FCC Releases Broadband Maps and opens Map Challenge

Today, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and NTIA, the FCC has released the first version of their National Broadband Maps. These maps, one for fixed broadband service and another for mobile broadband, display data compiled by the FCC from hundreds of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on their service reach, as well as upload and download speeds at the parcel level. NTIA will utilize these maps to allocate funds from the IIJA’s $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to every state and territory by June 30, 2023. 

Today’s release opens a critical 8-week window for entities to challenge the map’s findings by providing specified data on the underserved and unserved households throughout their communities. From the FCC: “Fabric location data, fixed availability data, and/or mobile availability data can all be challenged…Entities, such as state, local and Tribal governments, service providers, and other stakeholders, can also submit “bulk” challenges to the fixed broadband availability data using the BDC system. Additionally, entities may submit bulk crowdsource data, which the Commission may use to verify and supplement the fixed broadband availability data published on the National Broadband Map.”

All challenges are requested by Friday, January 13th, 2023, at which point the FCC will update the maps based on those reviewed and verified challenges.

“The FCC’s upcoming challenge process is one of the best chances to ensure that we have accurate maps guiding us as we allocate major Internet for All awards in 2023. I urge every state and community that believes it can offer improvements to be part of this process so that we can deliver on the promise of affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service for everyone in America.” - lan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

To prepare communities for this important and complex challenge process, the FCC has issued a downloadable press release, public notice and two-page fact sheet here. Additionally, NTIA has issued a “Challenge Process” document to break down steps on individual and bulk challenge submissions. They will also be hosting regular webinars, as well as direct technical assistance for State Broadband Offices (SBOs), as they prepare challenges. To that end, it is absolutely crucial to engage with your SBO and state government colleagues now. A link to those offices and contact details can be found here. 

Accelerator for America is in regular conversation with NTIA on how we can provide our network with further information on this process and address your questions as you review the maps and begin to explore your own challenges. Please do not hesitate to contact AFA’s Director of Infrastructure and Intergovernmental Affairs Ross van Dongen, with any questions.