The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released an updated national broadband access map, highlighting the ongoing issue of over 8.3 million homes and businesses in the United States lacking access to high-speed broadband internet. In its revised estimates, the FCC has identified approximately 330,000 additional locations that still lack connectivity. This data is of great importance as it informs decisions regarding funding and investment in broadband infrastructure.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing this digital divide, Congress approved $42.45 billion in grants in 2021 to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved areas across the country. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the Commerce Department has confirmed its plan to announce the allocation of these broadband infrastructure grants to states and territories by June 30th. The NTIA acknowledges the significance of relying on the FCC’s availability of data updates to ensure informed decision-making when distributing these essential funds.
To ensure accuracy and reliability, the FCC’s mapping team thoroughly reviewed challenges related to data availability for over 4 million locations. As part of their commitment to addressing the broadband gap, the FCC plans to provide significant updates to the national broadband access map twice a year. This ongoing effort aims to enhance transparency and enable better planning and resource allocation to bridge the United States’ digital divide.