The federal government spends billions of dollars a year supporting rural broadband (internet access), subsidizing build-out in low-density areas that do not have broadband (unserved areas). However, it is not clear whether the rural areas most in need are receiving a fair share of the funding. Using a very large dataset of broadband availability, census data and recent auction results, the project will analyze whether unserved areas with high racial diversity or lower median income are receiving a fair share of funding. Depending on team size, we will also attempt to create a shareable master data set building on OpenStreetMap and other sources that provides key data points for census units.

This is an UNPAID research project.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Henning Schulzrinne
  • Department/School: Computer Science
  • Location: CEPSR 7LW2
  • The IRT Lab does research in internet systems, including the Internet of Things, and conducts policy analysis for broadband.

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 3/1/2021
  • End date: 10/1/2020
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Spring 2021: ~10
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Summer 2021: ~20

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Basic data science skills and Python; Google Cloud experience helpful, but not required
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
  • Academic Credit Possible: Yes