Map explorer
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Counties
Score shown is the selected measure.
The impact of terrain
Construction
Terrain impacts how and where internet service providers decide to build their networks. Fiber optic cable can often be hung on utility poles more cheaply than it can be buried underground, but this leaves it vulnerable to hazards.
Signal
Fixed wireless, traditional geostationary satellite, and low-Earth orbit internet service require clear lines of sight to send radio signals between homes and businesses and other infrastructure, like cellular towers, ground stations, and satellites. Mountains and foliage can obstruct and degrade the signal.
Resilience
All above-ground network infrastructure, like aerial fiber and cellular towers, is vulnerable to hazards. Repair and replacement in mountainous terrain is limited by how crews are able to access worksites.
Alliance ranking
Scores use ACS 2020–2024 five-year estimates.