FCC Improves Broadband Data and Maps to Bridge the Digital Divide

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules for the improved collection and mapping of broadband availability data through the Digital Opportunity Data Collection that will better identify connectivity gaps across the country and help advance the FCC’s ongoing efforts to close the digital divide. The FCC is also seeking comment on proposals to ensure the accuracy of the new broadband coverage maps by creating multiple paths for consumers, along with state, local, and Tribal governments and other entities, to provide feedback on the maps directly to the FCC.

July 16's Report and Order builds on the FCC’s approach to broadband mapping adopted in Aug 2019, which Congress largely endorsed when it enacted the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. The Order implements key provisions of the Broadband DATA Act, including requiring fixed and mobile providers to submit standardized broadband availability maps and taking steps to develop a common dataset of homes and businesses where fixed broadband networks could be deployed, over which service providers’ broadband availability maps will be overlaid.

In the Further Notice, the FCC seeks comment on proposals for processes for consumers, governmental entities, and other parties to challenge the availability data represented in the broadband maps and additional processes for verifying broadband availability data submitted by providers. The Further Notice also invites comment on targeted reforms to the FCC Form 477 subscribership data that broadband and voice providers are required to file biannually, and implementing other requirements of the Broadband DATA Act.