FCC’s National Broadband Map: Implications for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Access to high-speed internet (i.e., broadband) has been a focus of congressional interest for decades as a significant—and growing—number of daily activities are conducted online. However, without accurate data, broadband maps may not reliably indicate need, and federal assistance may be provided to areas that already have sufficient service, leaving other areas unserved or underserved. The accuracy of the National Broadband Map is a key concern for many in Congress. On December 21, 2022, a group of 26 Senators wrote a letter to the FCC Chairwoman “to ensure the FCC’s national broadband maps satisfy the goals of the Broadband DATA Act and provide an accurate and reliable depiction of broadband availability across the nation, which plays a major role in decisions about the distribution of broadband infrastructure funding.” Congress could mandate an extension of the challenge process timeline for BEAD allocations if it finds that necessary to ensure all stakeholder concerns could be addressed before funds are awarded and distributed. Congress could also consider requiring the FCC to initiate a proceeding to gather public input on the resolution of challenges.