Last updated: July 2025
This page documents the primary data sources, time windows, and relevant limitations considered in the BroadbandClusters.org platform.
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.
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.
Internet Adoption
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates URL:ACS 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023) Time Window: 2019–2023
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.
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.