Give accurate data to the FCC

To the editor:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) claims that all of Jay County — all of Indiana, in fact — is currently covered by high-speed broadband internet (see map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov).

Just talking to some of our rural community members will quickly dispel this myth.

Purdue University has undertaken the task of surveying actual access to high-speed broadband internet across the state. Purdue is asking all Hoosiers to take a few minutes to complete the simple steps outlined in the attached flyer.

Consumers should first verify their home address. If the location of their address is not correct, submit a location challenge. Next, they should check the accuracy of their broadband availability. If this information is inaccurate, they can file an availability challenge with the FCC. 

Broadband access is particularly important for rural communities. High-speed internet access not only allows us to communicate freely but is also an essential tool in accessing online education and telehealth services, services that may not otherwise be accessible in our community.

Broadband access also has the potential to create business opportunities and economic development in rural areas.

The data collected in this initiative will help inform broadband funding and eligibility to bring necessary infrastructure to underserved areas. 

If anyone has questions, they can contact the Jay County Purdue Extension office at (260) 726-4707.

Ashley Drees

Extension educator, health and human sciences

Purdue Extension – Jay County