ITIF’s submitted comments on FCC’s proposed revisions to its broadband data collection. The commentary makes suggestions for improving existing methods of data collection, and proposes an alternative user-generated mapping model that would enlist public participation to generate precise local broadband data. ITIF recommends creating a website where consumers could automatically test the speed of their broadband connection and enter additional information, including their location and monthly broadband cost. With the help of mapping technology such as that offered by Google Maps, the resulting proliferation of data points could very quickly yield a nationwide picture of local broadband deployment, prices and speeds.
