Thune, Fetterman, Fischer Introduce Legislation to Improve the FCC’s Broadband Mapping Process

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) on Thursday introduced the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate and improve its broadband mapping process. The FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map, but providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would instruct the FCC to review and assess its mapping and challenge procedures. “Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” said Thune . “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,” said Fetterman . “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.” “We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,” said Fischer . “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.” “From his time as chairman of the Commerce Committee to today, Leader Thune has passed smart broadband policies that have expanded affordable broadband,” said Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC . “This legislation will make more great progress by ensuring the FCC’s National Broadband Map stays up to date and serves as a trusted resource for the American people and broadband builders for years to come.” “The South Dakota Telecommunications Association (SDTA) member companies know firsthand that accurate, location-level broadband mapping is essential for the FCC to make sound policy and funding decisions,” said Kara Semmler, executive director of SDTA . “The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would help ensure continued refinement to the map through a careful review of the standards, processes, and data used to determine where broadband is truly available. On behalf of SDTA’s member companies and the South Dakota communities they serve, we appreciate Majority Leader Thune’s leadership in advancing legislation that will help ensure broadband resources are directed where they are needed to expand and sustain service, essential for a rural state like South Dakota.” “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,” said Mike Romano, chief executive officer of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association . “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.” “We appreciate Senators Thune, Fetterman, and Fischer’s leadership in introducing the Broadband MAP Act of 2026,” said Cory Gardner, president and chief executive officer of NCTA – The Internet and Television Association . “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.”