PRESS RELEASE 
May 16, 2019

Washington, D.C. – Connect Americans Now (CAN) Executive Director Richard T. Cullen released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019, legislation aimed at improving the accuracy of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) rural broadband data and maps:

“In order to bridge the digital divide, public and private partners need access to accurate and granular data. We applaud Senators Capito, Schatz, Moran and Tester for their continued focus on developing a more complete understanding of the digital divide impacting rural families.

“But accurate data alone will not connect rural America. While we urge the FCC to continue working with rural champions in Congress to improve its broadband maps, it is also critical that we continue tearing down the regulatory barriers holding back TV white spaces technology and other innovative solutions that allow internet service providers to deliver broadband to rural consumers at a sustainable price.”