If we want better broadband, more research needs to come first

[Commentary] Maps that accurately illustrate broadband coverage are needed to help direct both public and private sector efforts to areas without sufficient access. The Federal Communications Commission's national broadband map uses information from providers to depict coverage and includes a caveat that coverage may be overestimated because of underlying data limitations. Other options for collecting and confirming the extent and location of coverage — such as crowdsourcing, collaborating with the private sector to enhance data reporting, and state verification — could be useful in providing more accurate maps with current, validated data in a cost-effective way. Identifying policy solutions that could be replicated in other states or scaled to the federal level could help clarify paths for leaders in a challenging and often contentious policy area. Various funding and financing mechanisms could help pay for these efforts, including public-private partnerships, infrastructure banks, matching grants, and loan guarantees.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to expanding broadband access, any effort would benefit from new research — whether that’s data and analysis that help identify unserved areas, an evaluation of state activities, or information on financing and funding mechanisms. As leaders at all levels of government consider ways to close the connectivity gap, they need more information about the scope of the problem and credible, viable ideas. Additional research can help our policymakers get one step closer to ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

[Ingrid Schroeder directs The Pew Charitable Trusts’ fiscal federalism initiatives.]