ASL Video: Access to High-Speed Internet
Access to high-speed internet is a crucial part of living in today’s connected world, especially for Americans with disabilities.
What Is High-Speed Internet Access?
High-speed internet access (or broadband) allows users to access the Internet and services available online at significantly higher speeds than those available through “dial-up” Internet services.
What types of High-Speed Internet Access are offered?
High-speed internet access can be provided over different platforms: landline, cable, fiber, or fixed wireless, and satellite. The service offerings can vary by speed, price, packaging with other services (like telephone and/or television) and availability.
Availability
You can check whether high-speed internet access is available in your area by using the FCC’s Broadband Map tool at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. If you do not see any Internet service providers (ISPs) listed for your area, you can:
• Contact your local library and ask if it has high-speed internet available. If it does not, has the library applied for the federal E-rate program, which subsidizes broadband to libraries and schools?
• Contact local or state government officials and ask what they can do to attract broadband service providers to your area.
• Contact your state broadband office to inquire about broadband availability in your area.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to defray the cost of broadband services for qualifying low-income households. To see if you are eligible and apply, visit GetInternet.gov.
Quality of Service
If you have broadband (or high-speed internet access) and there are problems with the quality or reliability of your service, contact your Internet service provider. To check your mobile data speed, the FCC provides a free Speed Test app for iOS and Android mobile devices. You can download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
If your service provider is not able to resolve your issues, you can contact the FCC.
Video Relay Service, IP Captioned Telephone Service, and IP Relay Service
If you have concerns about using Internet service to access video relay service, IP relay service or IP captioned telephone service, including questions about data caps or service quality, contact your ISP. You may also contact the FCC and we can reach out to your provider on your behalf.
Filing a Complaint or Seeking Assistance
You can file a complaint or seek assistance by contacting the FCC:
Online: www.fcc.gov/complaints
E-Mail: [email protected]
Videophone: 844-432-2275
Voice: 202-418-2517
For consumer information about broadband: www.fcc.gov/connected.
For information about the FCC’s accessibility efforts: www.fcc.gov/accessibility.
