VESTAL, NY (WSKG) — Southern Tier and Hudson Valley Congressman Antonio Delgado is introducing legislation meant to clarifymeasurements of any rural community's access to broadband internet.
This comes after Delgado hosted a congressional hearing in Columbia County where the public and experts shared their experiences with a commissioner from the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates broadband.
The package includes two bills: one would require internet service providers report the actual speeds they are capable of providing, not what they can potentially provide within seven to 10 business days. The other would allow communities to dispute their status when they have been incorrectly labelled as having internet service.
“This legislative package will require more accurate data from internet service providers and ensure that new broadband service funded through the FCC will deliver internet at speeds required for the modern era. This legislation will also allow local governments and concerned citizens to challenge flawed FCC maps by gathering their own data—empowering them to figure out where there are coverage gaps,” Delgado said in a press release.
Delgado represents New York’s 19th Congressional district.