Industry contests Biden's new broadband map

Groups representing broadband providers questioned the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's new "Indicators of Broadband Need" map, with various statements on its efficacy. Cable trade group NCTA - The Internet and Television Association argues that the interactive tool has "obscured, rather than clarified, the true state of broadband with [a] mashup of disparate, and often inaccurate, data sources." NCTA also supports federal efforts to create a "reliable, accurate" broadband map and has been working with the Federal Communications Commission to do so. Meanwhile, broadband trade group USTelecom is backing the FCC's new tool, which is similar to a pilot initiative the trade group led that sought to identify for every location in a given area whether broadband service is or is not available. USTelecom CEO Johnathan Spalter claimed that "the administration itself acknowledged this map is not authoritative—instead suggesting it is meant to let users compare existing coverage estimates. So we should take that at face value." White House officials have responded by stating that the map's variety of data sources clearly demonstrates an imminent need for federal investment to provide high-speed broadband to every American.