FCC Promoting Bulk Cellular Speed Tests

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a public workshop for December 10 at 3:00 EST to describe the process for challenging the FCC cellular data maps. The primary purpose is to discuss how local governments can submit bulk challenges to the FCC cellular data map. In September, the FCC announced a new $9 billion 5G Fund for Rural America that will be used to bring cell towers to rural areas with poor coverage. To qualify for new towers, an area must have no 5G coverage today or have 5G speeds below 7/1 Mbps. The FCC announced it would launch the 5G Fund in 2025 using the current FCC cellular maps. The FCC cellular maps seem to be far worse than the broadband maps have ever been. I’m not entirely sure why the FCC is holding this online meeting. If the FCC launches the 5G Fund using the current maps, then many counties with poor coverage will not be considered for expanded new cell sites. It’s pure speculation on my part that perhaps the FCC wants feedback from the public for cellular coverage.