A bipartisan quartet of senators has introduced a bill to improve the FCC’s broadband coverage maps. The Improving Broadband Mapping Accuracy Act requires the FCC to launch a rulemaking, which includes collecting and vetting public comment, on whether to use consumer-reported data and state and local government data to improve the maps currently reliant on industry self-reporting. The commission would also have to consider ways that alleged coverage, both fixed and mobile, could be challenged. Introducing the bill are Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).
Microsoft says the FCC 'overstates' broadband availability in the US
Microsoft accused the FCC of over-stating actual broadband availability and urged the agency to do better. In the filing, Microsoft said, “For example, in some areas the Commission’s broadband availability data suggests that ISPs have reported significant broadband ava...
Interview with Scott Harry
Crown Castle’s Scott Harry participated in an interview with Denver’s Mile High Magazine. Harry discussed wireless networks, the need for improved infrastructure, small cells and the process for building out a 5G network. Speaking to 5G, Harry stated, “It’s...
Our view: Government funding speeds rural broadband
An editorial in GoErie.com highlighted the benefits of broadband expansion incentive programs in Pennsylvania. Currently, the lack of high-speed internet “imposes a crippling disadvantage on wide swaths of Pennsylvania.” The editorial stated, “Broadband-expansion...
Virginia electric utilities wiring rural areas for broadband
Virginia lawmakers have taken steps to address geographic disparities in broadband coverage by passing a bill that will give the state’s two largest electric utilities, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, the green light to provide broadband internet service to unserved a...
Gov. Lee announces $14.8M in broadband grants to expand service in 17 counties
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced $14.8 million in broadband accessibility grants. The grants are part of a plan to expand broadband service to “more than 8,300 households and businesses across 17 Tennessee counties.” In a statement, Gov. Lee said he is “comm...
City Council considers blocking any future sale of Baltimore's 700-mile underground conduit system
Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young is the lead sponsor on a bill filed yesterday that would seek a charter amendment in November 2020 to permanently revoke the authority of city officials to sell “Baltimore’s 700-mile, century-old unde...