Mobile broadband coverage revealed

CWA and Speed Matters have been consistent supporters of the need to collect accurate, granular information about broadband service - and to make that information publicly and easily available. Well, using data available in January, 2012, the FCC released a detailed map showing who can - and who cannot - access usable 3G coverage.

Many of us do not have mobile options. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "As our new map demonstrates, millions of Americans still live, work, and travel in areas where advanced mobile networks have not been built out"

As would be expected, the map reveals that large portions of the West and much of Alaska are beyond the reach of up-to-date mobile coverage. Surprisingly, though swathes of the East and Upper Midwest also lack coverage. If you live in the Appalachian area, ranging from Kentucky to northern Maine, you have a good chance of being bypassed by 3G. Similarly, northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan lack mobile access. It's probably not coincidental that many residents in these areas are low-income, and that mobile carriers don't believe they're worth the investment.

That's why the FCC has designated these areas "potentially eligible for $300 million in one-time funding aimed at expanding mobile access across the nation." The FCC is planning a reverse auction to "help improve coverage in these areas for current-generation or better mobile wireless service, which may include 4G mobile broadband service."

The auction will take place in September, 2012 and "funding will be distributed via reverse auction to wireless carriers willing to provide 3G or better coverage in areas currently unserved."

As the FCC stated, "Broadband has gone from being a luxury to a necessity for full participation in our economy and society all Americans." It's uncertain whether $300 million will be sufficient to plug the gaps in our nation's mobile coverage, and whether improving mobile will, in fact, bring low-income rural residents into the broadband culture. In any case, it will be interesting to revisit this map following the implementation of the Mobility Fund.

Mobility Fund Phase 1 Potentially Eligible Areas (Mobile map, Jan., 2012)

FCC Takes Steps to Close Nation's Gaps in Mobile Service (FCC news release, Feb. 10, 2012)

FCC releases map of areas eligible for wireless funding (The Hill, Feb. 10, 2012)

FCC proposes creation of mobility fund to close gap in mobile wireless access (news release, Oct. 14, 2011)