LightBox Creates “Foundation” for Nationwide Broadband Connectivity Map

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Real estate information and data platform LightBox released what it’s calling a nationwide internet connectivity map, showing nearly 60 million people in the U.S. lack broadband access. That’s far higher than the fewer than 14.5 million the FCC estimates.

The company created the map by connecting U.S. geographic data and a dataset that attempts to capture internet connectivity based on about 2 billion WiFi access points, such as routers. The public LightBox map shows connectivity on a census-block level, but the company says it can privately zoom in to look at specific addresses.

But Lightbox is careful to say this isn’t a definitive broadband availability map, but rather, a foundation for one. Combined with IPS data on broadband serviceable locations, LightBox says it could produce a nationwide broadband connectivity map that would offer “the most precise analysis” of true accessibility.  

“Accurate and granular maps based upon precise location data, serviceability, and analytics are required for government investment to be targeted and rapidly deployed to the communities in need,” says LightBox CEO Eric Frank. He said the company created the map based on its national broadband serviceable location fabric. “Geospatially overlaying WiFi location data has identified the gaps in connectivity. Whether the gaps are a function of lack of adoption or lack of service can now be tracked and appropriate remedies can be set in motion.”

LightBox believes its map foundation comes at a key time as the government is poised to allocate $65 billion in grants for broadband deployment. The funding is contained in the infrastructure bill making its way through Congress, Inside Towers reported.

But the federal government doesn’t know where the broadband gaps are, because the FCC maps aren’t detailed enough to show the gaps, notes CNET. The agency collects data from ISPs on where they say they can provide service. It’s measured at the census block level, but if one home in a census block has broadband connectivity, the entire block is considered served and isn’t eligible for public funds.

The maps present a big hurdle as the government tries to allocate billions through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Since the first phase of RDOF funding ended in November 2020, complaints have surfaced that some winning bids went to entities funding broadband to parking lots or well-served urban areas, Inside Towers reported.

Critics like Competitive Carriers Association President/CEO Steve Berry said on a webinar this week that due to “flawed” maps, funds in RDOF I were “directed at places that already had broadband.” He believes “we need another look at RDOF II.”

The FCC is working to improve the maps. In July, the agency issued letters to 197 RDOF winners with offers to allow them to withdraw their funding requests for areas that were already being served or where there were questions of whether service was even needed. “This program can do great things, but it requires thoughtful oversight,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “That’s why we are refocusing the program on unserved areas and putting winning bidders on notice of their obligation to ensure that support goes to the areas that need it,” noted Telecoms. “And for those applicants who are dragging their feet or can’t meet their obligations, follow the rules or we will disqualify you and move on.” 

The latest Commission data indicates fewer than 14.5 million lack access to fixed broadband, defined as speeds of 25 Mbps down/3 Mbps up.

The Broadband DATA Act passed by Congress in March required the agency to require ISPs to provide more detailed data. In February, Rosenworcel announced a new task force to fix the data, saying, “it’s no secret that the FCC’s existing broadband maps leave a lot to be desired.” 

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

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