NTIA Recommends Improvements to the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection

Dear Data Users:

NTIA relies on sound data to understand the state of communications and information use in the United States, and to develop policies that promote robust broadband services across the country. Our Digital Nation research and other initiatives have been complemented in recent years by the Federal Communications Commission’s Form 477 data program. Broadband providers complete Form 477 to report where they offer service, as well what speeds they offer and the technologies they use, among other information. Today, in response to the FCC seeking ideas for how to improve its Form 477 data collection, NTIA filed comments recommending specific measures the FCC can take to enhance the program. | Read more >>

In the filing, NTIA recommends improvements to two aspects of the Form 477 program. First, the FCC should bolster the accuracy of the broadband availability data. We recommend that the FCC implement a data validation program, and suggest looking to NTIA’s previous work on the State Broadband Initiative, as well as the ongoing practices of various state programs, for examples of how it might verify broadband availability data. Second, the FCC could increase the accessibility of Form 477 data by making more information available and usable by a wider audience. In particular, we urge the FCC to begin updating the National Broadband Map—or alternatively, provide a similarly full-featured successor—with the most recent data from Form 477. |View NTIA’s Comments >>

We applaud the FCC for its great work to date on the Form 477 program, as well as its efforts to make further improvements. Data from Form 477 form a critical piece of the larger Federal broadband data puzzle, and we hope our recommendations will influence enhancements that drive cutting-edge research and data-driven policymaking aimed at enabling all Americans to fully participate in the digital economy.

Best,

The NTIA Data Team

data@ntia.doc.gov