Vermont to receive millions in funding after updates to FCC’s broadband coverage map

Source: WCAX

A push for Vermonters to share their broadband experience with the federal government is bringing millions of dollars to the state.

A previous FCC map showed 98% of Vermont was covered with adequate broadband. But many Vermonters know that this is not their experience. The Vermont Community Broadband Board believed there were more than 20,000 inaccurate reportings, causing the state to miss out on funding. Since then, 11,000 challenges to the FCC map have been approved.

VCBB leaders say Vermont will get an additional $35 million to $50 million as a result of the challenges. The money will start coming in between January and July 2024. Once the funding is accessible, communication union districts can apply for it in form of grants to continue their rollout, many of which are already in the construction phase.

In preparation for this new funding, the VCBB is also hosting another listening session, looking for feedback from Vermonters about Vermont’s Internet for All plan.