Last updated: Jan 2026
This page documents the primary data sources, time windows, and relevant limitations considered in the BroadbandClusters.org platform.
Internet Adoption
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates URL:ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) Time Window: 2020–2024
Household internet adoption calculated from ACS 5-year survey results for maximum stability and reliability.
Limitation: 5-year ACS estimates may not reflect rapid recent changes; 1-year ACS is not available for all geographies.
Broadband Availability
Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Data Collection URL:FCC Broadband Map (June 2024) Time Window: Most recent public release (e.g., Dec 2024)
Coverage and provider counts reported at the city/census block level and aggregated for regional insights.
Limitation: FCC data reports infrastructure coverage (availability), not actual household adoption. ZIP-level aggregation may be estimated from underlying data.
Geographic Reference
Source: Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Delineation Files for Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs), Combined Statistical Areas (CSAs), and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). URL:OMB Delineation Files Time Window: Most recent release (e.g., July 2023).
Metro boundaries are assigned using CSA by default. Where CSA is not available, CBSA is used (e.g., Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown is a CBSA).
Limitation: OMB defines metro areas at the county level, which may not align perfectly with local city/neighborhood boundaries.
City and ZIP Mapping
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) USPS ZIP-Code Crosswalk Files URL:HUD Crosswalk Time Window: Most recent quarterly release (e.g., Q1 2025)
ZIP codes are mapped to counties and cities using HUD crosswalks and APIs.
Limitation: ZIPs may cross multiple city/county boundaries and can change over time. Mapping reflects the best available information at the time of publication.
All mapping boundaries and overlays use open geospatial references current as of the latest platform update.
Limitation: Boundaries may not reflect the most recent administrative changes or minor local adjustments.
General Disclaimer:
All data is used as provided by source agencies. Frequency of reporting, regional definitions, and methodologies may evolve; results should be interpreted in this context. For technical details or data stewardship questions, contact the project administrator.