JEFFERSON CITY – Missourians have an incredible opportunity and responsibility over the next few weeks to impact how broadband deployment funds will be distributed across our state. For the first time, Missourians can provide on-the-ground feedback about which homes and businesses still lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband.
Nobody knows better which communities and rural areas are underserved than the people who live there, and now is the time to make your voice heard. Once the map challenge process closes on April 23, the public will not have an opportunity to weigh in on how these federal taxpayer funds will be spent.
The State of Missouri is preparing to award $1.7 billion to bring broadband service to all Missourians. In order to make the best funding decisions possible, the Missouri Office of Broadband Development has published an interactive map that the public can review. As a part of this effort, Missourians have the chance to submit evidence of coverage availability and speed to help determine which locations should or should not be available for funding.
It is very important that people check whether the map accurately represents their residence and business locations or they may not be eligible for funding. Each individual location, down to the address level, should be accounted for on the map. Each location appears as a color-coded dot. Click on a dot to see the specific address associated with that location and whether the location is marked as served, underserved or unserved. Any location that is “served” (green dot), is currently ineligible for funding.
• Green dot: Served • Yellow dot: Underserved • Red dot: Unserved
GREEN MEANS GO ACT NOW. If your location is recorded as “served” (green dot) but you do not have access to reliable high-speed broadband, you are highly encouraged to submit evidence through the map.
If your location is marked as “unserved” (red dot) or “underserved” (yellow dot), it is less critical that you take a speed test or submit evidence. If the map already accurately reflects that your location still lacks adequate broadband then you may be eligible for funding (if your location has not already received prior federal or state funding). You may wish to submit a speed test or evidence to document that your location is unserved or underserved, but it is less critical than if you are marked as “served” (green dot). If you agree that your location is served well, you do not need to take action. In order to submit data, you can upload information through the OBD reporting system. Examples of evidence could include: • Taking a speed test at your location. This must be done on a computer, not a mobile device. You must take three speed tests on three separate days through the OBD interactive map. • Upload documents proving limited availability or data caps. Eligible documents could include: • A screenshot of a provider webpage showing the service is not available at the address • Evidence that the challenged provider failed to schedule a service installation or offer an installation date within 10 business days of a request • Evidence that the challenged provider quoted an amount in excess of the provider’s standard installation charge in order to connect service (for example, requiring construction of a tower) • Evidence that the challenged provider required a site survey before confirming they could serve the location • Evidence that the only service marketed to consumers requires a data cap or that the internet service provider will block, rate-limit, or charge extra additional fees for data usage above 600 GB per month. • Evidence that the location is residential, but that the service listed is only available to businesses
You can view the map now and learn more about the challenge process here: https://ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development/challenge . On this site, click the “Public Evidence Submission” button for resources about how to submit evidence, how to take a speed test, learn about evidence criteria, and view an instructional video.
Join us in spreading the word about this important opportunity and do your part to ensure this map is accurate to help broadband reach all of our homes and communities. Share the word with friends and family and help them check their location and, if necessary, submit evidence.
If you do not have broadband at your location, you can check your location and submit evidence challenging availability at your local library or Extension office. You can view the map on a mobile device, but you can only submit evidence or take a speed test on a personal computer.
The challenge process closes on April 23 and it can take several days to submit evidence, so don’t delay!
You can go here to submit your challenge: https://ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development/challenge
To assist the public, the OBD has set up office hours to answer questions about this challenge process. You can register for one of their weekly webinars here: Broadband Mapping Process Office Hours |