Rural America is one step closer to better broadband coverage after U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bill to make broadband mapping more accurate cleared the United States Senate this week and heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“In rural America, broadband infrastructure plays a critical role in everything from ensuring telehealth opportunities to economic development,” said Tester. “The problem is, back in Big Sandy, my neighbor could be connected to broadband while my house remains in the dark, even if the government’s maps say we’re both covered. This legislation will fill in those gaps with accurate, granular data about where we need to improve broadband networks, and it will ensure rural communities have the broadband infrastructure they need to thrive.”