New FCC Broadband Map Allows You to Challenge Service Availability
Help us bring high-speed internet to all Ohioans.
High-speed broadband is essential for participation in modern American life. The first step to connecting everyone, everywhere is collecting accurate information about where broadband service is and is not available. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released new maps that show all of the addresses in Ohio and whether they have high-speed internet access. The maps are available on the FCC website.
Check the map and see whether it’s accurate. Billions in grants are at stake.
These maps are extremely important and will determine the amount of funding Ohio receives to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the state. BroadbandOhio is working hard to make sure that the maps are as accurate as possible and right now, it appears as though certain portions of the state are underrepresented.
Webinar
On Dec. 13, 2022, the OLC hosted a special webinar with BroadbandOhio to discuss these maps and how the FCC challenge process works. If you missed the live presentation, a recording is available below.
Presenters:
- Peter Voderberg, Chief, Office of BroadbandOhio
- Michelle Francis, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council
View an archived version of this webinar.
[Run time: 46 minutes]
Resources:
Help ensure every Ohioan has access to high-speed internet
To improve the maps and ensure Ohio receives as much support as possible, we need your help. By Jan. 13, 2023, we need as many Ohioans as possible to check the federal maps, and if there is an inconsistency, submit supporting information. Please share this information with your community.
Toolkit:
Challenging the map
Looking up your address and checking the information that’s shown for available broadband services and speeds only takes a minute. After entering an address into the text box, the content you’re seeking appears and is sortable in different ways such as the types of available service and speeds.
It’s easy, follow these steps:
- Search for your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov
- Click on the ⚙️ and make sure “All Wired and Licensed Fixed Wireless” is selected under Technology
- Is the location status correct? If no, click “Location Change”
- Can the listed service providers deliver at the internet speeds displayed? If not, click “Availability Change”
If you have questions, visit broadband.ohio.gov or email broadbandohio@development.ohio.gov.
Deadline for consumer challenges: Jan. 13, 2023
The FCC has asked for challenges to be submitted by January 13, 2023, so that corrections can be included in a finalized version of the map. The final version will be used to set funding allocations for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in summer 2023. The accuracy of these maps is crucial, since inaccuracies can lead to less funding for our state and make some communities ineligible to receive grants.
Ohio’s public libraries are playing an important role in helping people get connected and be represented in the process. Talk to as many people as you can. The more people who know, the better! Thank you for helping us bring high-speed internet to all Ohioans.
