Director, Communications
photo credit: AFBF Photo, Morgan Walker
Director, Communications
A recently introduced bill would enhance the accuracy of broadband coverage maps, a key step toward boosting high-speed internet access in rural areas. The bipartisan Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019, backed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, would also better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.
“Broadband is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. With limited funding and an overabundance of need, it is critical for federal programs to use accurate broadband maps to target and distribute its funding,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement supporting the bill.
The Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 would require broadband providers to report data to create a significantly more accurate and granular National Broadband Map that would be subject to an ongoing and multi-faceted challenge, validation and refinement process. With more accurate and granular data, federal agencies will be better able to target funding to the areas that need it the most.
“Farm Bureau applauds Sen. Capito (R-W. Va.) and her colleagues for their leadership on this vital issue and we will work with them in favor of swift consideration of this measure,” said Duvall.
Capito was joined by Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in introducing the legislation.
The Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 would: