Core Concepts
The FCC's Broadband Data Collection program enabled public participation to improve the accuracy of the National Broadband Map, which guides the allocation of $42.45 billion in BEAD program funds to expand high-speed internet access across the United States.
Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the challenges submitted to the FCC's Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program, which aimed to correct inaccuracies in the National Broadband Map. Key insights:
A total of 3,690,772 challenges were submitted, targeting 2,872,304 unique broadband-serviceable locations (BSLs) and 872 internet service providers (ISPs).
The majority of challenges (about 58%) were submitted against terrestrial fixed wireless technologies, and the state of Nebraska had the strongest engagement with over 75% of its BSLs submitting at least one challenge.
About 69% of challenges were upheld, correcting 2.5 million points of availability data, while 16% were overturned and 15% were withdrawn.
The top reasons for challenges were that the provider does not offer the reported technology (54%) or speed (43%) at the location.
Challenge engagement and outcomes varied significantly across states, with a few states like Nebraska and Virginia accounting for a large share of the total challenges.
The analysis provides insights into how the public participated in the BDC challenge process and the resulting improvements to the National Broadband Map, which will guide the distribution of $42.45 billion in BEAD program funds to expand high-speed internet access.
Stats
About 77% of engaged broadband-serviceable locations (BSLs) had only a single associated challenge.
The majority (about 69%) of challenges were upheld, correcting 2.5 million points of availability data.
About 58% of challenges were submitted against terrestrial fixed wireless technologies.
The state of Nebraska had the strongest engagement, with more than 75% of its BSLs submitting at least one challenge.
Quotes
"The majority (about 58%) of challenges were submitted against (71) Licensed Terrestrial Fixed Wireless."
"The state of Nebraska had the strongest engagement in the challenge process with more than 75% of its broadband-serviceable locations having submitted at least one challenge."