Responding to Judith Bush about the FCC map process I mentioned in Chatlist #7449…
Listening to the FCC and NC DIT webinars, the FCC has dutifully published the satellite provider information but they also acknowledge that satellite (at least as it is now) is not a good solution for any but the most remote areas. It tends to be very laggy (except maybe StarLink which is low orbit), and expensive (of course that’s relative). Since the point of the FCC map is to seek grants, the grant-makers are very unlikely to hand out grants for satellite service in areas like ours. Still, for the nation, it might be the best solution for ranch land in the middle of nowhere. And–personal preference–if I didn’t have any other options, I would give StarLink a try if I had any part of my roof that had a south-facing view of the southern sky. It will be available in Chatham next year, per the website.
But, it would be a lot better to attract competition from providers to connect your house with cable or fiber. As Judith says, you can’t get anyone interested in servicing your area if you are not on the map. broadbandmap.fcc.gov
Thanks for mentioning the map’s problem with your address, Judith. I hope you were able to report it.
Several people are sharing their problems with this FCC process and we are working through them. If anyone needs help, email us:
Burney Waring
Innovate Chatham
On Sat, Dec 10, 2022 at 10:56 AM J. E. Bush wrote:
Thanks to Innovate Chatham for informing us of one step in improving internet service in Chatham County that we can all take (see Chatham Chatlist #7449). In brief, go to broadbandmap.fcc.gov, find your address, and review whether the bandwidth available is accurate. Burney Waring provided some examples for providers claiming access that you know is in appropriate, but didn’t mention the satellite provider claims. Do we need to challenge claims of satellite providers who would only be accessible if we cut down our woods?
I’ll note the location of our home on the FCC map was labeled with a non-existent address that belongs to the other side of the road if it was in use. So even if you are happy with your broadband (???!!), do check the map and see if your happiness is dislocated. And if you are unhappy, well, it can’t get fixed if you are not reported on the map.
Cheers,
judith
Burney Waring
warings@adrianadifranco
From: Burney Waring
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 04:19:59 PM EST
Subject: Re: Re Poor internet or no internet? Act Now!