Computer and Internet Use Supplement to the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposes to add 12 questions to the US Census Bureau’s October 2012 Current Population Survey (CPS) in order to gather reliable data on broadband (also known as high-speed Internet) use by US households.

President Obama has established a national goal of universal, affordable broadband access for all Americans. To that end, the Administration is working with Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other stakeholders to develop and advance economic and regulatory policies that foster broadband deployment and adoption. Collecting current, systematic, and comprehensive information on broadband use and non-use by US households is critical to allow policymakers not only to gauge progress made to date, but also to identify problem areas with a specificity that permits carefully targeted and cost-effective responses.

Comments are due June 4, 2012.