As the United States embarks on its largest-ever investment in broadband infrastructure, accurate data on serviceable locations and available services is critical. One of the essential tools in this effort is the “true-up” process, a mechanism for updating broadband maps based on the latest available information. This process helps ensure that federal funding is allocated precisely to areas needing improved internet access. With billions in funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and other federal initiatives, an accurate picture of broadband coverage is indispensable.
The “true-up” process enables the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update its Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (BSLF)—a national dataset that identifies locations eligible for broadband funding—based on new and verified data. This approach allows pre- and post-challenge adjustments to broadband maps, refining service coverage details before and after local or state-level challenge processes. Using updated maps, the true-up process addresses changes in broadband service availability, ensuring that resources go to communities lacking reliable internet.
Understanding the “True-Up” Process: How it Works
The true-up process hinges on regularly updating the FCC’s broadband maps, ensuring that the information reflects recent service expansions or new insights into unserved areas. The method includes two main phases: a pre-challenge process true-up and a post-challenge process true-up, each with specific timing and criteria for updating map data.
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Pre-Challenge Process True-Up: This phase occurs before a formal challenge process begins. During the pre-challenge true-up, the FCC uses an updated version of its map, published 60 days before the challenge process begins. Importantly, it is permissible to use the latest Broadband Data Collection (BDC) update to the Fabric version submitted with the initial proposal, even if this update is outside the 60-day window.
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Post-Challenge Process True-Up: After the challenge process concludes, the true-up process is repeated to incorporate the results of any adjustments. The FCC map used for the post-challenge true-up must be published within 60 days before submitting the final challenge process results to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Again, the BDC’s most recent update to the Fabric version used in the challenge process is acceptable, even if it falls outside the 60-day timeframe.
This layered approach, using both pre- and post-challenge true-up mechanisms, allows the FCC and NTIA to respond dynamically to the fast-evolving landscape of broadband availability.
Why True-Up is Essential for Accurate Funding Allocation
The true-up process is designed to prevent the misallocation of federal broadband funds, which are crucial for achieving the goals of the BEAD program. With $42.5 billion allocated to expand high-speed internet in unserved and underserved communities, precise targeting is essential. True-up ensures that funds reach locations lacking reliable broadband rather than duplicating investments in areas where broadband expansion has recently occurred.
The Challenge of Keeping Maps Up-to-Date
One of the main difficulties in deploying the true-up process is the rapid pace of broadband deployment across the country. Since the FCC’s broadband maps were initially developed, various broadband providers have undertaken expansions that alter the connectivity landscape. This progress can make it challenging for the FCC to maintain current and accurate maps as data quickly becomes outdated. Additionally, frequent updates are required to account for real-world conditions such as network expansions and the arrival of new broadband providers.
Broadband Now, a consumer advocacy organization, states that regular updates are necessary for areas that have received private or state-funded broadband improvements to be eligible for federal funding, risking unnecessary duplication. A recent report from Broadband Now emphasized, “An accurate, regularly updated map is the cornerstone of any successful broadband expansion effort”.
How True-Up Addresses Discrepancies Through Challenges
The true-up process is closely tied to the challenge process, where stakeholders—including state and local governments, broadband providers, and citizens—can challenge the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband maps. Through this process, discrepancies in reported coverage or service availability are identified and corrected, creating a more accurate map before and after funding is allocated.
Potential for True-Up to Become a Model for Other Federal Programs
The success of the true-up process could set a standard for how federal agencies administer funding in other sectors reliant on geographic data. Accurate mapping processes are essential in healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection, where funding must be carefully targeted. For broadband, in particular, the true-up model offers a promising approach to ensure that billions of dollars allocated for digital equity reach the areas that need it most.
Looking Forward: True-Up’s Role in Closing the Digital Divide
As the BEAD program progresses, the true-up process will become increasingly crucial in bridging the digital divide. By allowing the FCC to update broadband maps based on current, verified information, the true-up process can help prevent overbuilding and ensure that resources reach genuinely underserved communities. However, maintaining this approach requires ongoing collaboration between federal and state agencies, local communities, and internet service providers.
In the evolving world of broadband expansion, the true-up process represents a critical step toward transparency, efficiency, and equitable access. By refining broadband maps through this method, the FCC and NTIA are working to fulfill the promise of universal connectivity, addressing long-standing digital inequities, and enabling communities across the U.S. to thrive in the digital age.
The True-Up process is critical to maintaining accurate broadband deployment data. Success requires careful attention to timing requirements, version control, and documentation procedures. Organizations should establish clear protocols and keep detailed records to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Note: This technical guide is based on current FCC and NTIA requirements. Organizations should consult official documentation for the most up-to-date requirements and guidelines.
