FCC Launches Interactive Broadband & Health Data Tool
The U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Connect2HealthFCC Task Force recently launched a Mapping Broadband Health in America tool that “allows users to visualize, overlay and analyze broadband and health data at the national, state and county levels – informing policy prescriptions and investment decisions.” The interactive tool allows one to customize maps that show broadband infrastructure and health measures at national, state, and county levels. Specifically, the tool tracks residential broadband access and Internet adoption data, as well as diabetes, obesity, poor/fair health, sick days, primary care physician access, and preventable hospitalizations health measures. The tool also allows one to create a unique URL for a customized map, facilitating sharing and collaboration. The 2016 FCC Broadband Access Report reveals 10% of Americans, and 39% of rural Americans, do not have access to broadband benchmark speeds (ie, 25 Mbps/3 Mbps). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Chronic Disease Overview reports half of adult Americans have one or more chronic health conditions, and 7 of the top 10 causes of death in America were chronic diseases. The new FCC tool graphically depicts the higher rates of chronic disease in areas without access to the broadband infrastructure, revealing important implications for telemedicine and public health. For more information, see the FCC Mapping Broadband Health in America page.
