Reaction to FCC's New National Broadband Maps

“Today is an important milestone in our effort to help everyone, everywhere get specific information about what broadband options are available for their homes, and pinpointing places in the country where communities do not have the service they need,” said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Our pre-production draft maps are a first step in a long-term effort to continuously improve our data as consumers, providers and others share information with us. By painting a more accurate picture of where broadband is and is not, local, state, and federal partners can better work together to ensure no one is left on the wrong side of the digital divide.”

“For years we’ve struggled to determine the exact contours of the digital divide," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "The FCC’s new map provides the most precise assessment to date of Internet haves and have-nots. This map is just a first draft, so we encourage consumers, companies, and government leaders to dive into the data and give feedback to the FCC. Together, we can craft a map to guide us to our goal of connecting everyone in America.” 

Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) said, “The FCC has finally released a draft version of the new broadband maps required by the bipartisan Broadband DATA Act. These drafts are a good first step, but unfortunately for rural Americans, these maps are still flawed. We have already heard of reports that entire communities are missing from the new maps, undermining the success of the Broadband DATA Act. To ensure that no address is overlooked in the final version, I am calling on all Americans to check for their homes and businesses on the maps and participate in the FCC’s challenge process. With literally billions of federal dollars at stake, accurate maps are essential in providing efficient funding where it is needed.”

“While overdue, the draft of new broadband maps released today by the FCC are critical," said Reps Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Bob Latta (R-OH). "An unprecedented amount of federal funding has been allocated for broadband deployment, and having accurate maps for all states and federal agencies to use when making their funding decisions is essential to closing the digital divide. Now it is up to states, broadband providers, and other stakeholders to work diligently to review and build on these maps to improve their accuracy and make sure resources are not being wasted.”

Jonathan Spalter, president & CEO of USTelecom – The Broadband Association said, "Mapping broadband availability throughout the country is critical to achieving 100% connectivity. The first release of the new maps is a massive undertaking and we congratulate Chairwoman Rosenworcel and the Commission on achieving this important milestone. As the maps are refined over an ongoing, iterative process, USTelecom and its members will continue working closely with the FCC on this effort and we’re committed to getting this right to achieve internet for all."

"I am pleased the FCC has taken our feedback – including over 2,400 speed tests from West Virginians that prove their maps are incorrect – to update these coverage maps and ensure everyone has a voice in this process," said Sen Joe Manchin (D-WV). "I fought to ensure that anyone can challenge the accuracy of these coverage maps, and I encourage every West Virginian to check their coverage on the FCC’s updated map and submit a challenge if it is wrong before January 13th."


Reaction to FCC's New National Broadband Maps FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Statement Statement of Assistant Secretary Davidson on the FCC’s new draft broadband map Wicker Statement on FCC Broadband Maps Rodgers, Latta Statement on New FCC Broadband Maps USTA Statement on FCC Pre-production Draft of New Broadband Maps