We've already discussed how the FCC's recently released broadband availability map is comically error prone, not only hallucinating competitors, but the speeds they're actually able to deliver. The map, which the FCC recently dusted off and re-launched without really fixing its core problems, also omits pricing data entirely. The accuracy and lack of price data stems from one core reason: ISPs fight tooth and nail to try and downplay coverage gaps and the overall lack of competition in the US broadband market, lest somebody try to actually do something about it.
And as it turns out, the map the FCC uses to determine which areas get subsidies for wireless deployment isn't much better.
A coalition of Senators recently wrote to the FCC (hat tip to our friends at Stop the Cap) pointing out that the agency's Mobility Fund Phase II broadband map is failing at its core mission: helping government determine which areas should get already earmarked subsidies ($4.53 billion over the next 10 years) to shore up mobile coverage gaps in under-served areas.
“We understand that the map was developed based on a preliminary assessment from a one-time data collection effort that will be verified through a challenge process," the senators wrote. "However, we are concerned that the map misrepresents the existence of 4G LTE services in many areas," they added.
"As a result, the Commission’s proposed challenge process may not be robust enough to adequately address the shortcomings in the Commission’s assessment of geographic areas in need of support for this proceeding," they noted.
The coalition of bipartisan Senators from states like Kansas, New Hampshire and Mississippi amazed to see the FCC map claim that nearly 100% of their states could already get wireless broadband service, a far cry from reality, noticed by anybody who has lived or driven through those states with their smartphone. Some lawmakers have been forced to dedicate portions of their websites to asking for consumer coverage feedback in the quest to get a more accurate picture of coverage gaps than the FCC is willing to provide.
"For too long, millions of rural Americans have been living without consistent and reliable mobile broadband service," the Senators said in their letter to the FCC. "Identifying rural areas as not eligible for support will exacerbate the digital divide, denying fundamental economic opportunities to these rural communities."
Of course you'll recall that FCC boss Ajit Pai has repeatedly and breathlessly proclaimed to be dedicated to closing the digital divide, despite the fact that the lion's share of his agenda at Trump's FCC (like killing net neutrality) tends to make broadband availability and pricing problems worse. As a former Verizon lawyer, it's no secret that Pai's real agenda is primarily focused on protecting incumbent ISP revenues from the horrors of real competition.
Again, if the data shows that the broadband market is uncompetitive and rife with coverage gaps, somebody
might just want to do something about the broken status quo, and entrenched industry giants (and their newfound BFFs at the FCC)
certainly don't want that.
