The number of subscribers to a service - typically expressed in a percentage of those taking the service divided by the total number of people who could take the service. If a community fiber network [..]

This is a suite of protocols that allow wireless devices to exchange information using unlicensed frequencies. Equipment carrying the Wi-Fi brand is interoperable. Recently, a number of cities and som [..]

Universal Service Fund - a federal program with four programs: high cost (subsidizes the high cost of services in rural areas), low income (includes Lifeline and Link Up discounts to those in poverty) [..]

Internet connections have two components - a downstream and upstream. Upstream refers to the rate at which the user's computer can send data to the Internet. DSL and cable networks frequently off [..]

The three main services offered over these networks - television, phone services, and Internet access. Turns out that many people like to get all three from the same service provider on the same bill. [..]

This term refers to a variety of attempts to use modern technology to make it seem like a person in a remote location is in the room. The more bandwidth available, the more realistic the remote person [..]

Telephone company - a provider of telecommunications services such as voice (telephony) and data services. Also called common carriers or LECs (Local Exchange Carriers); ILECs are incumbent providers, [..]

A data circuit that transmits at 1.544 Mbps.

Triple-play with cell phone service. Only a few companies are starting to offer this - combining the now standard triple-play (television, phone, and Internet access) with a cell phone plan.

Rural Utilities Service - a branch of the US Department of Agriculture. RUS offers loans to entities deploying broadband in rural areas.