Wicker, Peters Lead Filing of Broadband Data Act to Improve FCC Coverage Maps
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., led the filing Wednesday of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (Data) Act, as expected (see 1906120076). S-1822 would require the FCC to issue rules to collect…
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more “granular” broadband coverage data, including a decision on whether to collect “verified” information from others, including “state, local, and Tribal governmental entities that are primarily responsible for mapping or tracking broadband internet access service coverage” for their respective jurisdictions. The bill would require all data collected from ISPs to include “information regarding the download and upload speeds” made available in a location and that there be certification that a “senior executive has examined the information ... and that, to the best of the executive’s knowledge, information, and belief, all statements of fact contained in the submission are true and correct.” It would require a “user-friendly challenge process” allowing participation by consumers, governments and others. Senate Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., also are S-1822 co-sponsors. Lawmakers criticized the FCC's broadband mapping practices during communications policy hearings (see 1905150061). S-1822 is “an important step to ensure we get the most accurate coverage maps from the FCC and to help close the digital divide between rural and urban areas,“ Wicker said. He previously led filing of the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act (S-1294), which would direct the FCC, NTIA and Agriculture Department to sign a memorandum of understanding to coordinate on broadband funding (see 1905020058). Stakeholders including CenturyLink, the Competitive Carriers Association, ITTA, NCTA, NTCA and USTelecom praised S-1822.