Sen Wicker Asks NTIA to Reassess Data Collection Processes

Ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee Roger Wicker (R-MS) sent a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) asking the agency to reassess its data collection processes and sources, and to use only the most up-to-date and accurate data as it updates its map. "Recently, NTIA released its 'Indicators of Broadband Need' interactive map," says Sen Wicker. "This map represents a compilation of a variety of datasets depicting the state of broadband access in the United States. Although it is a novel approach to the challenge, I am concerned that this map is as inaccurate as previous federal maps. Indeed, releasing it has only created confusion regarding the state of broadband availability in the United States. I urge NTIA to reassess its data collection processes and sources, and use only the most up-to-date and accurate data as it updates its Indicators of Broadband Need map and begins administering its broadband grant programs."