SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County seeks to ensure that local representation of broadband services and user experience is accurate at the Federal Level. Spokane County residents are being encouraged to connect to this FCC link (https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home) to rate current service delivery.
User experience for work, school, telehealth access, behavioral and mental health remote services all depend on adequate internet service access. If responses differ from the FCC Serviceable Locations Point Map, Spokane County can, through a formal challenge process ending March 15th, increase the amount of eligible funds our community may receive.
From a non-cellular connected device, residents are encouraged to go to the Home | FCC National Broadband Map website, then type in their address and click the dot (either blue or green). Please note that any satellite-based service providers do not count as broadband service. Choose the Availability/Challenge option and then click Select on the Service Provider listed for which each person is not experiencing the advertised speed in service. If help is needed with the navigation process or if residents would like assistance, please contact Better Health Together at 509-370-5605 or email [email protected].
Spokane County Commissioners have set aside eligible American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to match upcoming broadband grants to ensure that Internet is available and accessible to all. Local ARP dollars is just a small part of funding expected to be released later this year from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program created to close the digital gap across the nation.
Mary Kuney, Chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners stated, “The ability to have reliable and adequate broadband connectivity in both our rural and urban communities is a high priority for Spokane County Commissioners. Internet access is a critical element to ensuring all our citizens have what they need to succeed and thrive.”