Update: The National Broadband Map is having technical issues.

The National Broadband Map is a searchable database of information on high-speed Internet access. NTIA created the National Broadband Map in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), using data that each state, territory and the District of Columbia collected from broadband providers or other data sources.

The website includes more than 25 million searchable records showing where broadband Internet service is available, the technology used to provide the service, the maximum advertised speeds of the service, and the names of the service providers.

Users can search by address to find the broadband providers and services available in the corresponding census block or road segment, view the data on a map, or use other interactive tools to compare broadband across various geographies, such as states, counties or congressional districts.

The map shows that between 5 – 10 percent of Americans lack access to broadband at speeds that support a basic set of applications, including downloading Web pages, photos and video, and using simple video conferencing. The FCC last July set a benchmark of 4 Mbps actual speed downstream and 1 Mbps upstream to support these applications.

“The National Broadband Map shows there are still too many people and community institutions lacking the level of broadband service needed to fully participate in the Internet economy,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling.

“We are pleased to see the increase in broadband adoption last year, particularly in light of the difficult economic environment, but a digital divide remains.”

California received $2.8 million, Indiana $1.3 million, North Carolina $2.035 million and Vermont $1.2 milliamp.

"Broadband will bring many benefits to the Nation, such as job creation and innovation, but these benefits have been delayed by the lack of comprehensive, reliable data on the availability of broadband service," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling.

Lawrence E. Strickling,
NTIA Administrator

"This program addresses an important need and will provide a valuable tool in bringing broadband and jobs to more Americans."

The NTIA says the national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available along with details about the service, speeds and if its offered at schools, libraries, hospitals and colleges. The national map will be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in local areas.

NTIA received applications from all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program. The agency is reviewing the remaining 52 applications and will continue to announce grant recipients on a rolling basis throughout the fall.

"The four award recipients submitted well-formed proposals that are both fiscally prudent and serve as a model for others," Strickling added.

"We are committed to making the program succeed nationwide and will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects."

 About 43 percent of over-the-air households said they would purchase a converter box or a digital TV between now and when the transition takes place on February 17, 2009, compared to 12 percent who would sign up for a cable or satellite service.

"This data indicates that free, over-the-air television may be set for a big comeback," said APTS President and CEO John Lawson. "Many people see broadcasting as a dinosaur technology, but we broadcasters have the opportunity to reposition it as ‘wireless TV’ and reach new audiences."

The subsidy program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), has received 2.8 million requests for converter boxes since registration for the program began on January 1.

Still, 25 percent of Americans said they "don’t know" what action they would take, and 19 percent said they would "do nothing." Of those who said they would do "do nothing," 17 percent planned on waiting before taking steps.

While more Americans are aware of the switch to digital television, most don’t know why the federal government is ordering the change. Seventy-seven percent who are aware of the transition did not know why the federal government mandated the change.

"It appears that the government’s positive message regarding the reasons for the transition has fallen on deaf ears," Lawson said