In an effort to bridge the broadband gap, the Federal Communications Commission has updated and modernized its National Broadband Map. The new, cloud-based map will support more frequent data updates and display improvements at a lower cost than the original mapping platform, which had not been updated in years. “With this tool, we can identify where service is and is not, where facilities are being built and where they are lacking, and how communities are connected and how they are at risk of falling behind,” FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. The commission will update the map twice annually. The improved map shows what fraction of an area’s population has access to broadband at a given speed. Satellite imagery is incorporated to show buildings, roads and geography. The tool provides summaries for seven geographical types, seven speeds and six provider technologies. Data on mobile service is not yet available on the new map, but may be viewed on a separate map.
FCC deploys cloud-based broadband map
