Capito wants FCC to improve nation’s wireless broadband mapping

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on March 14 proposed a bipartisan bill that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve the nationwide mapping of wireless broadband coverage.

“Broadband connectivity has become vital in our 21st century economy, but too many West Virginians still don’t have access and are being left behind. That has to change,” Sen. Capito said.

Sen. Capito introduced the Improving Broadband Mapping Accuracy Act, S.  842, along with U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to prompt the FCC to initiate a rulemaking on whether to use consumer-reported data and state and local government data to improve accurate broadband mapping.

Such action under S. 842 would give policymakers more accurate data on broadband coverage, said Sen. Capito, who is co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus with Sen. Klobuchar.  

In fact, she added, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in February chose the senator’s home state of West Virginia to collaborate with seven other states on expanding, updating and improving the national broadband availability map.

“Accurate broadband availability maps are essential for us to evaluate who has access and who does not,” said Sen. Capito last week. “This legislation will allow West Virginians to voluntarily provide valuable feedback about the actual mobile service in their communities, and ultimately, better connect our state and others across the country.”

S. 842 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.