The FCC Omnibus Broadband Initiative (OBI) Working Reports Series and Technical Paper Series present analysis and research by FCC staff members. These papers reflect work performed in support of the National Broadband Plan and provide context for the Plan.
Technical Paper Series
The Broadband Availability Gap
This paper provides explanation and greater detail about the calculations that led to the count of unserved housing units and the estimate of the size of the broadband availability gap. The paper includes a presentation of model outputs as well as sensitivities of the model to key decisions and assumptions.
- Complete paper
- Table of Contents, List of Exhibits and Introduction
- Chapter I - The Investment Gap
- Chapter II - Broadband Availablity
- Chapter III - Calculating the Investment Gap
- Chapter IV - Network Economics
- List of Common Abbreviations and Glossary
View Data from the Technical Paper
*Note: Due to the large number of maps and images in this report, this complete file is 19MB
Broadband Assessment Model
This paper provides technical documentation of how the model is constructed, including more detail about the statistical model used to estimate availability and network infrastructure in areas where no data are available.
A Broadband Network Cost Model: A Basis for Public Funding Essential to Bringing Nationwide Interoperable Communications to America’s First Responders
This FCC study offers a detailed analysis of how the FCC's plan for creation and funding of the network would achieve a network that meets public safety’s needs for accessibility, reliability, and affordability, while saving the nation approximately $18 billion or more in capital and operating expenditures over a 10-year period. The plan would also ensure true interoperability for public safety across the nation beyond large cities and metropolitan areas and stretch into rural America.
Spectrum Analysis: Options for Broadcast Spectrum
This paper presents the analytical methodologies used to arrive at the preliminary recommendations for broadcast spectrum in the National Broadband Plan, including a new allotment optimization model intended to maximize the efficiency and collective benefits of broadcast TV and broadband services in the band. It presents multiple scenarios for consideration and should serve as the starting point for discussions as we work through the various tradeoffs with all interested stakeholders.
Broadband Performance
This paper analyzes residential usage of broadband and the performance of fixed broadband connections in the U.S. The data and analyses in this paper were used to create the National Broadband Availability Target described in the National Broadband Plan.
Health Care Broadband in America: Early Analysis and a Path Forward
The National Broadband Plan lays out a bold roadmap to America’s future, and highlights how health information technology (IT) can continue to improve health care outcomes and lower costs. This paper explains the methodology and underlying assumptions used to determine the broadband connectivity gap in the NBP for health care providers ranging from solo physician practices to hospitals.
Mobile Broadband: The Benefits Of Additional Spectrum
The National Broadband Plan recommends that the FCC make new spectrum available for wireless broadband by 2015 to further promote wireless innovation. This paper provides additional technical analysis to validate the need for additional mobile broadband spectrum in the near-term, and estimates the value created by making new spectrum available.
Working Reports Series
A Giant Leap and a Big Deal: Delivering on the Promise of Equal Access to Broadband for People with Disabilities
On April 23, the FCC issued its first-ever working paper on accessibility and technology issues. The paper provides an analysis of and a context for the National Broadband Plan's accessibility recommendations.
Broadband Adoption and Use in America
The raw data of the "Broadband Adoption and Use in America" working paper provides insight into the question of who uses broadband, who doesn’t, and the reasons why. The data is broken down into statistical analysis, an explanation of the analysis for those who wish to conduct their own, and a breakdown of different categories of respondents.