James Encourages Residents to Review New FCC Broadband Map

December 15, 2022

HARRISBURG – Rep. R. Lee James (Venango/Crawford) is encouraging residents of the 64th Legislative District to review the new Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Map and submit challenges for any potential inaccuracies.

“Public input on this matter is extremely important so the FCC can expand broadband internet access to unserved and underserved residents in our district and Commonwealth,” said James. “The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, which was established through Act 96 of 2021, is tasked with dispersing funds and resources to places in most need. By voicing your concerns, this will be of tremendous benefit to both the FCC and the authority so those who need this critical service can receive it.”

The new National Broadband Map will be used to better assess which Pennsylvania communities fall under “the digital divide” – a phenomenon that describes underserved or unserved areas. Some estimates place the number of Pennsylvanians without access to broadband at more than 800,000. According to the FCC, the new tool contains more location-specific data than what was previously available.

You can access the broadband map and submit challenges on the FCC website at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.