July 16, 2026
Mr. Thune (for himself, Mr. Fetterman, and Mrs. Fischer) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To require the Federal Communications Commission to review and evaluate the processes for updating maps that depict the extent of the availability of broadband internet access service in the United States, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers Act of 2026
or the Broadband MAP Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Mapping process review and evaluation
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Broadband internet access service
The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
(2) Broadband maps
The term broadband maps means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).
(3) Broadband serviceable location
The term broadband serviceable location means an area in the United States where a provider of broadband internet access service provides, or could provide, broadband internet access service.
(4) Challenge process
The term challenge process means the challenge process established pursuant to section 802(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(b)(5)).
(5) Commission
The term Commission means the Federal Communications Commission.
(b) Requirement
Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to review and evaluate the processes for updating the broadband maps, including the challenge process.
(c) Considerations
In the rulemaking initiated under subsection (b), the Commission shall consider—
(1)
the relative equities and burdens of any proposed changes to the broadband maps;
(2)
the impact of any proposed changes with respect to the use of the broadband maps when making funding decisions;
(3)
the impact of any changes proposed in that rulemaking on providers of broadband internet access service; and
(4)
ongoing Commission efforts relating to broadband mapping, the restoration of broadband serviceable locations, and the challenge process.