Question 1

Where does broadband data come from?

Accepted Answer

Broadband availability data comes from the FCC's Broadband Data Collection (BDC), which requires internet service providers to report where they offer service, at what speeds, and using which technologies. Data is updated semi-annually.

Question 2

What speeds are considered broadband?

Accepted Answer

The FCC defines broadband as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, though this standard is being updated. For practical use, streaming video requires about 5-25 Mbps, remote work video calls need 10-25 Mbps, and households with multiple users or devices should target 100+ Mbps.

Question 3

Why might my actual internet speed differ from what is shown?

Accepted Answer

Reported speeds are the maximum that providers offer in an area, not guaranteed speeds. Actual performance depends on your plan tier, network congestion, equipment quality, distance from infrastructure, and the number of connected devices. Use speed test tools to measure your actual connection.

Provider▲▼	Technology▲▼	Download▼	Upload▲▼
AT&T	Fiber (FTTP)	5.0 Gbps	5.0 Gbps
Quantum Fiber	Fiber (FTTP)	2.0 Gbps	1.0 Gbps
Sparklight	Cable	1.0 Gbps	50 Mbps
CenturyLink	Fiber (FTTP)	1.0 Gbps	1.0 Gbps
Optimum	Cable	940 Mbps	35 Mbps
Verizon	Licensed Fixed Wireless	300 Mbps	20 Mbps
Bolt Internet	Fixed Wireless	300 Mbps	100 Mbps
Starlink	Code 61	280 Mbps	30 Mbps
Viasat Inc	Satellite	150 Mbps	3 Mbps
CenturyLink	DSL	140 Mbps	20 Mbps
ZAYO GROUP LLC	Fiber (FTTP)	100 Mbps	100 Mbps
AT&T	Licensed Fixed Wireless	100 Mbps	6 Mbps
T-Mobile	Licensed Fixed Wireless	100 Mbps	20 Mbps
HughesNet	Satellite	50 Mbps	5 Mbps
Verde Valley Internet	Unlicensed Fixed Wireless	50 Mbps	10 Mbps
Verde Valley Internet	Fixed Wireless	30 Mbps	5 Mbps
Frontier	DSL	10 Mbps	1 Mbps
ZAYO GROUP LLC	DSL	—	—

Cottonwood, AZ

Cottonwood Internet Providers