U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on May 9 sponsored bipartisan legislation to improve the accuracy of current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband maps.
“While we know these broadband maps are inaccurate, there currently isn’t a way for local governments to challenge them,” Rep. Latta said. “The Broadband MAPS Act would change that, making it easier for unserved and underserved communities to make their case to the FCC. Better maps mean better broadband availability.”
Rep. Latta introduced the Broadband Mapping After Public Scrutiny (MAPS) Act of 2019, H.R. 2643, with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) to require that the FCC launch a challenge process to verify fixed and mobile broadband service coverage data, according to the congressional record.
“Our communities know better than a map if they have access to fast, reliable broadband,” said Rep. Latta. “After all, rural families and business owners rely on this access to do their jobs, finish their homework, and stay connected to friends and family.”
According to the text of H.R. 2643, not later than six months after the date of enactment, the FCC would be directed to initiate a rulemaking to establish a challenge process for collecting and using fixed and mobile broadband service coverage data submitted to the commission by private entities, as well as state, local and tribal governments. The FCC would use that data to verify the same coverage data it received from fixed and mobile broadband service providers.
Additionally, the FCC would be tasked with establishing uniform standards for data submitted through this process to ensure consistent and accurate reporting methods, according to the bill’s text, and the new process “shall include an evidence-based method to validate the accuracy of data submitted through such process.”
H.R. 2643 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.