GENESEO, N.Y., Nov. 25, 2022 – On Friday, November 18, the Federal Communications Commission released the first public version of its National Broadband Map, which details the availability of internet service options for each address in the United States. In addition, the public is being asked to submit challenges to the data in an effort to improve accuracy.
The newest version of the map is a draft and will ultimately be refined to help determine areas throughout the United States that lack sufficient internet options. Once updated to include challenges and up-to-date data, the map will play a significant role in choosing how billions of dollars are distributed across states and local governments to develop critical broadband infrastructure.
County residents can access the National Broadband Map and search their home address to see a listing of service providers in the area along with available speeds. It is important to note, however, that the map lists advertised speeds and not actual speeds, which may incorrectly identify areas as served when, in fact, they are not. The County also plans to submit a challenge to the data within the map.
“We are encouraging residents to check the National Broadband Map created by the FCC and to submit a challenge if the data is inaccurate,” said County Administrator Ian M. Coyle. “It’s imperative that our voice be heard as this map will shape how broadband-related funding is disbursed and will play a pivotal role in helping to bring broadband infrastructure to underserved areas.”
With nearly $43 billion being made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund broadband initiatives, the FCC is asking for public feedback with the goal of including updated location data in the next iterations of the National Broadband Map. In doing so, funding can be allocated to areas that are defined as underserved.
Livingston County recently announced that its own county-wide broadband initiative, Light Up Livingston, is progressing and that groundwork for delivering affordable high-speed broadband internet connection to every address in the County has begun. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2023.
To learn more about the County’s innovative plan for delivering high-speed internet to every address within its borders, please visit the Light Up Livingston website or call (585) 243-7040.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.