Consumer Broadband Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet Overview

• Introduction- Reliable and affordable internet access is a critical requirement for consumers and patients that need to access digital health resources. This Fact Sheet provides a starting point for consumer questions about broadband internet. including:
  • What is broadband?
  • What is digital health? 
  • Why does broadband matter in digital health? 
  • Is my internet fast enough for digital health? 
  • What do I do if I don’t have internet access?
• Who is the Fact Sheet for?
  • This fact sheet is designed for:
    • Consumers of digital health services
    • Individuals wanting to learn more about broadband and digital health
    • Care providers who want to educate patients about broadband and digital health 
• Resources- In this document we mention resources that consumers can use to understand and improve their connectivity. Below are links and descriptions of those resources:
  • Consumer Resources
    • Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Resources:
      • Broadband Labels- Like nutrition labeling on food packaging, these handy labels give key details on plans that Internet Service Providers supply:
        • FCC about:
          • https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandlabels
        • Example Label:
          • https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/Broadband-Facts-Label-Blank-Template.pdf
      • FCC: Household Broadband Guide: This FCC has both a general broadband consumer guide, and a guide to speed selection that can help consumers find the right internet plan.
        • Broadband Service for the Home: A Consumer’s Guide | Federal Communications Commission 
        • Household Broadband Guide | Federal Communications Commission 
    • Telehealth Technology Assessment Center Internet Speed Test
      • This handy speed test can let you know if you are getting the upload and download speeds you expect, as well as a few key quality metrics like loss, and latency.
        • telehealthtechnology.org/speed
    • NTIA: Internet for All: BROADBAND 101
      • A guide to why broadband matters, how broadband technologies work, and quality and reliability factors to consider.
      • https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Broadband_101.pdf 
    • Telehealth Resources
      • Find Telehealth Providers and Access Resources:
        • Prepare for a telehealth visit-  The Northeast Telehealth Resource Center’s prepare for visit widget walks through checking connectivity, camera and audio in advance of your telehealth visits.
          • NETRC- Prepare for visit 
    • What if I don’t have internet? Resources to connect:
      • Low-Cost connectivity programs and resources
        • Lifeline-This FCC program provides affordable access to phone and mobile data plans for low income Consumers
          • https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers
        • The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) maintains a list of affordable internet plans and a host of other broadband resource:
          • https://www.digitalinclusion.org/free-low-cost-internet-plans
      • Find Telehealth Access Points
        • Find Telehealth Providers and Access Resources:
          • Find Telehealth maps points users not only toward local telehealth service providers, but also to Telehealth Access Points (TAPs) where consumers who do not have connectivity can access devices and broadband for telehealth.
            • https://findtelehealth.nrtrc.org/map
            • Resource created in partnerships between the following TRCs
              • NRTRC
              • SWTRC
      • Digital Safety
        • Digital Safety is about keeping your online identity and communications safe. Some good habits include using secure websites, creating strong and unique passwords, updating your software, and using extra security steps like multi-factor authentication and cybersecurity tools.
        • Resources
          • The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides a list of cybersecurity best practices on passwords, e-commerce, and identity theft.
            • https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices
          • Stop|Think|Connect is a campaign focused on providing basic cybersecurity tips and advice.
            • https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/
          • Be Internet Awesome- This family based internet safety curriculum is an accessible and informative resource for families with children.
            • https://storage.googleapis.com/gweb-interland.appspot.com/en-us/hub/pdfs/Google_BeInternetAwesome_DigitalCitizenshipSafety_FamilyGuide.pdf