On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission revealed its updated national broadband access map, revealing that more than 8.3 million American homes and businesses lack access to high-speed broadband internet.

According to the FCC, an estimated 330,000 more homes and businesses are now without access. For funding decisions, the data is essential.

In 2021, Congress authorised funding totaling $42.45 billion for states and territories to build up internet infrastructure in remote places.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the Commerce Department, said on Tuesday that it still aims to reveal by June 30 how it wants to distribute subsidies for broadband infrastructure to states and territories.

To ensure that we allocate these crucial monies wisely, NTIA stated it will keep an eye on the FCC’s revisions to availability statistics.

Ultimately, we know that millions of Americans lack access to high-speed internet. We must continue this program’s urgent implementation to help these Americans.

According to the FCC, its mapping team assessed issues with the availability data for more than 4 million places and will twice a year provide significant improvements.

Additionally, $14.2 billion was provided by Congress as a $30 monthly voucher that low-income households can use to sign up for any internet service package of their choice.

A total of 18 million American households have signed up for the program. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said earlier this month she expects the program will run out of money absent congressional action.

It’s an excellent programme. I want it would go on. At the time, Rosenworcel said, “I want to collaborate with Congress to ensure that happens.

This month, Verizon (NYSE:VZ) warned that the program’s funding might run out in the first quarter of 2024.

According to Verizon, Congress should develop “long-term reforms to current broadband subsidy programmes to ensure they operate efficiently, avoid duplication, and target funding to those who need it most.”