Where is the internet?
Exploring the new FCC National Broadband Maps
Hi, everyone!
The arrival of cold weather always reminds me that I’m lucky to have a house to live in - a house that is equipped with heat, and also the internet. The former is widely acknowledged as a survival necessity. But the internet is also a crucial utility that helps home dwellers minimize their exposure to winter weather, and forces those who lack broadband access to brave the elements to seek it out.
Public libraries in areas that experience cold temperatures at this time of year generally see an uptick in individuals seeking shelter, as well as continued attendance from regular public internet users despite low temperatures. In my own experience as a public librarian, these behaviors suggested that simply the physical advantages of having access to the internet in your own living space can save lives, particularly when it’s cold outside (and this is without even going into the kind of information you can only access with the internet).
Broadband access is critical, as is the information that exists about it. About two weeks ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released updated, nationwide broadband maps. It’s important to note that the initial broadband coverage data was submitted by internet providers, NOT internet consumers. Individuals can challenge the data on the map interface.
According to the FCC’s news announcement, they will continue to grow in sophistication. The older maps from the FCC that assessed coverage by Census tract (meaning that if one house or business in a tract had coverage, the map would indicate that the entire area was covered, which was not necessarily the case). The new maps can display address-level data. You can explore the interface here.
To submit a location or availability challenge, search for the address in question and click on the challenge buttons on the right. You will be prompted to submit required information.
While I do worry that relying on individuals to challenge coverage data will not yield comprehensive results, this is an opportunity to give your feedback! I encourage you to take a look at the coverage data reported for your area and submit challenges if you find it to be inaccurate. For any public librarians reading, this is a good opportunity to post in areas near your public computers so that folks who do not have internet at home are made aware. Underserved voices especially need to be reflected!
Industry experts are also raising concerns about the accuracy of the data provided on these maps, gaps in coverage information, the timeliness of corrections to feedback, and profit motivations of internet providers. Here are some reference articles you can read for more feedback on the release (this is just a start - conducting your own investigations and research is encouraged!):
The FCC Has Released Its Broadband Map — but Work Is Far from Over (GovTech)
What’s New in Digital Equity: Reactions to the New FCC Map (GovTech)
What Is the FCC’s New Broadband Map and Why Does it Matter? (Pew)
FCC Releases National Broadband Map Amid Controversy (Broadband Breakfast)
The FCC's new, more accurate broadband maps may lead to improved coverage (Yahoo News)
See you next week!
Excellent information, as always! It's an important call to action as the government tries to expand internet connections to underserved communities.