Accurate data is a must if Nebraska is going to improve broadband access in rural areas. Due to recent federal legislation, accuracy is also the key to ensuring states receive their full share of federal grant funding.

Soon the Federal Communications Commission will determine the amount of money each state is allocated through the broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Because these decisions are based on the FCC’s new broadband availability map, correcting inaccurate data is more important than ever. Early versions of the map rely on speed and pricing data reported by internet service providers who don’t always tell the full truth.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission is urging residents and businesses to challenge the FCC’s new broadband map if they are not receiving service or it’s not at the advertised speed. You can do so by taking the following steps:

Visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

Enter an address in the “location” box

Zoom down to where the buildings are located and the hexagons disappear to see what broadband service is supposed to be there.

If you see the location of buildings/facilities, click on the dot:

If green – determine if the providers that show up could serve that location.

If gray, and you believe the location should be able to receive broadband, or there is no dot, click on “location challenge” and follow the instructions.

Questions about the process can be emailed to [email protected].

In today’s world, having access to the internet has become just as important as any other utility. It is critical to business, farms and ranches, the education of young people and health care services. Take time to check the accuracy of the FCC’s map to ensure our state will get its proper allotment of funding.