In the fall of 2022, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, released the first public version of its National Broadband Map. The map is supposed to show every address in the county that could be eligible for Internet access. But these maps have a lot of inaccuracies. The new map is consequential as it may work to indicate how many millions or billions of dollars each state or area receives from the federal government for new broadband infrastructure and we need residents to help correct the federal information.

Carroll County is urging communities and residents to review the FCC’s Broadband Map and create a “CHALLENGE” for any incorrect information.

Because high-speed internet is not available to many locations in Carroll County, we encourage all residents and businesses to check their home and business addresses on this federal preliminary broadband map to ensure it accurately reflects the current level of internet access. The Carroll County Department of Technology Services is also working to challenge the map, but the process will be more thorough and accurate if all residents also participate. 

To access the FCC broadband map:

Visit www/broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home

Type in an address and see if the reported coverage is accurate.

There are two (2) options to potentially challenge:

  • Residents can submit a challenge by clicking “Location Challenge” if the location of their home or business is missing or incorrect
  • Or, select “Availability Challenge” if the listed internet service information for your address is incorrect.

Residents can also visit the website of any internet service provider that claims to serve their location and use the website’s “Check Availability” or similar tool to determine if the provider can serve their location.

If they can’t serve the resident’s location, a screenshot of this website can be submitted to the FCC as evidence for an availability challenge. How to submit an availability challenge:

Residents take the Carroll County Residential Broadband Survey here

For more information, please contact:
Jay Uebel – Broadband Project Manager
Technology Services
O: 410-386-2309 M: 443-862-8771
Email: juebel@carrollcountymd.gov