New Broadband Maps Released, Sen. Marshall Encourages Kansans To Check Service Accuracy

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new broadband coverage maps showing the availability of high-speed internet using location-specific information. The new maps replace outdated and overly general maps that only indicated broadband coverage by census track, leaving many Kansans without sufficient broadband service. The new maps allow for funding to flow to those homes and communities truly lacking in high-speed broadband. Additionally, Kansans are now able and encouraged to challenge the map and provide corrections to inaccurate information. 

“High-speed broadband is essential to the success of any family, business or community in Kansas,” said Senator Marshall. “Since coming to Congress, I have worked alongside our broadband providers to deliver high-speed broadband to more Kansas families and communities. Unfortunately, we still have too many Kansans without adequate broadband access. Much of that can be attributed to the outdated and inaccurate broadband maps, which prevent our broadband providers from receiving funding for homes and businesses they know are not being sufficiently served. I encourage Kansans in all corners of the state to check the map and follow the steps to provide updated information so that we can continue to close the digital divide.”

Background:

Senator Marshall has been an ardent supporter of the expansion of affordable, high-speed broadband. During a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Senator Marshall questioned USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Xochitl Torres Small on the agency’s efforts to extend broadband to rural and underserved communities.

In May, Senator Marshall pushed for full funding of the USDA broadband programs. And previously joined bipartisan legislation reintroducing the Keeping Critical Connections Act bipartisan bill to help small broadband providers ensure rural broadband connectivity remains available for students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kansans can use the following link to access the new broadband maps and check for service accuracy at their home and/or business address: https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.

To submit a challenge to the maps, follow the steps provided at this site: https://help.bdc.fcc.gov/hc/en-us.