Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Accepting Challenges on their National Broadband map

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has created a map to identify areas that lack internet access, and that map is out for public review until January 13, 2023. 

The federal administration has allocated $42.45 billion nationwide to expand high speed internet to areas in need. States, and then counties, will be competing for their shares. The map forms the basis for funding of underserved areas. It must accurately show the gaps to assure that federal funding is directed where it is needed.

The Comptroller’s Office and the Ulster County Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion (“Commission”) urge Ulster County residents, businesses and organizations who have no internet service via cable fiber broadband to review the map to make sure that their addresses are correctly represented. Those lacking access should check their status on the FCC map and file a challenge if the map shows access to cable fiber broadband where none exists.

Ulster County residents and businesses can learn more about the FCC’s National Broadband Map and challenge process at their FCC Challenge Directory here https://tinyurl.com/UlsterBroadbandChallenge. The Directory contains linked resources for you to share with your members encouraging as many challenges as possible. They include an illustrated, step-by-step “How to File a Challenge Guide” as well as a kit of materials and an image with a QR Code to be shared on social media alerting people about the opportunity to review the map (which is also attached for your convenience).

Individuals and organizations needing assistance may reach out to our office (contact information here) or Commission member Jenny Lee (JennyLee@Pratt.edu) for assistance in filing a challenge.