How you can help shape the future of internet access in Washington

|||  FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL |||

Washington state’s funding partners, working to expand broadband access to all businesses and residents, are asking the public to help check FCC data in a recently published National Broadband Map.  The accuracy of this map is essential to future broadband funding in Washington, in particular, up to an estimated $900 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding.

How you can help:

All Washington residents are encouraged to participate in this important validation effort. Visit the state’s FCC National Broadband Map webpage. This page provides step-by-step instructions to help people understand and navigate the FCC map and challenge process.

You will be asked to enter a home address to see a summary of the FCC’s data for that location, including the speed and type of connection, and local internet service providers for fixed and mobile broadband service to the location. If you believe the information is incorrect, options are provided for submitting an “Availability Challenge” or a “Mobile Challenge” to the FCC.

Those without a fixed (wired) or mobile broadband connection are especially encouraged to participate. A mobile phone, a friend or family member’s computer, or a public access site, such as a school, community center, or public library, can be used to enter a home address, review, and challenge the FCC’s data.

Learn more and give your input here!