FCC unveils big update to broadband map—and wants you to help correct errors

Two significant steps were taken by the FCC to give US broadband users more accurate availability and pricing information.

The National broadband map update is based on the most detailed data the FCC has ever collected from internet service providers. The first version will undergo a challenge process to correct errors and there are indications that it will have many inaccuracies.

The FCC said that the map would show specific location-level information about broadband services available throughout the country. The public challenge processes will play a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map.

You can find a list of fixed and mobile providers with the speeds you want by going to the newly updated map site. Challenges of both address or availability information can be submitted on that page. There is an option to challenge the accuracy of mobile coverage data in the FCC's speed test app.

Broadband “nutrition” labels

Yesterday, the FCC adopted rules requiring broadband providers to display easy-to- understand labels to allow consumers to comparison shop for broadband services The disclosures are similar to nutrition labels.

The requirements are not in effect. The effective date of the label will be announced by the FCC after it completes necessary next steps.

For a long time, these labels have been in the works. The FCC approved rules requiring the use of labels in 2016 The FCC issued new rules mandating the display of the consumer labels after the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was approved by Congress.

The rules were adopted by the FCC.