FCC’s new broadband map greatly overstates actual coverage, senators say

TL;DR

The FCC's new broadband-availability information shows which addresses have service based on data submitted by Internet service providers, so mistakes would indicate that broadband companies are claiming to serve more homes and businesses than they actually do.With the new program, the FCC says fixed broadband providers are required to report "where they have actually built out their broadband network infrastructure and to which they either currently provide service or could perform a standard broadband installation."A "standard installation" means that service can be deployed within 10 business days "with no charges or delays attributable to the extension of the network of the provider."While the FCC will review possible mistakes and make corrections on a rolling basis, the NTIA urged people to submit challenges by January 13, 2023, and said it intends to announce grant allocations by June 30, 2023, "using the most up-to-date version of the FCC maps as a guide."Rosen and Cortez Masto urged the FCC to "work with NTIA to extend the availability and location challenge process by an additional 60 days to give our state broadband office and others the time needed to verify and submit accurate data.""

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