Connectivity is the ability to have a reliable high speed internet connection that meets the needs of the population.
It refers to the speed and type of internet that is available to an address and what is then subscribed to.
It is important for libraries to understand what connectivity their facility has.
Libraries are considered "unserved" if they have a speed less than 100Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
A single residential user is considered unserved if they have a speed less than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
It is important for libraries to understand if there are areas in their community where residents or businesses cannot access high speed internet.
OCL encourages ALL PA libraries to aim to offer a minimum of 100Mbps download speed by the end of 2025; it is preferred that all libraries have a gigabit connection. With IIJA funds for broadband/digital equity and funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects fund, this goal is attainable.
A reliable internet connection at any library should offer the abilty of a location to provide large groups simultaneous access to high speed internet that would be reliable enough to attend online job interivews or a virtual school class that requires two way voice and video service.
Public libraries are eligible for substantial discounts on the monthly recurring cost of internet connectivity through the federally funded e-rate program.
Learn more about e-rate:
Below, see handouts shared with attendees of recent listening sessions on the FCC Map and Challenge process by the PA Broadband Development Authority.
Encourage patrons to submit a challenge for their address if they believe data on the map is incorrect. Instruct members of your community to follow the individual challenge process, which is done through the FCC map directly. You may find more information and a number of helpful resources here.
Libraries may want to challenge the data on the map for their service location too.
This is a time-limited opportunity with bulk challenge submissions due Jan 9, 2023.
While the deadline for map updates to impact original BEAD funding may have passed, residents and libraries are encouraged to continue to report inaccuracies to the map. Better data will benefit all in the coming years.
Each library location should complete this online survey to report the speed of internet connectivity made available to patrons at your library.
The survey also contains other questions about broadband-related services.