Fischer, Thune, Fetterman Introduce Legislation to Improve Broadband Mapping

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the bipartisan Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026 to improve the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadband mapping process. “We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,” Fischer said . “With broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I’m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.” “Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” Thune said . “Ensuring the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.” “Broadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities,” Fetterman said . “The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn’t. I’m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.” This legislation is supported by NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association and NCTA—The Internet and Television Association. Mike Romano, CEO, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, said, “ While we have seen improvements to the National Broadband Map over time, precisely because this is an iterative and evolving process, there is more to be done to make sure the map accurately captures where services are in fact available and the locations that could be served. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help spur continuous improvement in the map through a renewed look at the standards and processes used to develop and refine it. I applaud Majority Leader Thune and Senators Fetterman and Fischer for their leadership in seeking to ensure that broadband policy and funding decisions are based upon the best possible real-world data.” Cory Gardner, President and CEO, NCTA – The Internet and Television Association, said, “We appreciate Senators Thune, Fetterman, and Fischer’s leadership in introducing the Broadband MAP Act of 2026. This legislation is an important step toward streamlining broadband permitting and accelerating network deployment. We look forward to working with them on bipartisan solutions that comprehensively address permitting challenges and help ensure every American has access to reliable, high-speed broadband.” Background Since its launch in 2011, the FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map. However, providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. This legislation instructs the FCC to review and assess the mapping and challenge process to work better for providers who are working to get Americans connected. Fischer has also worked to reform the Broadband Funding Map which she created in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Fischer’s bill to reform broadband funding reporting to the FCC, making sure federal dollars are being spent responsibility on broadband deployment. See full bill text here . ###