Rep. Clyde Introduces Legislation to Improve Rural Broadband Mapping for FCC Grant Funding

Statement

Earlier this month, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) introduced H.R. 5512, the "Reviewing and Updating Regional And Local (RURAL) Broadband Mapping Act," to allow federal broadband infrastructure funds to be more accurately dispersed to unserved and underserved areas in states that have published more accurate broadband deployment maps than the ones produced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Specifically, grant applicants would be able to substitute on Form 477 their state's broadband deployment mapping data in lieu of the FCC's mapping data, so long as the FCC determines the data from the state is superior to the Commission's outdated broadband mapping data.

"It's completely unacceptable that the FCC's outdated mapping data often leads to businesses having their grant applications denied at no fault of their own," said Rep. Clyde. "Our rural areas are no strangers to broadband obstacles, but this avoidable roadblock is preventing essential broadband expansion in the communities that need it most. While we wait for updated federal mapping, my legislation helps bridge the divide by providing businesses the opportunity to use a state-produced broadband distribution map. We must continue to seek solutions for securing reliable broadband internet access and benefits for rural Americans."

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