BELLEFONTE — A National Broadband Map recently released by the Federal Communications Commission was a hot topic of conversation for the Centre County Board of Commissioners recently.
The FCC’s new National Broadband Map shows internet availability data nationwide. For the first time, the FCC is accepting input from consumers on the map.
Commissioners Chair Michael Pipe said it is extremely important that county residents look at the map and provide input to the FCC.
“We really want to encourage all of our residents to review the map. … This is really a part that they can play to help close the digital divide,” Pipe said. “The more accurate maps we have here in Centre County, the better funding, a more-fair allocation we can get from the federal government.”
The maps will help play a role in getting more broadband access and faster speeds to those working in education, health care and public safety, Pipe said.
The deadline for input on the map is due by Friday, Jan. 13. Commissioner Mark Higgins said this is a critical step for Centre County.
“The updated map is going to determine the funding … not only for Pennsylvania, but for Centre County and for your house, your residence or your small business. Broadband is kind of the new utility. For a lot of people, it’s right up there with water, sewer and electric,” Higgins said.
He said that “thousands of families” in Centre County still do not have reliable internet access.
Although he resides in State College Borough, Higgins said his residence is “underserved,” according to the federal requirements. However, the maps, he said, show that he is receiving speeds 10 times faster than what average speeds are.
“The maps are a fantasy. They’ve been a fantasy for decades,” Higgins said.
Like Pipe, he asked that Centre County residents give input back to the FCC.
“You will be able help yourself, help your community, help the county and help the state receive a fair amount of funding. Hopefully, some of that funding will end up assisting you, your residents and your small businesses,” Higgins said.
According to a news release, the FCC wants to make sure all locations are represented on the National Broadband Map and that information is accurate.
Location data collected and corrected through the challenge process will determine federal broadband funding allocated to states. The process also includes service availability challenges. Consumers can correct services not offered or reported speeds that are not available for purchase.
Commissioner Steve Dershem said input will help residents in outlying areas.
“We’ve got so many underserved areas, truly underserved areas in our county. If we do not help ourselves … we are going to be stuck not only with continually poor service, but with no financial capability of changing that in the long term, either. We really need to look at this as a team effort. If you ignore it, don’t complain,” Dershem said.
He said those who struggle getting service need to step up by Jan. 13.
“If you are in one of those underserved areas, you’ve got to check the boxes. If you are out in the middle of nowhere and you have nothing, you have to make sure that the numbers are accurate,” Dershem said.
He said those who make the maps “overswing” from time to time.
Pipe said addressing this is a civic duty.
“Residents of Centre County, we’re calling on you … as your civic duty … to take some time and do this. It’s not the perfect system, but it really is so important for your home, your community and our county that we get as much funding as possible. This really is really the census for broadband, and it’s really a one-time opportunity,” Pipe noted. “The billions of dollars that are going to be coming down from the federal government can enable us to expand in so many different parts of the county. Really, we are asking you to take some time and do this.”
To participate, visit BroadbandMap.gov and search for your home or small business. If the reported service or speed is not available for purchase, submit a challenge to correct the map.
Centre County government offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday. The commissioners will meet again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The meeting is open to the public and will be televised live by C-NET.
This story appears in the Dec. 22-28, 2022 edition of The Centre County Gazette.
