Consumer Broadband Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet Overview & Resources

Introduction
Reliable and affordable internet access is essential for consumers and patients who need to access digital health resources. This fact sheet provides an overview to help consumers understand broadband internet and its role in digital health, addressing common questions such as:

• What is broadband?
• What is digital health?
• Why is broadband important for digital health?
• How can I determine if my internet is fast enough for digital health needs?
• What should I do if I don’t have internet access?

Intended Audience
This fact sheet is designed for individuals seeking to learn more about broadband and digital health, including consumers of digital health services.  

It is also intended for care providers who want to educate their patients on the topic.

Consumer Resources
The document highlights various resources that consumers can use to improve their connectivity and understand their broadband options:

• Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Resources
  1. Broadband Labels: Similar to nutrition labels on food, these labels provide essential information about internet plans from service providers. You can learn more about them on the FCC website and view an example label template.
  2. Household Broadband Guide: The FCC offers a general consumer guide and a guide to speed selection to help consumers choose the right internet plan. Visit their broadband consumer guide for more details.
• Telehealth Technology Assessment Center
  1. This center provides an internet speed test to check if you are getting the expected upload and download speeds, along with other quality metrics like latency and loss.
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
  1. NTIA’s “Internet for All: Broadband 101” guide explains why broadband matters, how broadband technologies work, and important factors related to quality and reliability. You can find the guide here.

Telehealth Resources
For telehealth visits, the Northwest Telehealth Resource Center provides a “Find Telehealth Access Points” tool that guides users to local telehealth service providers and Telehealth Access Points (TAPs), where they can access devices and broadband if they don’t have home connectivity. Visit Find Telehealth for more information. This resource was generated in partnership with the Southwest Telehealth Resource Center.

The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center has a “Prepare for Visit” widget that walks patients through checking connectivity, camera, and audio before telehealth visits.

What if I Don’t Have Internet?
For individuals lacking internet access, there are low-cost connectivity programs and resources available:

• Lifeline Program: The FCC’s Lifeline program offers affordable access to phone and mobile data plans for low-income consumers. Learn more about it here.
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA): NDIA maintains a list of affordable internet plans and other broadband resources, accessible here.

Digital Safety
Maintaining online safety is crucial for protecting your identity and communications. Best practices include using secure websites, creating strong passwords, updating software regularly, and employing multi-factor authentication and cybersecurity tools. For more tips:

• Cybersecurity Best Practices: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offers a comprehensive list on e-commerce and identity theft prevention.
• Stop|Think|Connect Campaign: This initiative provides basic cybersecurity advice, accessible here.
• Be Internet Awesome: A family-based internet safety program that offers an informative guide.

Download this fact sheet here:
Download the fact sheet: [Connecting for Health: The Importance of Broadband in Digital Health].