WTA Files Comments in Mapping Proceeding

On September 23, WTA filed comments in the Commission’s Digital Opportunity Data Collection proceeding. WTA advised the Commission that collecting more granular broadband data is an effective tool for closing the digital divide. However, WTA noted that the Commission must make sure there are tools to verify the more granular data and argued that a challenge process is the most effective tool. WTA asserted that a challenge process, along with crowdsourcing, will ensure that there are adequate checks against a provider overstating its coverage and will also ensure that funding goes to areas in need. Similarly, WTA argued that the Commission must establish rules that recognize the limitations of fixed wireless and accurately capture its coverage. It also noted that the Commission should also begin collecting data on network latency as it is critical to the overall experience of the customer. Further, in order to prevent overbuilding within the Universal Service Fund, WTA recommended that the Commission should collect data on existing fiber connections to schools.