https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-releases-new-national-broadband-maps
A First Step Toward Building Comprehensive, Standardized Maps of Broadband Availability Throughout the U.S -- WASHINGTON, DC, November 18, 2022—The Federal Communications Commission today released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map. The map will display specific location-level information about broadband services available throughout the country – a significant step forward from the census block level data previously collected. This release of the draft map kicks off the public challenge processes that will play a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map. An accurate map is an important resource for targeting funding and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities. “Today is an important milestone in our effort to help everyone, everywhere get specific information about what broadband options are available for their homes, and pinpointing places in the country where communities do not have the service they need,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Our pre-production draft maps are a first step in a long-term effort to continuously improve our data as consumers, providers and others share information with us. By painting a more accurate picture of where broadband is and is not, local, state, and federal partners can better work together to ensure no one is left on the wrong side of the digital divide.” The public will be able to view the maps at broadbandmap.fcc.gov and search for their address to see information about the fixed and mobile services that internet providers report are available there. If the fixed internet services shown are not available at the user’s location, they may file a challenge with the FCC directly through the map interface to correct the information. Map users will also be able correct information about their location and add their location to the map if it is missing. The draft map will also allow users to view the mobile wireless coverage reported by cellular service providers. The FCC today also announced the launch of an updated version of the FCC Speed Test App that will enable users to quickly compare the performance and coverage of their mobile networks to that reported by their provider. The app allows users to submit their mobile speed test data in support of a challenge to a wireless service provider’s claimed coverage. New users can download the FCC Speed Test App in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Existing app users should update the app to gain these new features. A video tutorial and more information on how to submit challenges is available at fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consumers. For more information about the BDC, please visit the Broadband Data Collection website at fcc.gov/BroadbandData.
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The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded 18 grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP). These new grants, totaling $224,479,717.83, bring the total of the program to $1.5 billion awarded to 112 Tribal entities.
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, these grants will expand high-speed Internet network deployment and digital skills training to improve access to education, jobs, and healthcare on Tribal lands. Tribes in 11 states received grants – Alaska, Arizona, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, and Virginia. In. the New Mexico, the Pueblo of Zia was awarded a grant for Broadband Infrastructure Deployment totaling $4,695,868.82. The Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 228 unserved Native American households and 13 unserved community anchor institutions with qualifying broadband service with up to 1Gbps symmetrical speeds. “This Native American Heritage Month, our Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is continuing its historic investment in Native communities to ensure reliable, affordable high-speed Internet for all,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These grants – made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – highlight the Biden administration’s unprecedented commitment to close the digital divide in Native communities.” These awards are part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to nation-to-nation engagement and an effort to connect everyone in America, including Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet. The projects funded by these awards will directly connect 21,468 unserved Native American households that previously had no connectivity to high-speed Internet as well as businesses and anchor institutions. Additionally, the 18 grants will create 137 new jobs. The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is a nearly $3 billion grant program and part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative. The funds are made available from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ($2 billion) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 ($980 million). Additional grants will be announced on a rolling basis. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $65 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet across the country. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1 billion in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be announced in the coming months. NTIA held three Tribal Consultations with Tribal leaders to solicit their input on the NOFO. Internet for All The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward Internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to learn more. For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet programs as well as quotes from the awardees, please visit InternetforAll.gov. The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion launched New Mexico’s most ambitious broadband expansion initiative ever with the $120 million New Mexico PilotProgram. The office just announced the first five grant awards of $38.6 million, which will be matched by $28.3 million in nonstate funding for a total investment of $66.9 million. These grants plan to expand access to more than 13,400 homes, businesses, farms, ranches, and community institutions across New Mexico.
Director Schlegel in Las Cruces, announcing Pilot Program awards for Comcast Corporation The funds released through the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion align with its ambitious goal of universal broadband access statewide. The approach will leverage historic state and federal broadband investment to improve access through a best practice state matching grant program that pairs state and federal funding with local vision and experience – including from communities, tribes, and a wide variety of New Mexico broadband providers. “The first wave of Connect New Mexico Pilot Program grants will expand broadband infrastructure to bring resources to communities that need it most, laying a foundation for continued economic growth,” said Kelly Schlegel. “Access to high-speed, reliable internet is essential for households and businesses across our state, and the Governor’s approach provides a roadmap for our state to build 21st century communities. Throughout this historic, multi-year build, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion is committed to ensuring this program benefits those that need it most—boosting education, jobs, and economic opportunity for all of New Mexico in the process.” To make the announcement, Director Schlegel was joined by her colleagues from the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion and the Connect New Mexico Council, as well as representatives from three wave one awardees: Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative; Ethos Broadband; Socorro Electric Cooperative; and Comcast. Read More: Pilot program expands broadband access in Doña Ana County (Las Cruces Sun-News) Internet expansion projects coming to Doña Ana County (KFox14) |
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AuthorUpdates from the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) with Input from communities, broadband advocates, and stakeholders around the state. Archives
October 2023
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