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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its very first mobile broadband coverage map. The tool lets you compare the LTE and voice coverage areas of the country’s four largest carriers, showing where you can expect to see wireless upload and download speeds of at least 5 Mbps and 1 Mbps, respectively. .
The data you see on the map is accurate as of May 15, 2021, and you can use the tool to compare what the coverage looks like in your area against the often misleading and confusing maps offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular. and Verizon (parent company of Engadget). The tool is the result of last year’s Broadband DATA Act, which requires the FCC to collect and publish robust data comparing different wireline, fixed, satellite and mobile broadband service providers. To compile the map, the FCC collected standardized propagation information from carriers. He also asked the audience for help.
For too long, the FCC hasn’t had truly accurate broadband cards. But we are changing that. Start here and now. This is the first wireless coverage map produced by the agency. And we’re just getting started. More to come. Https://t.co/FhgddIgRfh
– Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcel) August 6, 2021
“This map provides an overview of the appearance of mobile data that the FCC will collect in accordance with the standards set by the Broadband DATA Act when mapped,” the agency said. “Never before have maps been created using these new standardized mobile data specifications, which will improve the consistency and consistency of broadband availability data collected by the FCC. “
The map is not perfect. For example, you can’t see the extent of each operator’s current 5G developments. But it’s hard to overstate just how much of an improvement this new tool is over what the FCC previously offered. To put things in context. In 2019, Microsoft estimated that 163 million Americans could not access the internet at high-speed or faster speeds. Meanwhile, the FCC has brought that number closer to 25 million.
This discrepancy was a direct result of how the FCC compiled its data at the time. It relied on the service providers’ Form 477 filings, which could contain errors and exaggerations. FCC Acting President Jessica Rosenworcel said the new mobile broadband card is just the start of what the agency has planned on this front.
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