Where Are We Now? Broadband Mapping Update

In November 2022, the Federal Communications Commission released our pre-production draft of its new broadband maps. For the first time ever, the maps reflect broadband availability at the physical location level. In fact, prior FCC maps only provided this information at the census-block level. That means these new maps provide the best picture available to date of where broadband is and is not available across the country, and the maps will only get better over time as the FCC gets input from stakeholders across the country. As I said last month, this is a beginning, not an endpoint for the new era of broadband maps. But just because we know they’re better doesn’t mean they’re perfect. And the long-term success of this effort depends on consumers and other stakeholders getting involved in the process. This isn’t just good policy, it’s the law. The Broadband DATA Act requires the FCC to use a challenge process to continually update the map to make it more accurately reflect the reality consumers face. The Act even instructs us to collect this availability information every 6 months, incorporating previous challenges along the way, meaning that with each iteration we’re getting closer and closer to a more accurate picture of where broadband is and where it is not. The FCC is committed to this continually evolving process both in the near term and for the long haul. So far, we have received thousands of challenges from consumers nationwide—and we know more are on the way. This feedback will help make the maps more accurate. And more accurate maps will help us all work together to close the digital divide. Here are the most important things to know about how to participate in improving the FCC’s maps.