Lujan Broadband Mapping Initiatives Signed into Law

Statement

Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, secured key broadband mapping provisions in the bipartisan broadband legislation signed into law today. These initiatives build on Congressman Luján's efforts to bridge the digital divide and bolster broadband infrastructure across New Mexico.

"In New Mexico, broadband access is essential for the success of our communities and the health of our economy. In order to effectively deploy broadband infrastructure, we must have accurate broadband maps to target our investments and reduce barriers for rural and underserved communities," said Luján. "I am proud that my provisions were included in the legislation that was signed into law. Utilizing our resources to bolster broadband for New Mexicans remains a top legislative priority for me."

The president signed into law S.1822, which included the House-passed Broadband DATA Act and Luján's provisions to accomplish the following:

Leverage our nation's postal trucks and other federal fleet vehicles to collect broadband data;
Help consumers and local, Tribal, and state governments meaningfully participate in the collection of broadband data by empowering them to challenge flawed coverage maps.
In July, Luján introduced a comprehensive broadband package of legislative efforts to bridge the digital divide, improve broadband mapping, and bolster broadband access in rural communities. Included in this package was the Map Improvement Act to ensure investments in broadband infrastructure are targeted to the areas that need it most by establishing more reliable coverage maps and data that accurately depict what people are experiencing.

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