FAQs
  1. What is Broadband Internet?

    Broadband—or high-speed internet that is always on, is faster than traditional dial-up access and allows multiple users to communicate simultaneously—has become an integral part of everyday life for many Americans. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration defines Broadband as internet access that is 768 kbps downstream for downloading data and 200 kbps upstream for uploading data. What is perhaps more important than the speed, which is a moving target, is what one can do with different speeds. To see what functions are conducive to specific speed tiers, click on the following link: http://www.iwantbroadbandnh.org/sites/default/files/Broadband%20Speed%20...

  2. How can we get better broadband access in my community?

    The results of Granite State Poll, conducted in March of 2013 by the UNH Survey Center, show that New Hampshire’s rural regions are not as well connected by broadband as the state’s more urban/suburban areas The most rural regions—the North Country and parts of the Connecticut Valley—had the lowest rates of broadband access of 63% and 68% respectively. In contrast, the Merrimack Valley—the state’s most populated region—had an access rate of over 80%.

    Quite simply, broadband providers have not reached some parts of the state. In part, this is due to the relatively high cost, on a per-capita basis, to connect rural regions with high speed internet. But that does not mean that it cannot be done. To learn what your community can do to enhance broadband access and utilization, go to the “Involve your Community” section of this website.

  3. How do I know if I have Broadband Internet Where I Live?

    The New Hampshire Broadband Mapping & Planning Program has collected data on availability of Broadband Internet at the Census block level from internet service providers. While this data is not perfect and may not address differences in broadband access at certain locations within a given Census block, it is the best data available for the state as a whole. Further, the data reported is validated by speed tests taken by residences. To see where broadband is available, please go to the following website: http://www.iwantbroadbandnh.org/broadband_mapgallery

  4. Who can I call for help?

    If you are interested in how your community, business, or organization can more effectively utilize broadband internet, please go to the contact us page, which has backgrounds for each of the members of the technical assistance and training team. If you have questions about internet access in your region, contact Carol Miller, State Director of Broadband Technology, at carol.miller@dred.nh.gov or 603-271-2341 X138