FCC task force issues broadband health mapping tool

The Federal Communication Commission’s Connect2Health Task Force today released a web-based mapping tool that allows users to overlay broadband and health data (such as obesity, diabetes and physician access) at the national, state and county levels to identify priority areas for improving broadband connectivity and health. Initial findings show significant differences between connected and digitally isolated communities; for example, counties where 60% of households lack access to broadband have higher rates of diabetes and obesity, the commission said. Since 2014, the task force has traveled to several states to learn how communities are leveraging broadband technologies and next-generation communication services to improve access to health and care services. “We have seen the faces behind this data and we know firsthand what a difference connectivity can make,” said Task Force Chair Michele Ellison.