FCC Launches New Mobile Broadband Map

The Federal Communications Commission published its brand-new map showing mobile coverage and availability data in the US from the country’s largest wireless providers. This is the first public map showing updated mobile coverage released by the FCC and represents a significant improvement over other data previously published by the agency. It also serves as a public test of the standardized criteria developed to facilitate improved mapping under the Broadband DATA Act. Never before have maps been created using these new, standardized mobile data specifications, which will improve the uniformity and consistency of broadband availability data collected by the FCC. This map will allow consumers to search by specific address to better understand whether they should be able to make and receive voice calls or use wireless data, and shows voluntarily submitted 4G LTE broadband data and voice mobile coverage as of May 15, 2021 for each of the nation’s four largest mobile carriers. “A good map is one that changes over time. Today’s new map represents progress in our efforts to implement the Broadband DATA Act and build next-generation broadband maps that can help to connect 100 percent of Americans,” said Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Using improved systems and data, we can provide better information about where broadband service is and is not across the country."