Call Your Senator
In early March, the House passed a new version of H.R.4229 Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act.. The goal of this bill is to improve how data is collected about where broadband does and doesn’t exist. Right now, the internet service providers self report on broadband coverage, but according to CNET, “the FCC last year also called out Verizon, T-Mobile and US Cellular in a report for overstating their wireless coverage.” The government gives funding to areas without coverage, so it’s important to give them accurate information.
Your action item today is to call your Senator to tell them about your access to broadband coverage and tell them to support H.R.4229 Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act.
SCRIPT
Hello, my name is [insert name here] and I live in [district, county,
or city]. I am calling to ask you to support H.R.4229 Broadband
Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act for more
accurate broadband maps.
As a student, my learning now depends on my
access to the internet. For example...[share 1-2 ways your learning is
or would be compromised by lack of access to broadband internet]. [If
you have access to regular internet, you can also tell them your
internet service provider and your network speed.]
Again, please support H.R.4229 Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological
Availability (DATA) Act for more accurate broadband maps.
Image of hands typing from Women of Color in Tech Chat.