Innovation
Broadband Connections
Description: This indicator measures the number of data lines of more than 200 kilobits per second in one direction. Data are available for each state as of June and December, beginning in December 1999. In addition to the total number of lines, the number of cable (cable modem) and ADSL (asymmetrical digital subscriber line) lines are available.
In addition to the number of lines, the number of connections per 100,000 residents is shown as of June of each year.
Rationale: Interaction, information exchange, and global access have become essential to innovation. High-speed data lines connect businesses and individuals across the world, enhancing an area’s ability to innovate. The majority of innovation is based upon previous innovations and this global interface is critical for economic development.
Data Sources: The Federal Communications Commission http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/iatd/comp.html. Population estimates are from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau. The easiest access to the estimates is from http://www.bea.gov/regional/spi/default.cfm?satable=summary.
Comments on the Quality of the Data: None.
