Updated FCC Map Finds More Places Without Broadband in Alaska, N.C.

Alaska and North Carolina had spikes in broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) on the FCC map after the federal agency’s May 30 update, the states said last week. Some other states told us the national map improved but still needs work (see 2306130041). “As a result of our commitment to work as a team with the FCC,” the Alaska broadband office saw 61,000 BSLs added to the national map for its state, a spokesperson said Thursday. “The Alaska Broadband Office is optimistic that the NTIA will consider the unique nature of Alaska when calculating” its broadband, equity, access and deployment funding allocation. The North Carolina broadband offices’ nearly 43,000 challenges to the FCC map helped find 115,000 more homes and businesses lacking access to high-speed internet, the state’s information tech department said Thursday. “This more accurate picture will help us more effectively and efficiently close the digital divide to help North Carolinians get online for telemedicine, education, services and business,” said Gov. Roy Cooper (D).