MAP for Broadband Funding Act

This bill aims to make the national Broadband Funding Map clearer, more accurate, and updated more often. It tells the Federal Communications Commission (working with the NTIA) to gather program data from federal agencies on a regular schedule, so tax dollars aren’t spent building new internet lines where other federal funds already paid for service. It also requires the FCC to ask the public and experts how to improve the map’s features, data quality, and ease of use, and to finish that review within a set timeline. The goal is to help communities see where money is going, avoid waste, and get broadband to the places that truly need it .

An independent watchdog (GAO) must study how well agencies are sharing data, whether the FCC has the tools it needs, and how coordination among agencies like the FCC, NTIA, USDA, HHS, Treasury, HUD, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services can be improved. The study is meant to spot best practices, fix gaps, and recommend ways to save taxpayer money while speeding internet buildouts to unserved areas .

• Who is affected:

  • People and communities waiting on reliable internet service.
  • Internet providers seeking clear information on where funding is already committed.
  • Federal agencies that fund broadband projects, which must share timely, usable data .

• What changes:

  • Regular, coordinated data collection to prevent overlapping projects and waste.
  • A formal review to improve the map’s accuracy, transparency, and user experience.
  • A government study to check agency performance and improve coordination and cost savings .

• When:

  • The FCC must start its review within 270 days of the law taking effect and finish it 120 days later.
  • The GAO must complete its study and report within 180 days of enactment .