cori.data.fcc: R
+ package that facilitates the discovery, analysis, retrieval and use of
+ FCC public data releases.
+
+ - Because the FCC publishes major releases of this data twice a year
+ and minor updates at a nearly biweekly cadence, we developed
+ `cori.data.fcc` to ease the process of provisioning our various
+ applications with the latest broadband coverage data.
+
+- CORI Data API: This
+ backend was designed and implemented to provide an assortment of
+ broadband service metrics and demographic data at multiple geographic
+ levels (county, tract, block, etc.)
+
+ - Built with AWS Lambda and RDS (PostgreSQL)
+
+ - Continuously deploys from code commits using AWS CDK
+
+ - This allowed us to build multiple frontend applications that
+ incorporate a mix of backend data sources, including CORI Data API
+ and Mapbox (styles and tile sets):
+
+ - Rural Broadband Service
+ Map: Visualizes broadband availability and funding
+ data to identify gaps and opportunities.
+
+ - Rural Broadband County
+ Summary: Summarizes broadband availability and
+ demographic data per county (by name or FIPS).
+
+ - Broadband Climate Risk Mitigation
+ Tool: Assesses climate risks posed to broadband
+ infrastructure in order to enhance resiliency.
+
+These tools are vital for connecting rural areas, acting as a bridge to
+digital opportunities and effective investment of resources. Instead of
+just providing raw data, CORI’s resources turn complex information into
+clear insights, enabling deliberate, informed choices about where to
+direct funds and build infrastructure.
+
+Here’s how this suite of tools helps to improve broadband investment,
+expansion, and digital skills:
+
+- **Simplified Data Management**: The `cori.data.fcc` package
+ streamlines the process of accessing and utilizing the FCC’s
+ frequently updated data, ensuring that users always have the most
+ current information at their fingertips
+- **Comprehensive Data Analysis**: The **CORI Data API** delivers key
+ broadband metrics and demographic information across different
+ geographic areas, enabling a detailed understanding of local needs and
+ opportunities
+- **Targeted Visualizations**: The **Rural Broadband Service Map**
+ offers a visual representation of broadband availability and funding,
+ highlighting areas with service gaps and potential for growth.
+- **Concise Summaries**: The **Rural Broadband County Summary** provides
+ a snapshot of broadband and demographic data for each county,
+ facilitating quick comparisons and informed decision-making.
+- **Risk Assessment**: The **Broadband Climate Risk Mitigation Tool**
+ evaluates potential climate-related threats to broadband
+ infrastructure, promoting the development of more resilient networks.
+
+The broadband tools offered by CORI highlight underserved areas,
+attracting focused infrastructure investment. By visualizing current
+broadband availability and funding, the maps identify gaps, guiding
+strategic expansion and making sure resources go where they’re most
+needed to promote fair access and close the digital gap. In this way we
+make accessible the data and insights needed to create persuasive
+funding requests. With broadband metrics and demographic details,
+applicants to BEAD and other public funding programs can build a strong
+case for investment, highlighting local needs and project potential.
+
+Internet service providers that avail themselves of these resources can
+create resilient networks that deliver reliable, high-speed internet by
+analyzing coverage and assessing climate risks. Strategic broadband
+investments, particularly by smaller, local providers, spark economic
+growth in rural areas. As previously mentioned, increased broadband use
+correlates with higher business growth, self-employment, income, and
+GDP. CORI tools empower these providers to make data-informed decisions
+about infrastructure deployment in collaboration with local communities.
+CORI’s resources support data-backed infrastructure planning, aligning
+investments with community needs.
+
+While focused on infrastructure, these tools also help to increase
+digital skills by expanding broadband in underserved areas. Reliable
+internet is essential for digital literacy, enabling multiple
+stakeholders, policymakers and residents alike, to develop skills and
+plan their participation in the digital world. Digital literacy leads to
+individual growth that boosts local economies which then attract new
+businesses. Ultimately, these tools help the rural communities and
+broadband providers that strategically and holistically invest in
+infrastructure, to encourage and enable digital inclusion.
+
+Copyright © 2025 Center On Rural Innovation
+
+