Policymakers are working to close the digital divide in our rural areas and need your help verifying broadband (high-speed internet) availability. At stake is Kansas’ share of $42.5 billion in federal funding to help with broadband deployment.
Also at stake is the viability of our rural areas and the vitality of our communities. Broadband connects rural areas to healthcare (telehealth services), offers opportunities to attract businesses and jobs, brings local businesses to global markets, and assures students have access to online educational programs and resources. Broadband is an essential service.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently updated its national broadband maps. While more accurate than their previous maps, errors persist. Since these maps will guide policymakers in determining where billions of dollars are spent on rural broadband deployment, it’s crucial to ensure the maps are accurate.
Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. and their member co-ops encourage you to visit the map, look at the report, and if your address is missing or inaccurately located, or if the services listed are not available, file an individual challenge. Here is how it works and should take only 5 minutes:
How to Review Map Data
- Search for your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov.
- Your address should appear on the map. If your location is missing, the location’s placement on the map may be incorrect, or the address for your location is incorrect. If this happens, you can submit a location challenge.
- The map will also display internet availability at your location, including a list of providers, network technology they use, and the maximum advertised download and upload speeds at your location. If the services listed are not available or contain inaccurate information, you can submit an availability challenge.
To learn more, visit https://help.bdc.fcc.gov/hc/en-us and click on “Consumers.”
Please take action by Jan. 13 to ensure funding goes to connect rural Kansas to broadband.
