The FCC's current methods of broadband data collection are woefully inadequate. Because of their shortcomings, it is difficult to gain an accurate understanding of the current picture of broadband deployment in the United States.

• Read comments by Free Press on the FCC's national broadband plan to bring high-speed Internet to all Americans. Or, read the press release. (June 2009)

• Read comments by Free Press on how the FCC should define the term 'broadband' for the national broadband plan, data collection and future policymaking at the agency. Or, read the press release. (September 2009)

Other Comments to the FCC on the Collection of Broadband Data

Letter to the FCC on Broadband Data Collection

Free Press along with five other consumer and public interest groups sent a letter to FCC Chair Julius Genachowski presenting a list of priorities for policy changes in broadband data collection. The letter calls for the completion of an open proceeding that would expand collection of broadband availability data and for the coordination of data-collection efforts between the NTIA broadband grant programs and the FCC. (August 2009)

Comments on FCC Broadband Data Collection

In these comments, consumer groups, led by Free Press, provide the FCC with a detailed set of recommendations for overhauling their current broadband data collection methods. If implemented, these recommendations would provide the public with information that accurately reflects the current duopoly in broadband access in the United States. (June 2007)

Reply Comments on FCC Broadband Data Collection

Consumer groups offer further evidence of the value of reforming broadband data reporting requirements and rebut claims that additional requirements would impose a burden on Internet Service Providers. (July 2007)

Expedited Comments on Broadband Mapping

Consumer groups, led by Free Press, request the FCC collect detailed broadband availability data in order to assess the extent of broadband deployment across the United States. Free Press et al. encourage the FCC to make this data available to the public in a variety of forms, including an interactive map. (July 2008)

Expedited Reply Comments on Broadband Mapping

In this filing, consumer groups, led by Free Press, respond to requests that the FCC delay or discontinue its plans for broadband data collection. Free Press et al. urge the FCC to dismiss these claims and move forward with gathering data.
(August 2008)

Further Comments on FCC Collection of Broadband Data

Consumer groups, led by Free Press, urge the FCC to collect the information necessary to track the price of broadband over time. Free Press et al. also suggest the Commission can best gather information regarding the actual broadband speeds experienced by consumers through the use of a common network metric known as a contention ratio. (August 2008)

Further Reply Comments on FCC Collection of Broadband Data

In these reply comments, consumer groups expose flaws in Internet providers' arguments regarding the FCC's public dissemination of information about broadband availability and price across the United States. The filing also reiterates support for the FCC to gather information on broadband data. (September 2008)