Original Publish Date: January 7, 2025
Introduction
On December 13, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced significant updates to its Mapping Broadband Health in America platform. This enhanced tool, now incorporating a range of new health metrics, aims to provide deeper insights into the connection between expanding broadband connectivity and critical health outcomes, with a particular focus on maternal health.
Background
The FCC administers two healthcare subsidy programs under its Universal Service Fund: the Rural Health Care (RHC) program and the COVID-19 Telehealth program. The RHC program provides funding to eligible health care providers to support the cost of broadband and telecommunications services that enable telehealth and telemedicine. The COVID-19 Telehealth program was created during the pandemic to provide funding to eligible health care providers to purchase telecommunications services, information services, and connected devices to provide connected care services to patients in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to these efforts, the FCC’s Mapping Broadband Health in America platform was launched to visualize and analyze the relationship between broadband access and chronic diseases. The platform has evolved to address various public health challenges, including opioid abuse and maternal health. The latest update significantly expands the platform’s capabilities, making it a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers, and the public.
Key Features of the Updated Platform
Potential Use Cases
For professionals working in healthcare, telecommunications, or public policy, the updated Mapping Broadband Health in America platform offers several valuable insights and opportunities:
Conclusion
The FCC’s updated Mapping Broadband Health in America platform represents a significant advancement in the effort to address health disparities and improve healthcare access. By integrating comprehensive health data with broadband connectivity information, the platform provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and health care professionals.
If you want to learn more about the FCC’s universal service programs, including your eligibility for discounted broadband and telecommunications services, or require assistance negotiating agreements for the purchase of those services, please contact the authors.
Based in Dickinson Wright’s Washington, D.C. office, Lee G. Petro is former chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association and a member in the firm’s Communications Law Practice. He is a trusted advisor to clients navigating the intersection of communications, technology, and regulatory compliance. Lee’s experience spans broadcast and wireless regulatory matters, FCC equipment authorizations, and emerging technologies like IoT and generative AI, where he helps clients align with state and federal regulations. He is highly regarded for his adept navigation of regulatory complexities, including those posed by the FCC, FTC, and Congress.
Glenn S. Richards is chair of the of the Communications Law Practice in Dickinson Wright’s Washington, D.C. office. With more than 30 years of communications law experience, he advises a diverse client base that includes VoIP and cloud communications providers, satellite and wireless carriers, broadcasters, and trade associations. Known for his expertise in regulatory matters, Glenn represents clients before the FCC and state public utilities commissions and negotiates complex global telecommunications service contracts for major corporations.