FCC to Take Over National Broadband Map

The Federal Communications Commission effectively took over the job of maintaining the National Broadband Map, but for now will not add broadband pricing information to the info it collects from broadband providers as part of that effort.

"The changes we make today will ensure that the Commission, other government agencies, and the public will continue to have access to the National Broadband Map," said acting FCC chairwoman Mignon Clyburn. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration had been maintaining the map, which is meant to show where broadband is and isn't available, but the grant to the states to supply the information that went into the map is running out in 2014. The order, which was approved unanimously, changes the FCC collection to include deployment. The FCC currently collects data mostly on subscriptions and customers, while NTIA has been collecting info on deployment. But Chairwoman Clyburn made it clear that pricing data collection was still on the table -- it was raised in two separate NPRMs that remain open. "While this Report and Order does not collect pricing or more granular subscription data as some parties have requested, it leaves the door open to do so," she said