Research & Data

Data-driven solutions to identify gaps, target resources, and measure progress.

Understanding the Challenge

Bay Area Connect is committed to evidence-based approaches. Our research initiatives help us understand where connectivity gaps exist, why they persist, and how to close them effectively.

By gathering and analyzing data, we can target our outreach where it's needed most and measure the real-world impact of our efforts.

Our Research Initiatives

Bay Area Broadband Access Study

We map out broadband speeds, pricing, and infrastructure by neighborhood to identify "digital deserts" where service quality or affordability is poor. This data helps prioritize infrastructure investment and policy advocacy.

Community Connectivity Survey

We conduct resident surveys about barriers to internet access—including cost, availability, skills, and devices. We partner with universities and local agencies for survey design and analysis to ensure rigorous methodology.

Provider Transparency Dashboard

We aggregate publicly available data about ISP performance, pricing, and coverage—creating a community resource for transparency and informed decision-making.

Impact Tracking

We measure the outcomes of our outreach: households connected, workshops delivered, participants trained, and more. This data supports our grant applications and demonstrates accountability to our partners.

Digital Literacy Index

We're developing a regional index scoring neighborhoods on three dimensions:

  • Access: Availability and affordability of broadband service
  • Skills: Digital literacy levels across the population
  • Usage: How residents actually use connectivity for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation

This index helps us target interventions where they're needed most and advocate for equitable investment across the Bay Area.

Data for Action

Our research isn't just academic—it drives real-world action:

For Communities: Helps residents understand their options and advocate for better service.

For Policymakers: Provides evidence for infrastructure investment and regulatory decisions.

For Funders: Demonstrates measurable outcomes and accountability.

For Partners: Identifies opportunities for collaboration and targeted intervention.

Explore Our Work

Learn more about our community outreach programs and how we're putting research into action.

View Outreach Programs