Reviewing and Challenging the FCC Broadband Map

What is the FCC National Broadband Map?
From the National Broadband Map page: “This map displays where Internet services are available across the United States, as reported by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to the FCC. The map will be updated continuously to improve its accuracy through a combination of FCC verification efforts, new data from Internet providers, updates to the location data, and—importantly—information from the public.”

Why is it important?
The map will be used in distributing federal funding for high-speed internet expansion to target the areas that need it most.

What can I do to help?
You can review the information provided by ISPs for your address to see if it’s accurate. If it’s not, you can submit a challenge that will go back to the ISP. Challenges to the map must be filed by Jan. 13, 2023, so check your address before that date.

How do I review the information and submit a challenge?

Before you review the map, knowing your internet speeds is helpful. You may want to do a speed test before you begin.

—Go to https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/

—Start typing your address in the box. When you see your address below the box, choose it from the list. (This is important for the map to match your address)

—In the right-hand pane, you’ll see the information provided by the ISPs about your address. Review the providers and the speeds they report as available. If you think anything is inaccurate, choose “Availability Challenge” above the box and complete the form.

ILSR has created a step-by-step guide for reviewing the map and submitting a challenge. Click “Are you a citizen interested in submitting a challenge?” to get started. Scroll and choose “Availability Challenge Instructions”.

What if I have some trouble reviewing the information and submitting a challenge?
Let us know! We’re happy to walk through the process with you. Call 608-588-7428 or email broadband@rivervalleycommons.org. Or visit us in person on Broadband Day.

For more information about broadband and the River Valley Broadband Coalition, contact Stef at 608-588-7428 or stef@rivervalleycommons.org