Lack of Internet Access Hinders Rural America’s Education and Economic Opportunities

Republican members of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform Committee wrote Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, requesting information regarding the status of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and their service to Americans in rural communities. A lack of competition and overreporting of access to broadband has plagued rural Americans with terrible customer service and unreliable internet access. These issues, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, have hindered the ability of rural America to participate in online educational content and online economic opportunities. The lawmakers request the following information by Nov 4, 2021:

1. A list of all rural broadband providers and their coverage areas.
2. The number of complaints filed with the FCC relating to internet access, speed, customer support, or any other issue relating to broadband access.
3. A list of the top 10 companies with the largest number of complaints filed with the FCC.
4. A detailed explanation of what steps are taken to address complaints once they are filed with the FCC.
5. The number of enforcement actions the FCC Enforcement Bureau has taken in 2021.
6. The result of the enforcement actions taken in 2021.
7. An explanation as to why the FCC considers a census block “covered” if as few as only one or two residences in the block are served.
8. Information regarding whether the FCC still considers the minimum download speed of 25 megabits per second an acceptable metric.
9. Detailed explanation on when the FCC will release the updated broadband maps so that rural coverage can be more accurately addressed as required by the Broadband DATA Act.
10. An explanation of how and whether the FCC is encouraging competition in rural areas where there are fewer customers?