Help Ottawa County verify FCC internet service data

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 12/14/2022 01:32 PM EST

Ottawa County Digital Inclusion Strategy | Improving Access for Everyone

For Immediate Release | 12.14.22
Press contact: Department of Strategic Impact | 616-738-4852

A screenshot of FCC National Broadband Map webpage | broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

Join County in verifying FCC broadband internet information

The FCC's new broadband map is used to help determine high-speed internet funding needs

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released an updated National Broadband Map. This database displays location-level high-speed internet service information collected from internet service providers (ISPs) and is used to target funding and broadband improvements nationwide.

Although this newest map is expected to be a major improvement over previous iterations, the FCC expects there will be inaccuracies. That's where the public comes in - the FCC and the state is asking residents and businesses to visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov by January 13, 2023 to check the new data is correct ahead of 2023 grant distributions.

How to Check

To check, type in your address to see if what is displayed is right. If something is incorrect on the map you can submit a challenge. If the address is missing, click "Challenge Location". If the internet service information is incorrect, click "Availability Challenge."

Videos explaining how to do this are available below:

Why is this important?

By taking the time to check the FCC map, you may help further the Digital Inclusion Strategy, the County's four-phase plan to ensure all residents and businesses have access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet service.

The County is also reviewing the new FCC data. With help from state and national partners, the County's broadband team is comparing data from our recent broadband survey with the FCC’s, keeping an eye out for any inconsistencies.

The more accurate the data, the better chances the County will have to compete for state broadband funding that is expected to be released in 2023. Past inaccuracies have delayed and - in some cases - prevented many communities from qualifying for grants.

For more information about the FCC's new map, visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov/about. To learn more about Digital Inclusion Strategy efforts, visit MiOttawa.org/Broadband or contact the Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact at plan@miottawa.org

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Ottawa County is located on Lake Michigan's spectacular freshwater coastline where nature is cherished and protected. More than the lakeshore, you'll find the people of Ottawa County friendly yet driven, working hard to succeed in charming downtown small businesses, at manufacturing hubs with global impact and on acres passed down from generations. We embrace creativity and believe that diversity makes us stronger. We resolve that our public services must be high-quality and cost-effective. We are innovative and never wait for someone to solve our problems for us. We are friendly neighbors chipping in, lending a hand and making sure you know Ottawa County is where you belong.

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meets the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at 1:30PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. Meetings are held in the Board Room located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan. Contact information and district information for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is available at miOttawa.org.

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