Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) has introduced the Rural Wireless Act (H.R. 1546) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would direct the FCC to establish a methodology for collecting mobile service coverage data. Currently, no standards are in place to define how wireless coverage is determined, which can result in coverage maps that are incomplete or inaccurate. The methodology proposed in the bill would be required to contain standard definitions for different service speeds (2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G) and ensure that valid mobile coverage data is collected consistently and efficiently. According to a press release from Congressman Loebsack’s website, the bill “will help make sure [coverage] maps are accurate so that resources to improve wireless voice and mobile Internet services go to the areas that need it the most.” The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.
