On November 18, 2022,  the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its National Broadband Map, which showed all of the areas nationwide that had access to high-speed internet. This information was provided to the FCC by internet service providers.

Unfortunately, there is a large nationwide discrepancy between the data reported on the FCC map and reality, and thousands of addresses in the state of Vermont are being reported incorrectly.  Because of these inaccuracies, the state stands to lose millions of dollars in federal funding for broadband infrastructure projects.

Why does this matter to the NEK Broadband district?

The FCC Maps are used to determine the amount of funding the state receives from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The state of Vermont is estimated to receive  $100 million in allocations, with additional funding based on underserved addresses shown on the FCC maps.  

What can I do?

The FCC created a process in which consumers, providers, government entities, and more can dispute or correct broadband availability data reported on the map through a process called a fixed challenge. Residents can search their own address to see what information comes up, and submit information using this method.

THREE STEPS TO CHECK

1. Check your address. Navigate to the FCC’s National Broadband Map. Enter your address in the search bar, and select the best match from the list. Your address will come up as a green point on the map, along with information about internet services available at the location. If there are no services, there will be a red dot. Be sure you’re under the darker blue “Fixed Broadband” tab, and view the list under the appropriate tab for “Residential” or “Business. The challenge is relevant if the FCC shows that your address has 25/3 service, under the “Wired and Licensed Fixed Wireless” category. If you need help, please refer to the VCBB’s how-to-guide.
   
   If the information shown for your address is INCORRECT, proceed to step 2.
   If the information shown for your address is CORRECT, skip to step 3.
   
2. Submit a challenge to the FCC. If the information listed for your address is incorrect, incomplete, or your address is missing altogether, please submit a challenge to the FCC. The VCBB has provided a comprehensive how-to guide with instructions on challenging inaccurate information here.
   
3. Report back your experience. Send a quick email to to let us know what your experience was, and if information at your address was correct. You may also use this email address to reach out to us there if you have questions on the process.

RESOURCES

• Click to view the information and how-to-guide from the VCBB:

• Press Release: VERMONT COMMUNITY BROADBAND BOARD ISSUES “CALL TO ACTION” FOR VERMONTERS TO CHALLENGE WRONG FCC MAP DATA

• For a short, 2-minute video guide on how to file a challenge, the FCC has provided a video on their YouTube page, which you can find here.