FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Responds to Senators Regarding Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric in Alaska

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel recently responded to a letter from Sens Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) regarding the FCC's Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric mapping progress in Alaska. In their letter, the senators expressed concerns over CostQuest's methodology and the availability of foundational data in the state. The lawmakers requested that the FCC accept supplemental data, work with state stakeholders to procure more accurate data, and ameliorate "deficiencies" in the FCC production maps released in June 2022. On September 2, 2022, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded to these concerns. In her response, Rosenworcel highlighted the FCC's efforts to work with stakeholders in developing the Broadband Data Collection system, as well as the increasingly specific data required in the agency's latest mapping effort. She said that the FCC is working to improve the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric as required by the Broadband DATA Act and that stakeholders can get involved by participating in the bulk Fabric challenge process beginning in September 2022. Also, Rosenworcel added that CostQuest is specifically working in Alaska to incorporate more data sources reflecting the state's broadband landscape.