GAO: Broadband Data May Not Be Accurate

The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a study last week that raises questions about the accuracy of broadband availability data in the FCC’s National Broadband Map.

According to that study, the Commission “has not documented or assessed the sufficiency of its processes” for ensuring the accuracy of the map, which in turn could “jeopardize agencies’ ability to make the most efficient and effective funding decisions.” 

The GAO also recommends the Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Departments of Agriculture and the Treasury better coordinate on broadband policy and funding.  NTCA continues to advocate for better reporting standards and better challenge processes that accept true data on locations and availability.

This report comes three years after the GAO told federal agencies how to coordinate over 100 federal broadband programs administered by 15 agencies.  The GAO noted that most of that work from the 2022 assessment remains undone.

Click Here to read that 72-page GAO report.

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