blocks: Each block has a unique 15-digit GEOID. FCC data tells us which providers serve each block.
Map to census tracts: The first 11 digits of a block GEOID identify its tract. We group blocks by tract.
Link to ZIP codes: Using official Census crosswalk files, we map tracts to the ZIP codes they overlap with.
Aggregate to cities: USPS preferred city names for each ZIP code determine which city the data belongs to.

Why This Matters

When we say “AT&T covers 65% of Greensboro,” we mean AT&T reported service availability in 65% of the census blocks that map to Greensboro ZIP codes. This is a precise, verifiable calculation—not a guess or marketing claim.

Speed Score Formula

Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking from 0-100 that tells you how a provider’s plan compares to all other internet options in that state.

The Formula

Raw Score = Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 0.7 + Upload Speed × 0.3)

Then ranked as a percentile against all other plans in the state.

Technology Factors

We weight different connection types based on their real-world performance characteristics:

Technology	Factor	Why?
Fiber (FTTP)	100%	Most reliable, lowest latency, symmetric speeds
Cable (DOCSIS)	85%	High speeds but shared bandwidth, asymmetric
Licensed Fixed Wireless	70%	Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
Copper/DSL	65%	Distance-limited, older infrastructure
Unlicensed Fixed Wireless	60%	Shared spectrum, more interference
LEO Satellite (Starlink)	40%	Lower latency than GEO, weather-sensitive
GEO Satellite	15%	High latency (~600ms), data caps common

Why Weight Download More Than Upload?

Most residential internet usage is download-heavy (streaming, browsing, gaming downloads). The 70/30 split reflects typical usage patterns. For users who frequently upload (video creators, remote workers), we recommend looking at the raw upload speeds in addition to the score.

Percentile Ranking

After calculating raw scores, we rank every provider/plan combination within each state. A Speed Score of 85 means that plan is faster than 85% of all other internet options available in that state.

This gives you context. A 500 Mbps cable plan might score 75 in a state with widespread fiber, but 90 in a state with limited infrastructure.

Provider Coverage Calculation

When we show “Spectrum covers ~89% of Greensboro,” here’s exactly what that means:

Example Calculation

Identify all census blocks mapped to Greensboro: 2,847 blocks
Count blocks where Spectrum reports service: 2,534 blocks
Calculate: 2,534 ÷ 2,847 = 89.0%

What “Coverage” Does NOT Mean

NOT a guarantee of service: Even if your block is “covered,” you may not be able to get service at your specific address due to infrastructure limitations
NOT actual customer adoption: This is availability, not how many people actually use the service
NOT verified by us: We report what providers tell the FCC; we cannot independently verify every claim

Total Census Blocks Analyzed

Each city page shows the total number of census blocks in our analysis. More blocks generally means more granular data and higher confidence in our calculations.

Capability Ratings

We estimate how well each provider’s service handles common internet activities based on speed requirements and connection type.

Rating Scale

Excellent — No limitations, best experience

Good — Works well for most users

Fair — Adequate but may have limitations

Poor — Significant limitations likely

How We Rate Each Category

Category	What We Consider	Speed Thresholds
Streaming	Download speed for HD/4K video	Excellent: 100+ Mbps, Good: 25+ Mbps, Fair: 10+ Mbps
Multi-Device	Bandwidth ÷ typical household devices	Based on supporting 10+ simultaneous devices
Gaming	Upload speed + connection latency	Technology type heavily weighted (fiber best)
Whole Home	Peak evening usage reliability	Based on technology + speed headroom

Note: Actual performance depends on many factors including your specific location, network congestion, router quality, and home wiring. Our ratings are estimates based on typical conditions.

Limitations & Disclaimers

We believe in being upfront about the limitations of our data and analysis.

Important Things to Know

1. Provider-Reported Data

FCC data is self-reported by internet providers. While there are penalties for inaccurate reporting, we cannot independently verify every claim. Some providers may overstate their coverage.

2. “Advertised” vs. “Actual” Speeds

All speeds shown are maximum advertised speeds—what the provider claims you could get under ideal conditions. Actual speeds are often lower due to network congestion, distance from infrastructure, and other factors.

3. “Available” vs. “Serviceable”

A provider reporting coverage in your census block doesn’t guarantee they can actually connect your specific address. Infrastructure gaps, HOA restrictions, and other factors may prevent service.

4. Data Currency

FCC data is a snapshot in time. New construction, provider expansions, or network changes may not be reflected until the next filing period.

5. Pricing Information

When we show pricing, it’s gathered from provider websites and may not reflect promotional rates, bundle discounts, equipment fees, or regional variations. Always verify current pricing with the provider.

What We Don’t Know

Actual customer experience or satisfaction
Real-world speed test results by location
Customer service quality
Reliability/uptime statistics
Data caps or throttling policies for every plan

Updates & Corrections

How Often We Update

FCC data refresh: Within 30 days of each FCC release (typically spring and fall)
Provider information: Reviewed quarterly, updated as needed
Pricing data: Spot-checked monthly, full refresh quarterly

Found an Error?

We take accuracy seriously. If you notice incorrect information:

Check the FCC National Broadband Map directly to verify
If our data differs from FCC data, contact us and we’ll investigate
If FCC data itself is wrong, you can submit a correction to the FCC

For Internet Service Providers

If you represent an ISP and believe your coverage or service information is incorrect, please contact us with documentation. Note that we can only reflect what’s in the official FCC database—if your FCC filing needs updating, please work with the FCC directly.