Learn about the Fiber Optic Service Overlay, including the definition, benefits, coverage and update frequency.
Available with any of the following subscriptions:
- All plans
Definition
As technology advances, high-quality connectivity to the internet becomes more and more important. This is an important consideration when siting and developing locations for technology-dependent facilities. Just as surface roads, rail, and electrical interconnectivity can determine the feasibility of building and operating a successful factory, warehouse, or data center, so can strong and dependable internet connectivity. Among the options for sure and dependable internet connections, fiber has emerged as the go-to conduit for residential and commercial data interconnection. Our Fiber Optic Service Overlay uses current federal datasets to show fiber availability and carrier options across the United States.
The Fiber Optic Service Overlay displays fiber availability as an interlocking array of hexagons, each containing information about carriers, maximum advertised upload and download speeds, signal latency, and business and residential availability.
Key Benefits
- Serves as a vital tool for greenfield and development work, allowing for the quick analysis of a parcel or area to determine fiber connectivity
- Can be used to roughly estimate the cost of extending fiber to sites that are outside of coverage
- A great tool for residential explorers looking for strong internet connectivity
Tip: In areas with multiple providers or multiple services for one provider, clicking on the polygon will return multiple records in the pop-up. These multi-record areas will appear darker in color.
Limitations: The hexagons do not necessarily indicate service to all businesses/residences contained within, but only indicate that there are lines present.
Coverage
United States except for Alaska and Hawaii
Update Frequency
Twice annually