The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a first draft of the new, interactive U.S. broadband map.
What’s so important about the FCC broadband map? It turns out: quite a lot as it’s a pivotal step to getting all Americans connected to high-speed internet.
- The goal of the map: identify where the internet is – and is not – available across the country. It also identifies areas where internet speeds need improvement.
- The map will inform how much funding each state and U.S. territory receives from the federal government to expand broadband access.
Zoom out: The broadband expansion funding that will be dispersed to each state and U.S. territory comes from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. With $65 billion earmarked to expand internet access, we find ourselves at a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close America’s digital divide.
How You Can Help improve the FCC Broadband Map
While the new broadband map is more accurate than previous versions, the first draft is still a first draft – meaning there’s more work to be done.
That’s where you come in: To make the map as accurate as possible, the FCC is asking the public to review some information. It only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Visit the FCC National Broadband Map and enter your address.
- Step 2: Review the information that appears regarding your location and broadband availability.
- If the information is correct: no need to do anything further.
- If you believe that information about your location is incorrect: fill out the form that appears when you click on the Location Challenge link to the right of the address.
- If you believe that the internet services listed are not available or contain inaccurate information: fill out the form that appears when you click on the Availability Challenge link that appears a little further down the page.
What’s next? Once the FCC has reviewed all the feedback it’s received to the first draft of the broadband map, a second version will be released in early 2023.
Expanding Broadband to Every Corner of the Country
The passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law was a historic step. But passing a law is one thing; successfully executing it is another. Your participation in the FCC Broadband Map review process will help ensure that America is successful at closing our country’s digital divide.
To find out what else must be done to reach 100% connectivity in America, read our related article here.
