{"id":4237,"date":"2026-07-21T14:45:56","modified":"2026-07-21T14:45:57","slug":"fetterman-thune-fischer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-fccs-broadband-mapping-process","link":"https:\/\/www.fetterman.senate.gov\/fetterman-thune-fischer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-fccs-broadband-mapping-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Fetterman, Thune, Fischer, Introduce Legislation to Improve the FCC\u2019s Broadband Mapping Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 <\/strong>Last week, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), John Thune (R-SD), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the<em> Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026<\/em>, bipartisan legislation that directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate and improve its broadband mapping process. The FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map, but providers have reported difficulties with the FCC\u2019s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. The <em>Broadband MAP Act of 2026<\/em> would instruct the FCC to review and assess its mapping and challenge procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBroadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities. The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn\u2019t,\u201d <strong>said Senator Fetterman. <\/strong>\u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBroadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,\u201d <strong>said Senator Thune.<\/strong> \u201cEnsuring the accuracy of the FCC\u2019s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,\u201d<strong> said Senator Fischer.<\/strong> \u201cWith broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I\u2019m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This bill is supported by the FCC, NTCA \u2013 The Rural Broadband Association, and NCTA \u2013 The Internet &amp; Television Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhile we have seen improvements to the National Broadband Map over time, precisely because this is an iterative and evolving process, there is more to be done to make sure the map accurately captures where services are in fact available and the locations that could be served,\u201d <strong>said Mike Romano, chief executive officer of NTCA \u2013 The Rural Broadband Association.<\/strong> \u201cThe Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it. I applaud Majority Leader Thune and Senators Fetterman and Fischer for their leadership in seeking to ensure that broadband policy and funding decisions are based upon the best possible real-world data.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe appreciate Senators Thune, Fetterman, and Fischer\u2019s leadership in introducing the Broadband MAP Act of 2026,\u201d <strong>said Cory Gardner, president and chief executive officer of NCTA \u2013 The Internet and Television Association.<\/strong> \u201cThis legislation is an important step toward streamlining broadband permitting and accelerating network deployment. We look forward to working with them on bipartisan solutions that comprehensively address permitting challenges and help ensure every American has access to reliable, high-speed broadband.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false}}