The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map. This release of the draft map kicks off the public challenge processes that will play a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map. The map will display specific location-level information about broadband services available throughout the country – a significant step forward from the census block level data previously collected. An accurate map is a key resource for targeting funding for Washington and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities.
Please share this information throughout your communities and strategically partner with your local anchor institutions to generate widespread participation in the challenge process. Participation is needed by residents and business owners from every corner of the state. The accuracy of the final FCC maps will directly impact Washington’s federal broadband funding allocation in the coming years and support cities in increasing connectivity for your residents.
The public will be able to view the maps at broadbandmap.fcc.gov and search for their address to see information about the fixed and mobile services that internet providers report. If the fixed internet services shown are not available at the user’s location, they may file a challenge with the FCC directly through the map interface to correct the information. Map users will also be able correct information about their location and add their location to the map if it is missing. The draft map will allow users to view the mobile wireless coverage reported by cellular service providers.
The FCC also announced the launch of an updated version of the FCC Speed Test App that will enable users to quickly compare the performance and coverage of their mobile networks to that reported by their provider. The app allows users to submit their mobile speed test data in support of a challenge to a wireless service provider’s claimed coverage. New users can download the FCC Speed Test App in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Existing app users should update the app to gain these new features.
Helpful resources:
A video tutorial and more information on how to submit challenges is available at fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consumers.
For more information about the BDC, please visit the Broadband Data Collection website at fcc.gov/BroadbandData.