We all know that those coverage maps of the US shown by T-Mobile and Verizon are basically bullshit right? There is just enough basis in reality that they won’t get sued, although sometimes they do, but I wouldn’t put too much stake in them. The maps of internet broadband haven’t been much better, due in large part to lax self-reporting from the ISPs. If one residence in a cell has broadband, then everyone in the cell (regardless of how many don’t) has broadband. The FCC has finally compiled a more realistic map based on stringent reporting guidelines.
And the result? Coverage is not great, especially when you look at wired options at 100Mb down and 25Mb up, a reasonable metric for 2022. While the eastern half of the US looks decent, there are vast swaths of the country with no coverage. I get that Nevada is mostly a desert, but I’m also sure there’s some people in the town of Eureka that wouldn’t mind a little broadband love. The map is currently in a pre-production draft status, and the FCC is actively looking for feedback from consumers on both its accuracy and usability.
ISPs are also now required to submit updates to the map on a semi-annual basis, meaning it should be relatively up to date. The map will give lawmakers ammo for going to ISPs and demanding improvements to their service based on previous promises and government funding. Frankly, its embarrassing how much Americans pay for substandard broadband, and this is an exciting instance of government actually doing something to help. All we had to do was kick Ajit Pai to the curb? Who woulda thunk?
Us. We did. For years.