NTIA Requests Feedback on Improving Broadband Availability Data

Congress recognized the deficiencies of the current broadband data collection process when it directed National Telecommunications and Information Administration to update the national broadband availability map. Congress asked us to acquire third-party datasets to augment the information that is already available, in order to more accurately identify regions with insufficient capacity. May 30, we issued a request for comments seeking recommendations and feedback on potential sources of broadband availability data, as well as mechanisms to validate that data and any other ideas that can help to better inform broadband infrastructure planning. We want to know how the government can better identify areas that need broadband investments, so that we can be sure any taxpayer funds supporting broadband infrastructure achieve the goal of ensuring connectivity to all Americans.

We are seeking input from all stakeholders with an interest in broadband availability -- including private industry; academia; federal, state, and local government; not-for-profits. Comments are due July 16, 2018. As we improve our ability to analyze broadband availability, we will arm policymakers and broadband program leaders with the information they need to ensure that all of America realizes the benefits of broadband.