Federal communications policy has long recognized both the virtue of competition in speeding the rapid deployment of broadband technology and the reality that some areas of the country – whether due to challenging geography or economics – are unable to attract the investment required to support broadband access without targeted government help.  The federal government spends billions of dollars each year through the Connect America Fund and other programs to promote broadband deployment to these unserved areas, so it is critical that these programs work as efficiently and effectively as possible. And the starting point for any effective support program is knowing where service is available and where it is not via an accurate broadband map and data set.