Another Step Toward Better Broadband Maps

On June 30, the Federal Communications Commission opened the first ever window to collect information from broadband providers in every state and territory about precisely where they provide broadband services. September 2 marked the close of this first data collection window—the next important step forward in our efforts to build more accurate broadband maps, which are much-needed, long overdue, and mandated by Congress. I wanted to give everyone a quick update on what we’ve done, what we’re announcing today, and what people can expect in the months ahead. This is just some of what the FCC has done: We reached out and talked to broadband leaders in over 50 states and territories to offer to help walk them through this process. We reached out to every provider on the phone and over e-mail to encourage filings, explain the process, and offer technical assistance. And we partnered with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on additional outreach to connect with providers and state broadband leaders.

Now, we have completed the first filing window for submitting data on where broadband service is and is not available. For the first time ever, we have collected extensive location-by-location data on precisely where broadband services are available, and now we are ready to get to work and start developing new and improved broadband maps. We are targeting November 2022 for the release of the first draft of the map. The Fabric challenge process will begin in ten days. Once the maps are released, we will open a process for the public and other stakeholders to make challenges directly through the map interface. When the first draft is released, it will provide a far more accurate picture of broadband availability in the United States than our old maps ever did. That’s worth celebrating. But our work will in no way be done. That’s because these maps are iterative. They are designed to be updated, refined, and improved over time.