Broadband Coverage Maps Still Stink....Threatens Funding For Under-Connected States

Despite the FCC's claim that they were going to revolutionize data collection (and shockingly actually use real-world data to inform policy), coverage maps continue to struggle with accuracy thanks to large carriers who'd prefer coverage gaps remain mysterious. Inaccurate maps based on incorrect FCC data could threaten broadband funding in Mississippi (and others), since FCC data insists the state is largely covered in broadband.

"The maps the FCC have are just plain wrong," Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said. "Their maps show that Mississippi is almost completely covered, and that is certainly not the case. Getting this corrected is a top priority so that Mississippi can get its fair share of funding to cover these areas for residents and businesses."

You'll recall that FCC data used to insist that if one address in a zip code had service, the entire zip code was considered served. While the FCC reformed their data collection practices somewhat, a refusal to stand up to carriers meant they didn't collect and analyze price data, which would of course clearly illustrate a lack of competition. There's also clearly nobody truly checking to verify carrier claims of coverage.

Much of the data can be perused at the FCC broadband map they unveiled earlier this year after spending $300 million. Plugging addresses into their website quickly illustrates accuracy issues such as the FCC data making up ISP competitors out of whole cloth.

Here's an interesting article on every internet user should learn more about....the hidden "bigger problem" behind ternet access and quality in the United States.

How ISPs Collude To Offer Poor Service

You can read what others say about this topic here ....

Broadband coverage maps still bad