Approximating the Distribution of Broadband Usage from Publicly-Available Data

Abstract

In this Perspective, I attempt to provide some rough guidance on how Internet usage varies across users, and do so using publicly-available information. In fact, my calculations are based on only two data points that, when combined with the pattern Internet usage is known to follow (that is, the statistical distribution of usage), permit the full pattern of usage levels across connections to be approximated. A check on the accuracy of this approximation is conducted using other publicly-available data. Finally, an example of how to use this information, drawing from claims made by Comcast about usage levels and caps, is provided.

Keywords: usage distribution, broadband, regulation

JEL Classification: K21, K23, L50, L51, L52, L96, O33, O38