The X-Lab is leading digital equity and open tech.
The X-Lab is a non-profit research institution leading national and international efforts to increase digital equity and inclusion. We map, engineer, research, analyze, and evaluate.
Core Initiatives
Applied Technology
X-Lab is uniquely positioned to influence decision-making from a hands-on, pragmatic vantage point, bringing together technology and policy experts for targeted initiatives enabling rapid, practical deployment of projects and action plans.
Broadband Mapping
X-Lab provides fast, accurate broadband mapping and GIS for broadband needs assessments, geospatial and infrastructure assessments, engineering and deployment planning, and funding and grant writing. We're the first step for anyone working on state, regional, municipal, tribal, rural, or community broadband deployments.
Evaluating Digital Equity Projects
We frequently serve as an evaluator on digital equity and connectivity projects, deeply experienced in evaluating proposals and project outcomes, including in Tribal, rural, and geographically-challenging areas. Our evaluation work measures both qualitative and quantitative impacts on community members.
Broadband Affordability
When tackling digital equity and adoption, we also address affordability. Our team developed the first Broadband Nutrition Label in 2009 and partnered with Consumer Reports on the Broadband Together Initiative — one of the first scaled data collections of household broadband bills.
Digital Privacy and Surveillance
Even as we fight to increase access for everyone, we must address harmful side effects — an increase in digital surveillance and threats to privacy. Our team helped create the Open Technology Fund and engage in bipartisan work with Congress through the Civil Liberties Coalition and the Fourth Amendment Caucus.
Community Networking
Our team are pioneers in the community broadband sector, building networks for twenty-five years across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia. We are past founders of Commotion Wireless, a decentralized mesh wireless 'internet-in-a-suitcase' project.
Democracy Initiatives
Our team has consulted extensively with U.S. and global leaders on election security and supported pro-democracy movements abroad with expertise in circumvention technologies. We were an early leader in internet and communications technologies for development.
How We Can
Help You
Strategic Advisory
Expert guidance for policymakers, legislators, local ISPs, and community leaders seeking accurate broadband analysis that accounts for both geography and demographics.
Data-Driven Insights
Access to our fast, accurate broadband maps and GIS tools. For clients applying for federal or state grants, or working with the FCC, NTIA, or USDA, we provide the data you need to support funding and planning initiatives.
Collaborative Research
Partnering with universities, libraries, tribes, municipal leaders, and NGOs to tackle systemic digital barriers. The X-Lab Consortium includes experts from Penn State, Washington State University, University of Chicago, and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Ready to drive digital change?
Join our effort to make technology a tool for liberation and equity, not just another barrier to entry.