Data Collection
Introduction
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The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is designing a comprehensive program that will meet the state’s long-term connectivity needs, provide critical education and training, and connect everyone in Maine with affordable, reliable, and world-class internet. According to the latest data from December 2023, 15% of the state lacks even basic internet service, and only 24% have access to true 21st-century broadband internet service.
Broadband Intelligence Platform
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MCA’s work relies on the further development and utilization of the Broadband Intelligence Platform (BIP). This data and mapping tool was initially developed by the ConnectMaine Authority and will continue to serve the MCA as it takes over the state’s data collection duties. The BIP facilitates the aggregation, visualization, and convergence of many data and map layers, resulting in the display of internet service and network technology availability near potential subscriber locations.
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The Broadband Intelligence Platform will help the state make data-driven decisions, prioritize funding for rural, unserved areas, and maximize the impact of federal funds flowing to the state.
Why Is Data Collection Important?
In addition to the annual data filings required of the industry, MCA is currently taking part in the federal government's process for determining the total amount of funds available to the state of Maine under the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act or Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Data sharing may be a prerequisite for eligibility for MCA funding.*
It is critical that we collect accurate data that will maximize the available funds awarded to the state. The award amount is highly dependent on the number of potential subscriber locations in unserved and underserved areas.
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Step 1: Feedback Opportunities
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During the summer of 2022, the MCA will engage industry and community leaders to gather feedback on the data that would inform participation in MCA programming. We will also seek information from potential applicants regarding locations that proposed projects could serve.
The FCC has shared that it will only consider broadband service availability data collected “as of June 30,” so communities must continue participating in the Maine speed testing initiative located here!
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Resources & Links:
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Step 2: Public Map Viewer
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The Maine Connectivity Authority will publish public maps based on the Broadband Intelligence Platform ahead of the next application window and through the end of the year. These maps will help our state and federal governments determine locations eligible for support, and direct the location and scope of potential future projects.
Once available, community leaders can support the understanding of broadband availability by filing additional local data that will increase the utility of the BIP. The development of BIP and public maps will continue later this fall and winter, expanding from mapping broadband service availability to showing digital equity gaps and resources.
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* MCA will reserve the right for determining funding eligibility.
MCA's Maine Broadband Map
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In order to have the most accurate understanding of internet availability in Maine, MCA collects data inputs from a number of sources, to be used in a number of ways. Together, these data inputs create the Maine Broadband Map.
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The FCC Broadband Map ("The FCC Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric" or simply "The Fabric") is the map developed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a dataset of all locations in the United States and U.S. Territories where fixed broadband internet access service is or could be installed. The Fabric allows broadband availability data filers, the FCC, and other stakeholders to work from a single, standardized list of locations for the Broadband Data Collection (BDC). The FCC has contracted with CostQuest Associates to create the Fabric. The Fabric also serves as the base layer for the BEAD Program, and therefore for locations eligible for BEAD funding.
BEAD Program Eligible Locations is based on the Fabric, but Eligible Entities such as MCA are not restricted to using the FCC National Broadband Map alone. MCA has the ability, with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s approval, to modify the set of locations it proposes to make eligible for BEAD funding. MCA opted to add two optional modules to our BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1 & 2: speed testing submissions and Multiple-Dwelling Units (MDUs) submissions. To learn more about these modules, check out our Initial Proposal. MCA will also conduct the State-Led Challenge Process in early 2024, where ISPs, municipal and Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations can submit location or availability challenges to MCA for consideration in deploying BEAD funding. While this data can be used to update eligibility for locations to be able to receive BEAD funding, these challenges do not inherently change the FCC Broadband Map. That data must also be submitted directly to the FCC as a Fabric Challenge to permanently change the status of a location.
Enforceable Commitments include data that MCA collects directly from subgrantees of MCA programs and projects, and from ISPs through the confidential and voluntary BIND process. Enforceable commitment data can be used to inform the deployment of any future program or project funded by MCA, including but not limited to Capital Projects Fund (CPF), Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan (MJRP), and the BEAD Program.
