FCC Broadband Map Accuracy | Allconnect

The information determining where internet expansion money goes may not be accurate.This means areas with no or slow internet may not see much-needed upgrades or even any service at all.The U.S.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study outlining the potential for inaccurate data on the maps that direct billions of dollars in funding to areas that need it.The study concluded that while the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) developed procedures to verify data in the maps, “it needs to do more to ensure that the data is complete, accurate, and reliable.” We’ll break down exactly what this means and why it matters.What are the FCC broadband maps? The FCC National Broadband Map is a federal dataset of all the locations in the U.S.

where broadband internet services are or could be installed.The map’s information relies on data collected from internet service providers (ISPs) themselves, who report where their services are available across the country.Consumers, along with state, local and Tribal entities, can challenge the data on the map to ensure an accurate representation of internet availability.

For example, if the map shows a certain provider or service is available in a certain location but it is actually not, one of the entities can challenge it.Broadband funding  The FCC map data is important because it identifies unserved and underserved areas across the U.S.that need broadband funding through federal programs.

An inaccurate map means that these areas may not receive the funding they need to connect residents to high-speed internet.In an accelerating digital society, internet service has become a necessary utility, and some areas still have no access at all.  The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding broadband planning, infrastructure build-outs and adoption efforts across all 50 states and U.S.territories.

Government entities use the map to determine the areas that receive funding and how much funding they will get.If you are living in one of the areas that has limited or no broadband access, but the FCC map shows that you do, your area may be overlooked in receiving the funding it needs to expand internet service.Read more about government broadband funding efforts.

Study findings During its study, the GAO found that the accuracy of the broadband availability data on the map is “uncertain.” According to the GAO, the FCC “has not documented or assessed the sufficiency of its processes for ensuring the information’s accuracy.” The GAO also looked at how various government agencies — like the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S.Department of the Treasury — coordinate with each other to administer federal funding for broadband expansion.

The GAO found they did not necessarily follow the coordination practices necessary to deliver accurate results.“The FCC cannot be assured its processes are sufficient to ensure the data’s quality or that its staff are carrying out these processes consistently, increasing the risk that inaccurate data appear on the map.Inaccurate data could jeopardize agencies’ ability to make the most efficient and effective funding decisions.” U.S.

Government Accountability Office Why does broadband funding matter to you? So, why should we care? This issue directly affects whether areas in the U.S.are actually getting the federal funding they need to provide internet access to residents.If you live in an area with no internet access or just one provider available, your state receiving this funding could drastically improve your internet options, especially if you reside in a rural or sparsely populated area.

If your location’s internet options are inaccurately represented, funding may be incorrectly allocated to your state and area.Check your location on the FCC map.If you find that the services listed for your location are not available, submit an availability challenge.

Curious about your internet options? Check your ZIP code with us to find providers available at your location.Enter your ZIP code to view internet plans available near you According to the FCC, service is considered “available” if the provider has, or previously had, a connection in service to the location, or if the provider could initiate service at the location through a routine installation within 10 business days of a request.What’s next? The GAO has made 14 recommendations to the FCC to document and evaluate current processes related to the collection of broadband data for the national map, and encourages the other government agencies involved to improve coordination efforts.

The FCC, NTIA and the Treasury agreed with the recommendations and the GAO is monitoring their status.Check the status of the recommendations for executive action.Written by: Camryn Smith As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content.

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