Fischer, Cortez Masto Applaud Launch of FCC’s Broadband Funding Map to Expand Connectivity, Prevent Wasteful Spending

Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statements after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the launch of its Broadband Funding Map, which was created by a Fischer-Cortez Masto amendment to the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. 

“While Congress has invested heavily in broadband deployment, far too many Americans still lack access to the reliable Internet connectivity that’s essential to modern life. This week’s launch of the Broadband Funding Map is a step towards ensuring federal funding reaches unserved areas and guards against wasteful spending. It’s great to see our work come to life, and I look forward to working with the FCC to
bolster broadband access in rural areas in an efficient, transparent manner,” said Senator Fischer.

“Since hearing from Nevadans in underserved areas about their challenges accessing broadband, I’ve made sure that Nevada is getting more resources to connect to the internet, and that federal funds are being spent effectively. This tool helps build on my work to bring greater transparency to the programs intended to ensure every Nevadan has access to critical resources that internet connectivity provides,” 
said Senator Cortez Masto.

Background:

Currently, funding for broadband deployment is divided across many federal agencies and programs. As a result, tracking where federal dollars are spent can be difficult and opaque.

Senators Fischer and Cortez Masto secured an amendment in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill that increases transparency and prevents wasteful spending by requiring the FCC to consult with all relevant federal agencies and develop an interactive map displaying the network locations of broadband deployment funded by the federal government. 

The goal of the mapping tool is to maximize the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and avoid network overbuilding – ensuring broadband networks reach as many households as possible. The new Broadband Funding Map will be included within the National Broadband Map the FCC is expected to release later this month.

Last year, Senators Fischer and Cortez Masto sent letters to the FCC and other relevant agencies pushing for the Broadband Funding Map to be created on time.

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