The Problem With America's New National Broadband Map

[Commentary] The recently-updated National Broadband Map's biggest downfall lurks behind its search-by-address function, which suggests a precision that its underlying data usually can’t deliver. The Federal Communications Commission data doesn’t get more granular than census blocks—statistical areas that can span a city block or several counties. Within census blocks, internet access can vary quite a bit. Just because your closest neighbors have broadband doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have any. An FCC spokesman said the agency is considering asking for more detailed coverage data from providers, but warned that this could be “burdensome.” The map also doesn’t cite prices. The FCC doesn’t collect that information, much less factor in complications like the discounts that cable firms offer for bundling TV, phone, and internet service. To make things more confusing, the broadband map identifies internet providers by their holding companies, not necessarily the names you’d recognize on a bill. Finally, the newest internet providers don’t appear on the map at all.