The need for accurate data pinpointing where broadband service is available, and where it is not available, has never been greater, the FCC says. The new National Broadband Map provides information about the Internet services available across the U.S, as reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the FCC’s ongoing Broadband Data Collection.
The broadband map is used to determine which areas of the country receive federal funds earmarked for broadband infrastructure projects. Because of this, it is important the FCC data is correct, so the funding is distributed in an equitable manner to areas that have been left behind as high-speed connections rose to be a necessity for every American.
IEC, along with electric cooperatives across Oklahoma, recently submitted a challenge to some of the FCC data, which claimed high-speed availability where there is no such access. Many of those in the most rural areas of our seven-county service area do not have even the option to have reliable fixed broadband services.
We are appreciative of the nearly 3,000 co-op members who participated in our call to action in January 2023. The deadline to submit information for IEC’s challenge has passed, but the FCC map always is online for consumers to add or correct data shown for their address or community.
We urge you to go to https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home at any time, as data collection is ongoing.
