COMMERCIAL LOANS WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Broadband Reminder of Action Needed

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently ended the initial input phase for its updated map of broadband service availability nationwide. This update follows years of concerns and complaints about the accuracy of the previous map versions. Concerns still exist about the accuracy of the maps and millions of broadband funds available for grants and loans hang in the balance and will be distributed using the maps. Residents of the region should check the maps for their residence or business location and file a challenge to the map if the data is not correct. Historically, the FCC has reported areas as served with broadband availability of 25/3 Mbps or greater when they were not served.

Are you or someone you know struggling with access to broadband. This is your chance to make a difference and possibly help to move broadband investments forward in the region. The process of checking the accuracy of the FCC maps is simple. You do need to go online to complete the process. You can use your phone or go to your regional library and access a computer there to test the map accuracy and submit comments.

You can go to https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home, and type in your home or business address. The map will indicate whether the FCC considers that site served with broadband or not. If you click on the dot representing your address a “Challenge Location” option will pop up. The process will require you to include your name, and email to challenge the accuracy of the map. Detailed directions and support can be found at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/about. If your address appears to be unmapped, complete the process to identify the site as not being served.

Contact me at the CWCOG at cwcog@cwcog.org should you have questions on either road safety or engaging in the broadband issue.

The CWCOG serves a variety of planning functions for its member agencies. We serve as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Longview/Kelso/Rainier bistate metropolitan area, the Regional Transportation Planning Organization for a five-county region and we also serve as the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Economic Development District for Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The CWCOG has also recently been recognized as the Administrative Coordination Entity for the Spirit Lake – Toutle/Cowlitz River Collaborative working to address catastrophic flooding, sediment management, fish passage and other issues pertaining to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Dennis Weber County Commissioner, District 2