Flawed Data Hampers Hi-Speed Internet Network

Spurred by the coronavirus pandemic, federal policy makers are pushing to spend billions of dollars to close gaps in America’s high-speed internet network.

But the Wall Street Journal reports, there is one big obstacle: Government officials say they don’t have a clear picture of where service gaps exist, meaning parts of the country will be left out when it is time to distribute the funds.

While the Federal Communications Commission estimates more than 94% of Americans—or about 309 million people—have access to high-speed internet services, it acknowledges that number is based on flawed data from internet-service providers.

The FCC requires these companies to report that they serve a census block if they can reach even a single home or business there. That means if one of your neighbors has a broadband connection, the FCC might count your house as having broadband, too—even if the local internet-service provider can’t reach you.

Jessica Rosenworcel

Citing concerns about the data, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel wants to delay plans to auction $16 billion to internet-service providers this October to upgrade broadband infrastructure in rural areas.

As a Democrat on the Republican-controlled commission, Rosenworcel is unlikely to prevail. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai says even with the data problems, the auction will benefit many communities and should move forward on schedule.

The flawed service data has persisted through multiple administrations. Twenty years ago, when the FCC began collecting the broadband data, it was designed as a big-picture tool for monitoring the market for voice and internet service, said Carol Mattey, a telecom consultant and former FCC official. “It was never intended at its inception to be the tool for deciding which areas got funding,” she said.

Congress passed a law earlier this year ordering the FCC to start collecting better data. But the law removed the agency’s preferred funding source for the work and didn’t appropriate new funding.

Lawmakers say they want to get the FCC the money it needs. The HEROES Act, House Democrats’ pandemic-response bill passed on May 15, would give the agency $24 million to improve broadband data. The bill would also speed up funding to some areas.

Separately, House Democrats have proposed an additional $80 billion for broadband infrastructure. The GOP-controlled Senate hasn’t taken up any of the proposals.