Are you represented? FCC National Broadband Map data tied to future funding for Washington State

The Federal Communications Commission has released new nationwide broadband maps to inform the level of investment Washington can receive under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help close the digital divide. The maps show where internet service is and isn’t currently available.

Is your area misrepresented on the map? We need Washington residents to view and challenge the map’s data where it is inaccurate.

The State Broadband Office has a webpage that can guide you through the challenge process.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published a new FCC National Broadband Map. This map attempts to show where internet service is and is not available for every location in the country. The accuracy of this information is critical to the future of broadband in the state. 

The FCC is accepting challenges on a rolling basis, priority is placed on challenges received before January 13, 2023.

Why does it matter to me?

Verification of services

Does the map show that broadband service is available at your location, or does the map say you have internet when you do not? Are the services provided accurate? Individuals taking a few minutes to review their location’s reported information is the only way to increase the accuracy of this map.

Future broadband construction and service upgrades

Federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding is based on the state’s unserved population (internet speeds under 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload). Other state and federal programs also base funding off of their definitions of unserved and underserved. If this map is inaccurate, your location may be mistakenly listed as served. If that happens, state or federal sources are less likely to fund new service or upgrades. By reviewing and verifying or challenging the map, you will help create a realistic picture of service in our state.

1. Visit the FCC National Broadband Map website.
2. Type your address into the Search by Address field and press the enter key. The map will zoom in on your location. On the right of the screen are the reported broadband service providers and maximum connection speeds they offer at your location.
3. Review the reported services.
4. If the reported services are available at your location, you’re all done with the availability assessment! If the reported service availability is inaccurate, we encourage you to enter an availability challenge.
5.  If you are concerned about publicly disclosing your challenge, please skip down to the WSU Information Collection Form. The information provided will be used to populate bulk challenges to larger areas than individual residences.
6. If the reported services are available for your location, but not at the speeds listed on the map, please skip down to the section on speed testing and filing an FCC internet-related complaint.

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