The Broadband Mapping Flaw that's Harming Education and Healthcare

Dora the Explorer knew that maps were important to find one’s way. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is still learning that lesson, particularly when it comes to broadband for the nation’s schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other community anchor institutions. It’s no secret that the FCC’s current broadband maps are flawed. The existing maps rely on industry-reported data that overstates broadband availability and prevents communities from obtaining broadband funding. Consequently, many rural, remote, and Tribal communities sit on the wrong side of the digital divide, where they can’t access essential broadband-enabled services such as remote learning and telehealth. More accurate broadband maps will help the FCC understand where, exactly, these communities lie and enable better funding decisions. The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition recently filed comments with the FCC and an additional ex parte letter urging the FCC to include anchor institutions in the maps, but the FCC’s response has been non-committal so far. The FCC’s reluctance is perhaps rooted in old fashioned regulatory rules dating back to the days of the Ma Bell monopoly. Congress should encourage the FCC to look to the future by declining to appropriate funding for the Broadband DATA Act until the commission agrees to map anchor institutions.

[Rachelle Chong is the Vice Chair of the SHLB Coalition Board of Directors and a former FCC Commissioner. Larry Irving sits on the SHLB Coalition Board of Directors and is the former Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.]