Economic Development Board, Sonoma County Library seek public input on improving local broadband coverage map

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board and Sonoma County Library invite Sonoma County residents to help improve the accuracy of internet service data provided by the Federal Communications Commission.

On November 18, the FCC released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map. The map displays specific address information about broadband services available throughout the country – a significant step forward from the census block-level data previously collected. The release of the draft map kicks off a public input process that will play a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map. An accurate map is an important resource for targeting funding and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities.

“Broadband’s role in how we do business, learn, and access health care has only increased over the last decade,” said James Gore, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “It is critically important to assess where the greatest needs are in Sonoma County to help ensure no one is left out. The FCC map is another step toward equitable broadband.”

The public may view the maps at broadbandmap.fcc.gov and search for their individual address to see information about the fixed and mobile services that internet providers state is available at that location. If the fixed internet services shown are not accurate, residents, with a few simple clicks, may file a challenge with the FCC directly through the map interface and correct the information.

Map users will also be able to correct information about their location and add their location to the map if it is missing. In addition, the draft map will allow users to view the mobile wireless coverage reported by cellular service providers.

“Community access to rich resources that contribute to overall well-being and knowledge is a core goal of the library,” said Erika Thibault, Interim Library Director, Sonoma County Library. “The Sonoma County Library system offers robust online resources, including periodical subscriptions, language learning resources, career development tools, reading and video entertainment, and much more. We are eager to further support access to all Sonoma County residents.”.  

Sonoma County residents are invited to use free public computers at any Sonoma County Library location to access the internet and help improve the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband availability data. For more information and materials in both Spanish and English, please visit the Sonoma County Economic Development Board’s or Sonoma County Library’s social media channels or locations. For technical assistance, please visit the FCC’s help page.

A video tutorial and more information on how to submit challenges is available at fcc.gov/BroadbandData/consumers.

For more information about the BDC, please visit the Broadband Data Collection website at fcc.gov/BroadbandData.