Help ensure equitable broadband funding

On Nov. 18, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft map that shows areas across the nation that lack adequate broadband infrastructure coverage. The FCC is charged with administering the broadband infrastructure and equity funding authorized through the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), known as BEAD (Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment) Funding. Congress has appropriated $42.45 billion to be allocated to the states and U.S. territories based on the number of housing units that are unserved or underserved for high-speed broadband infrastructure. 

This release of the draft map kicks off the public challenge process that plays a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map. An accurate map is a vital resource for targeted funding and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities. The map data is used both for the overall allocation of funding to the states of Missouri and Kansas, as well as its usage in determining the specific eligibility of projects to receive BEAD funding through the two states. An inaccurate map could mean potential resources lost at the state and local level.
 
Information on how to file a challenge to the map is available from both states:

• Kansas Office of Broadband Development | Challenge the Map (kansascommerce.gov)
• Connecting All Missourians | Department of Economic Development (mo.gov)

The deadline for challenges is currently Jan. 13, 2023. Many states and local jurisdictions are asking the FCC to extend the deadline by 60 days to allow for more complete review and challenges.

For more information, please contact MARC.