Chairman Response Regarding Broadband Mapping

On February 14, 2019, 11 US senators wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai with concerns about broadband mapping problems. They asked the following questions:

• Do you see validity in using a continuous public feedback mechanism to help improve broadband coverage maps and data?
• Do you think it is feasible for the FCC to implement a public feedback mechanism to help validate Form 477 data?
  • If so, what would that process look like?
  • If not, what specifically can the FCC use to help supplement Form 477 data in determining where there is broadband coverage in the United States?

On April 26, Chairman Pai replied saying:

In your letter, you ask whether a continuous public feedback mechanism will improve the Commission’s broadband coverage maps and its Form 477 data. I believe it could. Indeed, as you may know, the Commission’s Speed Test App is one-way consumers can currently participate in collecting data about broadband deployment, and it has proven to be a useful tool for assessing service availability. I’ve asked Commission staff to look into other ways to collect and use accurate data from many sources—including consumers themselves—to assemble a more reliable map. We are interested in developing methods for the submission of reliable, consumer-driven data in order to better inform the Commission’s decision making in this area. We would be happy to receive any input you or your staff might have on how to establish and implement such methods.