Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Responds to Letter from Sen Manchin

Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel sent a letter to Sen Joe Manchin (D-WV) on August 30, 2021 to respond to his letters on the collection of broadband deployment data. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said the FCC has taken steps to improve the accuracy of the data collected, including: formation of the Broadband Data Task Force, issuing a request for information and subsequent request for proposal seeking vendors capable of building the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, and publication of a new map demonstrating mobile coverage using data from the nation’s largest wireless providers. "On top of these efforts, we are exploring how broader input from consumers can improve the data collected by the agency," said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. "The FCC has released a Public Notice seeking comment on technical rules that will govern the mobile challenge, verification, and crowdsource processes required under the Broadband DATA Act." Chairwoman Rosenworcel wrote that the Task Force has been working to expand consumer outreach efforts with "a new web-based portal for consumers to share their broadband experiences and provide information about their efforts to secure service." On the subject of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund awardees, Chairwoman Rosenworcel reiterated the FCC's efforts to reduce funding redundancy.