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Yesterday, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) released new rural broadband maps, as required by Congressman Bob Latta’s (R-OH5) Broadband DATA Act, which was signed into law in March of 2020.

“As Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee in Congress, increasing internet connectivity to close the digital divide for communities in Ohio and across the country is a top priority of mine,” Latta said. “For years, our broadband maps have been severely outdated and inaccurate, which is why I introduced the Broadband DATA Act, signed into law in 2020, to remedy this issue. With this law now being carried out, the FCC has produced new location-by-location broadband maps, bringing us closer to providing connectivity to communities lacking internet access.”

“While this is a step in the right direction to build a more comprehensive broadband network to reach unserved and underserved households, significant improvements to these maps are still required,” Latta continued. “I urge residents in Ohio’s Fifth District to visit the FCC’s National Broadband Map online tool to correct information about their location and file challenges with the FCC if internet services shown are not available at their location” 

“I look forward to continuing to work with the FCC to further improve broadband maps to ensure communities in Ohio and across the country clinch crucial internet connectivity,” Latta concluded. 

Information for residents to submit challenges and corrections to continue improving new broadband maps:

Now that broadband maps are publicly available, residents can search for their address and review and dispute the services reported by providers at their location. The FCC plans to accept bulk challenges to the reported availability data and will continue to improve and refine the broadband availability data. 

CLICK HERE to view new broadband maps. Residents will be able to search their address to see information about fixed and mobile services that internet providers report are available. 

CLICK HERE to view the FCC map fixed availability challenge process. If fixed internet services shown are not available at the user’s location, they may file a challenge with the FCC to correct the information. 

Background on new FCC broadband maps:

The new broadband maps produced by the FCC are built on location-based models developed through the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection process. The map will be updated with each filing period’s set of data, with the next cycle expected to span from December 31 – March 1. 

Background on Latta’s Broadband DATA Act:

For years, our nation’s broadband connectivity maps lacked accurate data for federal funding distribution. This caused disparities in the allocation of federal funds for communities already well-equipped with broadband, versus those unserved or underserved. 

Latta’s legislation, the Broadband DATA Act, required the FCC to create new and updated broadband maps and ensured federal resources are appropriately allocated to communities that lack internet access. 

Latta’s efforts to shore up broadband connectivity:

In addition to working to improve broadband mapping, Latta has also worked to ensure internet connectivity is more reliable, efficient, and safe from outside threats. Latta introduced the Spectrum Innovation Act, passed by the U.S. House this year, that would benefit consumers by providing more reliable connections with faster speeds and more responsive networks. It would also secure our telecommunication networks against domestic and foreign enemies, like China. 

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